By Kevin Leibrock
Avon High School’s search for a new head football coach is over.
The school announced Tuesday that it has hired former Mooresville coach Mark Bless.
“Avon was one of a couple schools I would say I kept an eye on for quite a few years,” Bless said. “It has a rich tradition. I believe there’s a lot of opportunities through the resources they have academically and athletically, and I think the community is very supportive.”
In 15 years at Mooresville, Bless compiled a 110-53 record. He led the Pioneers to two sectional titles, three-Mid-State Conference championships, and two undefeated regular seasons.
For Bless, the decision to leave Mooresville was tough.
“It was very difficult,” Bless said. “It’s not like things weren’t working out well. Both my children went through Mooresville schools and played athletics there, so there’s a lot of fond memories.”
Bless received his Masters of Education from Indiana State University and Bachelor of Science from the University of Indianapolis. He served as head football coach at North Vermillion High School from 1990-95 before coming to Mooresville.
At Avon, Bless replaces Dave Shelbourne, who retired in January after eight years at the helm of the Orioles.
Bless and Shelbourne never met on the gridiron, but the two were involved in coaching clinics together, and both served as officers in the Indiana Football Coaches Association.
Bless anticipates a smooth transition from the Class 4A and the Mid-State to 5A and the Hoosier Crossroads Conference.
He has yet to meet the Avon players, but is excited about the team’s young 2010 roster.
“There’s great opportunities here,” Bless said. “I’ve been studying the varsity, JV, and freshman schedules over the past three or four years and they’ve been well-coached. They’re not afraid of hard work.”
kevin.leibrock@flyergroup.com
