Whatcom County high school football coaching icon announces retirement after 46 years
Meridian High School football coaching icon Bob Ames has decided to retire after 46 seasons and more than 300 victories, according to an email from Trojans athletic director Bryant Michaelson.
Ames led Meridian since 1974, winning three state titles in 1999, 2003 and 2006 and three runner-up finishes in 1984, 2000 and 2017.
The Trojans won 18 league titles under Ames and compiled a 332-168 records.
Ames was one of only two active high school coaches in the state with more than 300 wins, according to a story by scorebooklive.com, joining O’Dea’s Monte Kohler, who had 341 wins at the time of the story in 2019.
“It has been an honor to be the head coach at our school. I am so proud and thankful for all our players, coaches, our school and community, for all they have done to help make our program as successful as it has been,” Ames wrote in a letter to the Meridian community announcing his retirement. “I am also proud of the hard work and sacrifices that all of the above have made to enable our young men the opportunities to compete at such a high level for so long.
“We tell our players and parents that we are in the memory-making business as coaches and that the memories and relationships made during their time in the program last forever. I guess it’s my turn now to sit back and remember how special it has been to be here at this great school in the job I loved. Thank you so much for your support through the years.”
Michaelson told The Bellingham Herald in a follow-up email that the school has not named Ames’ successor but planned to open the position later this week.
“We wish Coach Ames the best in retirement and hope that he frequents games and practices whenever he can find time,” Michaelson wrote. “Thank you for the many years of dedication and how you have shaped our school and community. Mahalo coach Ames!”
