Woodward's Brzozka resigns
4/9/2003Paul Brzozka resigned his position yesterday as boys basketball coach at Woodward High School after eight seasons.
“I have enjoyed my association with Woodward, but I feel a change is needed at this time so that I may fully pursue other options for my [coaching] career,'' Brzozka wrote in his resignation letter to the school. “Best of luck to the Polar Bears and know that I'll support them in any way that I can in the future.''
Brzozka, 56, who was 44-115 overall with the Polar Bears, closing with a 3-17 mark this past season, thought about stepping down after the 2001-02 season when the 10-10 Bears posted Woodward's first 10-win season since the 1981-82 team went 10-11.
“I was considering this last year, but I made a commitment to see Alex Malone through this year,'' Brzozka said of his senior guard, who led the City League in scoring and became the first Bear selected to the All-City first team during Brzozka's tenure.
“It's been eight years and I feel a change is necessary for me and them,'' Brzozka said. “Change is good, and this was the time to do it. I'm not ruling out coaching again, if the right situation comes up.
“It's been an honor to be a coach in the City League, and I wish the best of luck to whoever takes over. Maybe they can do better than I did.''
Woodward has been the least successful boys basketball program overall in the last three decades, failing under six different coaches to post a winning season since ending 11-7 in 1971-72.
Brzozka was an assistant coach for 23 years at Start, DeVilbiss and Rogers. He has taught 31 years in the Toledo Public Schools, including Rogers since 1985.
- STEVE JUNGA