Former head coach Vince Varpness hired as offensive coordinator at St.Olaf College
Despite just this season having built the new artificial turf field being added to the stadium this year, Park football coach Vince Varpness is leaving the chance to coach at a higher level.
After two seasons as head coach at Park, Varpness is departing Park after accepting an offer to become the offensive coordinator at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.
Varpness said although the decision was difficult, the distance he had to travel every day to Park was difficult and it ran into conflicts with his work schedule.
“In the end the decision was made as it gave me the opportunity to coach football full time and concentrate 100 percent on football,” Varpness said. “(Arriving at practice late) is just not in the best interest of players and I felt it would be better in the long run for both the players and myself to be able to work full time at one place.”
Junior football player Jeff Babcock said Varpness taught him the importance of dedication to the game, which is what he is most wants to see in the next head coach at Park.
“I will definitely be looking for a coach who is dedicated to Park as a whole and is willing to rebuild the program over many years,” Babcock said.
As far as rebuilding the football team for next year, Varpness said he expects that process to come soon, given the program has recently managed to add many amenities.
“Park is fortunate enough to have a state of the art playing surface along with an abundance of very high quality football equipment that we purchased through the booster club and our players fundraising efforts,” Varpness said. “They really have everything they need to be successful. It’s just a matter of time for them to turn the corner and make some exciting things happen.”
The Athletic Department at Park has also just announced that Varpness’ replacement is Ben Wolfe, currently a Spanish teacher at the St. Louis Park Junior High. Previously to his head coaching job at Park, he was a defensive coordinator at Minneapolis Washburn High School.
According to Athletic Director Andy Ewald, Wolfe’s familiarity with the program and the town will benefit the team and the connection with St. Louis Park.
“Given that he teaches in our district and knows the Park community, he’ll be able to know the team on a more intimate level,” Ewald said. “He’s looking at bringing in staff that know and appreciate the community.”
Despite the optimism, Babcock said he was mostly concerned that the transition period might require extra practice and valuable time to get used to the style and the plays of the new head coach.
“With a new coach coming in, the playbook will be different this year, so everyone will have to take time over the summer to learn all the new plays,” Babcock said.
Regardless, Ewald said he hopes to see improvement in the program, not just performance-wise, but also as a benefit to their adolescent development.
“I hope to see stability and the program and a joy and passion to play the game from the players. Those who play should have a great experience and look at (their time playing football) as a great time, regardless of wins or losses, especially as they grow into adulthood,” Ewald said.
Although he is departing after only two seasons at Park, Varpness said his experience at Park will be one he will never forget for the rest of his coaching career.
“I will always remember the players and the people I developed relationships with at Park,” Varpness said. “It really is a great community and Park gave me an incredible opportunity to be a head coach and for that I’m forever grateful.”
