(11-1-17) -Middletown (Ohio) High School Football Coach Lance Engleka  submitted his resignation Saturday after going 1-19 (0-10 and 1-9)  in two seasons.

Engleka told sources that online threats of physical harm directed at him, his staff and family was why he was stepping down.

Middletown Coaches Resignation Letter

Engleka’s first win after losing 18 in a row came on on October 20th over Oak Hills-

Portions of his resignation letter to Principal Carmela Cotter:

“I understand the high-profile nature and acceptable criticism associated with being the head football coach at Middletown High School, however, winning and losing at the high school level should not be a life-threatening situation.”

“deceitful attacks”

“Winning and losing at the high school level should not be a life-threatening situation.”

 “unrealistic expectations”

“verbal abuse”

“parental belief that bullying coaches is an acceptable form of communication.”

“unsafe environment”

“misguided community perspective on the irrational importance”

Middletown AD Aaron Zupka told the Journal-News:

“This was his own decision. We didn’t have any conversations about it. I think we were all caught a little off guard, but I respect his decision.”

Middletown City Schools Superintendent Marlon Styles told the Journal-News:

“Our future is bright,. We have a chance to make a positive impact. We are overly excited about what the future is for our student-athletes and our students across the district. We are working really hard to make sure we have a united front across this district.”

“Continue to believe in Middie pride. It is as strong as it ever has been. We are as passionate as we ever have been. It’s exciting to be a Middie.”

Engleka, 46, was hired as Middletown’s football coach in March of 2016 and will remain dean of students at the high school, a position he was hired to this year.

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