Area football: Austin steps down as Goodhue coach

One of the most successful football coaches in the area, Clair Austin, has resigned as head coach of the Goodhue Wildcats.

Austin led the Wildcats to 11 section title games, eight state tournament appearances and two state championships in his 13-year career.

"He's a winner," said Goodhue athletic director Josh Wieme, who heard of the news Monday.

Austin said he had thoughts of resigning after the 2009 football season, but he decided to stay on for one more year at the request of three seniors-to-be -- Jared Dicke, Ashton Erie and Nathan Voth.

Goodhue returned to the state tournament in 2010 and was knocked out in the semifinals.

"I feel I've accomplished what I needed to accomplish in Class A football," Austin said.

Just because his career is over at Goodhue, Austin hinted that doesn't mean his coaching career has ended.

For the rest of this story, pick up Saturday's Republican Eagle.

Tags: prep, football, goodhue, wildcats