With a heavy heart, Trevor Roberts stepped down from the helm of the Kent-Meridian High football program late Friday afternoon.
“This ranks as the No. 1 toughest decision I’ve ever had to make,” said Roberts, who spent three years at Kent-Meridian. “I love Kent-Meridian. I love the kids and I am proud of the work we put in. I could not have asked for more from the coaching staff and the administration.”
In three years at Kent-Meridian, Roberts compiled a record of 7-23. The high-water mark came in Roberts’ first year, when he guided the Royals to a 5-5 overall record, the program’s best single-season record of the decade.
Roberts will be leaving Kent-Meridian to become the offensive coordinator at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland and the Youth and Recreational Sales Representative for Riddell in the state of Washington. Riddell is a leading manufacturer of football equipment. Before coming to Kent-Meridian, Roberts was an assistant at PLU, where he also played football.
At the end of this past season, when the Royals posted a 1-9 overall record through an injury riddled campaign, Roberts had no intention of leaving the school.
“This fell completely into my lap,” he said. “I wasn’t looking for another job.”
In a position that has been a revolving door throughout the decade, Roberts was a calming influence on the Kent-Meridian program. His three-year stay is longer than any football coach at Kent-Meridian since Bruce Rick (1989-1998) and matched that of Mike Clancy (1999-2001). Roberts’ 7-23 overall record is the winningest by any K-M football coach since Rick.
“I never imagined when I took the job that I’d be a three-and-out guy,” said Roberts, who pointed out that part of the allure of taking the positions at PLU and Riddell was financial along with having the ability to work from home. “I don’t want anyone to think I am quitting on these kids.”
Kent-Meridian is now the second school in the district looking for a new football coach. Kentlake’s Mike Shepard stepped down in late December. In addition, the Auburn Mountainview coaching position remains open. Auburn Mountainview coach Mike Clancy stepped down shortly after the season.
“It has been such a tough decision and I feel bad because I feel there’s some unfinished business,” Roberts said. “On the other hand, from a family standpoint, it is a good opportunity and a good time to move.”
Despite Roberts exit, K-M is in line to return some top-tier talent next fall, including versatile quarterback David Jones and speedy running back B.J. Arceneaux, both of whom were second-team All-SPSL North honorable mention selections last year. Jones is currently being recruited by the University of Washington and Washington State among others, Roberts said.
“The program is in really good shape … it’s a ton better than when I found it,” Roberts pointed out. “Somebody who is coming in will have a higher advantage than I did, especially with this junior class. There are potentially five or six future college players in that bunch.”
ON THE MOVE
Kent-Meridian football coach Trevor Roberts stepped down Friday afternoon. In three years, Roberts’ tenure was the longest of the decade at the school. Below is a look at the coaches that have occupied the top job on the K-M football field during the past decade.
NAME/YEARS/RECORD
Trevor Roberts/2007-2009/7-23
John Jarman/2005-2006/5-15
Tim Schultz/2003-2004/0-20
Russ Vincent/2002/1-8
Mike Clancy/1999-2001/4-22
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