Rulo won't return as Helias football coach

Helias head football coach Tim Rulo signals from the sideline during the 2015 jamboree in Wardsville.
Helias head football coach Tim Rulo signals from the sideline during the 2015 jamboree in Wardsville.

Tim Rulo will not return as head football coach at Helias High School.

The school announced Friday morning Rulo will not be back for a fourth season to lead the Crusaders football program.

He will stay on the faculty to teach the leadership and strength and conditioning classes, as well as head track coach.

"We are thankful for all Coach Rulo has done for Helias," Helias president the Rev. Stephen Jones said in a news release.

A letter signed by Rulo and shared on Helias Football's Facebook page said: "While we part on amicable terms, I have been informed that the administration would like to take the program in another direction.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to those who have supported and cared for myself and my family during our three years here. To my athletes, my coaching staff, to my next year's seniors especially, I want to say that I am sorry. I am sad beyond measure that we will not be able to continue together, I had so hoped that we would be able to do so," Rulo wrote.

He noted he and his family are unsure of their future.

"At this time I will continue in my role as an educator and I am committed to wrapping up the 2017 football season with excellence by completing equipment turn in and refurbishment, advocating for our young men during district and all-state award opportunities, collegiate recruiting and honoring the players and parents for their efforts and sacrifices during our upcoming banquet," he wrote.

Helias will begin advertising for the position of head football coach Nov. 20, according to the school's news release.

Rulo was 17-18 in his three seasons at Helias, advancing two times to the district championship game. He came to Helias after spending seven seasons as head coach at South Callaway High School.

Rulo is the sixth head coach in the history of the Helias football program. The other five head coaches are Jack Schnieders (1956-65), Ray Hentges (1966-98), Mike Jeffries (1999-2005), Chris Hentges (2006-10) and Phil Pitts (2011-14).

"I am most proud of the type of program we have run with regard to character and leadership training and the dividends this will pay as these young men become future husbands, fathers and community members. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and trust fully in God's goodness for the future of the Helias community and my own family's journey in a new direction," Rulo wrote.