Russ Schmidt Resigns as Festus Head Football Coach After 13 Years

(FESTUS) Festus R-6 Varsity Head Football Coach Russ Schmidt has submitted his resignation to the Board of Education, ending his 13-year tenure as the face and the voice of the football program.

A press release from the district reads,

“There is no question that Coach Schmidt cared deeply about every student-athlete and routinely had players immersed in community service projects. Coach Schmidt also made sure teachers received recognition for their work with student-athletes. The football team’s “Teacher of the Week Award,” started by Coach Schmidt, shined the spotlight on teachers the players chose as ones who are making a difference in the lives of students. The District appreciates the hard work and labor that Coach Schmidt put forth on behalf of the program the past 13 years. The search for a new football coach will commence in early December with the goal of having a recommendation to submit for approval at the February Board of Education meeting.”

In 13 seasons as head football coach, the Tigers compiled a record of 81 and 59.