Dear Editor,

Writing this letter has proven to be a more difficult task than I had expected. I am hoping to express my gratitude to all of those that have cared so much for us, and to explain the reason behind my recent decision. Doing so in just a few short lines will never do either of those the proper justice, but I feel compelled to try. The most important task at hand is thanking all of the many people who have made these last four years an amazing experience for both me and my family. The student-athletes, coaches, boosters and community members have been a blessing in our lives. The success that we have experienced as a program has been due to the countless hours of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice of many. There are always those that you create a special bond with and have the greatest impacts on you, and I hope that they know how much we care about them. Our lives have been forever changed due to the experiences here, and we can only hope to have made positive impacts on the lives of those we have made contact with, as well.

As for why I have decided to leave my position with the school system and the football program; there is no single answer. It has been more of a microcosm of events that have led us to this new path. It has been said by some that there was negativity surrounding the decision, or that some one person or group may have created an environment that was causing us to look for change. I can assure you that none of things are accurate, and even though we may not have always agreed with everyone about everything; we have always felt the love and support of the people around us. Based upon recent events with my extended family, we have felt a continuing separation from those who have always been there for us in times of need; and based on the physical distance between us, we couldn’t return that support. In the midst of those events, a job opportunity presented itself to me even though I wasn’t looking for one. Within days of that opportunity, my wife and I were both offered positions that would allow us to provide for our family. It still feels like a whirlwind that has come and gone so quickly that you are left with as many questions as answers. I felt that God was aligning the pieces of the puzzle that is our life for a purpose, and I decided to trust in my faith that he is continually working in my life.

I know that I could never express the reasoning behind this situation in a manner that satisfies everyone’s questions, but I hope that you can understand the fact that my family will always be indebted to this community. The experiences here have helped to mold my family, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Change is inevitable and often difficult. A wise, dear friend of mine recently explained change to me in this manner: (C – represents change) “When we are living our lives trying to avoid change, it occurs in the middle of our plans and forces a REACTION. Now, without deleting or inserting any of the letters move the C, or change, to the beginning of your plan and you are granted CREATION”. We are embracing change and the unknown with the intent to create our opportunities knowing that with faith, the possibilities are endless.

Sincere best wishes to all,

Mike Eddy and family

Head football coach

Gallia Academy High School

Gallipolis, Ohio