Football Head Coach Pete Wagner has stepped down after four seasons as the man in charge of the Baldwin Fighting Highlanders.

Wagner went 10-27 with one playoff appearance in his tenure as coach. He spent four years as an assistant prior to becoming the head coach, and had nothing but praise for everyone involved with the football program.

“I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve the student-athletes of the program, and wish the football community nothing but the best moving forward,” Wagner said.

Wagner has many memories from his time as the head coach at Baldwin, but said his favorite moments were watching his players succeed later on, whether it was in football or other aspects of life.

“Having the opportunity to see kids successful at the college level, at work, or with families is why coaching and athletics is an integral part of the development of kids and a key fiber that holds communities together,” Wagner said.

Wagner said he plans to take some time away from football before he considers any other coaching options.

Wagner told the players Wednesday in the middle of their lifting session, minutes after he met with Athletic Director Vince Sortino.  Junior Aaron Novak spoke highly of Wagner, citing his trust with the players.

“He was a guy that if we had a problem we could turn to on or off the field,” Novak said.

With a new coach on the horizon, Novak said there is a chance that no assistant coaches will return. Sophomore Jake Kemerer said the best man for the job would be someone the players can connect with.

“The next coach needs to be someone who is strict enough to make us listen, but also be able to connect with us at the same time,” Kemerer said.