Cougars Football Coach Steps Down

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 Rector Ends Historic Centennial Run

After five seasons at Centennial, head football coach Brian Rector stepped down on Monday.

Rector, who went 41-20 at Centennial, resigned less than a month after leading the Cougars to their most successful football season in school history.

Centennial went 12-2 this year, losing to eventual-champion Independence in the Class 5A semifinals.

Under his leadership the Cougars made the playoffs in four of the last five years and never had a losing season.

After being hired in early 2011, Rector turned around a Centennial program that had gone 3-17 in its last two years and had only two winning seasons in the previous seven.

Rector coached at Ravenwood, leading the Raptors to a state title in 2005, until 2008 when he signed on as a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky University for two years.

We talked with Rector about his decision to step down.

What do you take away from your time at Centennial?

I take away tons of memories and great relationships but most of all the satisfaction of accomplishment. Proving that with hard work, dedication and sticking to a plan great things can happen even when it has not been done before.

What was your most memorable game?

There have been so many but the ones that stick out are the county rival games. We have had several great battles with teams like Independence, Franklin, Ravenwood and Brentwood. We certainly did not come out on top all of the time but the atmosphere in those types of games is what really is special…and coaching against some of the best coaches in the state…that is a real special thing for sure.

What do you think brought you success?

I think the biggest thing both on and off the field was the refusal to give in. To give in to a past reputation or a negative attitude, etc. is just something we refused to do. Eventually that turned into positive thinking and belief in the kids at Centennial.

All we have heard is that you are leaving. Can you give any reasons?

I know it is hard for people to believe or understand. I really do. But at the end of the day I am a guy that needs a challenge and I am simply ready for the next challenge in my life.  I am not the type that has to hold on to a job or a title until the next thing comes along. The timing has spurred up lots of rumors but the truth is out of respect for our principal Dr. Leigh Webb, who is unmatched as an administrator, I wanted to give her the proper time to get the best person in here for the job.  I have no desire to hang on to something while constantly looking elsewhere. That is just not fair to the people in this school, especially the players.

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