LCAA Football

Brownell steps down at Way-Co

WAYLAND — Wayland-Cohocton football coach Jim Brownell has decided to step down from his coaching position so that he can spend more time with his family.

Brownell guided the Golden Eagles to their finest season in program history last fall where they made their first ever sectional finals — losing a heartbreaking 23-22 contest to Wellsville in the Class C championship game.

Way-Co was the top seed in the tournament.

They finished the 2011 season ranked 14th in the state in Class C, the first time they ever finished a season with a state ranking.

In seven seasons, Brownell accumulated a 25-34 overall record, but his last two years the Golden Eagles were a force to be reckoned with finishing 14-5, with two of those losses coming against three-time defending state champion Hornell.

Brownell, who is also the Way-Co Athletic Director, decided the timing was right for him to step down.

“My son Russell is getting older and he’s involved with a lot of things like soccer and Little League and I have missed a lot of his things because of coaching, so I thought it was time,” said Brownell. “Last fall was very tough with late night practices and scouting. I missed a lot of his things and that was tough on me. I was actually going to step down a few years ago but (Way-Co assistant coaches) Joe (Sabo) and Jeff (Englert) talked me into staying. I sort of knew going into last season that it would be my last.”

Brownell enjoyed coaching the Golden Eagles and will take plenty of lasting memories with him.

“I really enjoyed the practices and being with the kids,” said Brownell. “I really liked going over and over something with the kids, and then when a kid says ‘Coach I know what you are talking about,’ that’s what I really enjoyed about coaching.”

Although the head coaching job hasn’t been officially posted, Brownell is hopeful his replacement will come from within.

“We think we can take care of everything in-house,” said Brownell. “We have great support from our Booster Club and I believe the transition will go quite smoothly.”

While Bronwell’s Saturday mornings in the fall will now consist of him being ‘Soccer Dad,’ he can rest at night knowing he made the right decision.

“I loved coaching football, but this is the right decision for me and my family,” said Brownell. “I’ve been very blessed having great coaches like Joe and Jeff with me and I’ll miss being out there — but the timing is right.”