(KNZA)--Despite a strong showing of public support, the Hiawatha School Board voted unanimously Monday evening to accept the resignation of head high school football coach Chris Diller.

A large group of parents and players attended the meeting to voice their support for the eight year coach whose resignation was on the consent agenda for consideration that evening.  The Redhawks had gone 1-17 the past two years and seen their numbers dwindle.

High school junior William Entrikin called Diller a role model, and said the losses or win’s aren’t on the coach’s shoulders, but the players. "Coach never gave up, not even for a moment," Entrikin told the School Board. "Even in the midst of games where it would be 55-0 at half-time, he would come in, make adjustments, and we'd go back out with the courage to finish the game, and not give up because our coach wouldn't give up." 

Brennen Barnes read a letter of support from the players of the class of 2012, which won the district title that year and 1st round playoff game. "Throughout our high school football career, Coach Diller taught us many lessons, applicable not only to football but to life. Many of the young men who have experienced this program agree that they have Coach to thank for the men they have become today. He not only served as a great coach, but also a great role model for all the young men in his program, a role model which it would be a shame to deprive the upcoming youth of. Coach is the face of the Hiawatha football program, and without him running this there will be a serious identity crisis."

A petition to retain Diller, containing more than 400 signatures, was presented to the board; and, prior to the meeting, a Facebook page had been set up in support of the coach. 

Following the public comments, the Board voted to remove Diller's resignation from the consent agenda and consider it later.  It was following an executive session at the end of the meeting that they voted to accept his resignation.

Also following that closed door session, the Board voted unanimously to release Kevin Calhoon from his contract as head wrestling coach.

Also during the meeting the Board accepted the resignations of head high school volleyball coach Marla Olson and assistant volleyball coach Wayne Olson along with high school history/government teacher Alexandra Kilhoffer.