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After three seasons as the Pirates head coach and a social studies/physical education instructor, Pouch turned in his resignation last week to accept similar positions at Fremont High School, a school located close to his hometown of Fruitport on the west side of the state.

Pouch was responsible for a rapid rebuilding process with the Pirates when he was hired in 2005. A young Peck squad went just 1-8 in his first season. However, the Pirates reached a playoff berth the next season and finished 6-4. Then, Peck captured the outright NCTL title and a second straight spot in the post-season in 2007. The only two losses last fall came in the regular season finale to rival Marlette and then to Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes in the Districts.

"This was the hardest decision, professionally, I've ever made," said Pouch, 26, who came to Peck right out of graduation from Grand Valley State University.

"I wasn't looking, but this came up last Thursday (July 3) and I had to decide by Tuesday. I had to make a quick decision. It was a chance to get back to my family and close to home," explained Pouch.

"The opportunity came and I had to take advantage of it," he added. "It's been tough being away from home and it really hit home for me this past year. I missed my sister's graduation (because of other commitments). I've put family in the back seat the last couple of years, so this was a very emotional decision."

Paula Davidson, Peck athletic director, said she saw an uncommon maturity level from Pouch, a young man right out of college, in the interview before being hired as a coach and teacher. It was an easy hire. But, it is not easy for Davidson to see him leave.

"Like I told Rob, I knew we were going to lose him sooner or later, I just didn't know it would be this soon. It's big shoes to fill. This was a shock." Davidson remarked. "He was not only a good coach, but he was really good with kids in the classroom."

Superintendent Dave Bush of Peck reiterated, "Rob's done a great job. It's a great loss. We hate to lose him, but we understand. It's a family and professional move. Still, it's a huge loss because he is a great teacher and a great coach."

What was most difficult for Pouch was telling his team. On a regular night of weightlifting at the school this past Wednesday, Pouch faced about 25 of the upcoming junior varsity and varsity players.

"It was tough to tell them. (They poured) their hearts into it and put everything they had into Peck football the last (three) years," expressed Pouch. "But, the kids understood."

He continued, "Peck football was good before I got here and it will continue to be good when I'm gone." Pouch noted that he talked to all of his assistants from last year and all will be staying on, and that should make a quick transition a little easier. It also helps that the Pirates will have seven starters returning, plus a strong front line.

"The kids are committed 110% to Peck football," Pouch added. "They'll keep the program going in the same direction."

Davidson said that Kevin Germain, a top assistant to Pouch the last three years, and an assistant before Pouch, has been named the interim coach. "(Kevin) will do a good job. He worked for Rob and learned from him, and Rob learned some things from him."

The longtime Peck A.D. also said the teaching and coaching positions vacated by Pouch will go through the school's standard posting procedure.

Fremont presents a challenge for Pouch to take a big step up in his football-coaching career. The Packers, who also have the red and white school colors like Peck, have been in the State playoffs seven of the last 10 years. The Class B school, which has a high school enrollment of over 800 students, competes in the Lakes 8 Conference with his alma mater, which is not much more than a half hour drive away.

"The Lakes Conference has been a battle back and forth, over the years, between Fruitport, Spring Lake, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer and Fremont," said Pouch. Last year, Fremont started four sophomores on varsity. "That's very uncommon. And, the JV still went 7-2 without them."

Pouch noted that Fremont has used the spread offense the last few years. He won't ditch that scheme, but he will incorporate a more balanced attack by bringing in his knowledge of the Wing-T he's used at Peck the last three seasons.

Pouch is also excited about going up against two head coaches he has known for some time. He played and assisted under 20-plus year veteran Steve Wilson at Fruitport and was an assistant to Jerry Rabideau at Spring Lake for a year. Pouch was attending GVSU through his assistant coaching jobs with both schools.

"This is the conference I played in at Fruitport, although it's changed names a couple of times. This is an area where both of my mentors are still coaching at," Pouch said. "(Wilson) did a lot for me. He's the person that got me into coaching. We always kept very close contact, and we still will.

"And, I coached one year with (Rabideau) and we've kept close contact. I've learned a lot from him, like program management, and more, and we always talk." Pouch added with a grin, "Now that I'm coaching against them, they might not tell me as much about things as they have in the past."

Pouch will be gone from the Peck area soon. And, although he plans to come back to visit, including this homecoming, he will have a new life in a most familiar surrounding. He will also take with him some great memories and more from his time at Peck.

"Most importantly, " he said, "it's the relationships I've had with the kids and the community... It's those relationships I'll take with me for the rest of my life."