Frank Geske will not be back as the football coach at Marist Catholic.
The school has opted not to retain Geske as coach. He went 120-46 in 15 seasons with the Spartans, including a 4A title in 2009 and runner-up finishes in 2010, 2012 and 2021. Marist Catholic finished 8-2 last season, losing in the first round of the 4A playoffs to Gladstone.
“They said they wanted to go in a different direction,” Geske said Tuesday. “It is what it is. I'm thankful for the time here. I loved it, actually.”
The school did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Geske is No. 15 on the state's all-time wins list with a record of 249-124. He has coached 35 seasons at Franklin (1985-95), Tigard (1996-2004) and Marist Catholic (2008-22), winning state titles at Tigard (2003) and Marist Catholic. He also assisted at Portland State for three seasons (2005-07).
Geske, who teaches PE at Marist Catholic, said he was caught off-guard when the school informed him of the decision one week prior to spring break. He is trying to put his time at Marist Catholic into perspective.
“Time is a wonderful antidote to pain,” he said. “I still love teaching here. I love being around these kids so much. I'm looking back at team pictures right now. I've had a lot of great players, coaches and parents down here that made my time a real blessing. That's the way I'm going to continue to look at it.”
Geske, an assistant coach for the track team, said he is unsure if he will remain at the school.
“It all happened so quick. I don't know,” he said. “My brain is going a million different ways on that.”
He indicated that he is open to other football coaching positions, but at this point is not actively pursuing them.
“I think I've got a ton of energy left,” he said. “If someone needs a coach, I might go that route. But as of right now, I'm just concentrating on our daily plan here, and the track season. It's basically a daily deal to put the kids at the forefront. I'll get to think about me down the road.”
Geske addressed the players about his departure before spring break. He said it was an emotional meeting.
“It's something I wouldn't ask anybody to do,” he said. “It was pretty tough. I love the kids around here. They're very fun to be around, and they do everything you want.”
Geske said he hasn't considered any specific football jobs.
“I'm still trying to figure that stuff out and see where the big guy leads me,” he said. “That will all happen on His time. It won't be me going out and searching for anything. It's going to have to be the other way around.
“This is the first day I woke up thinking I could do it again. I'm kind of snakebit.”
jerryu@osaa.org
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