In a press release received by The Maui News yesterday afternoon, Sabers athletic director Scott Soldwisch announced that "head football coach David NeSmith will not be returning for the 2008 season.''

Soldwisch added in the release, "I want to thank coach NeSmith for his tenure at Maui High. Coach NeSmith remains a valued member of our teaching staff and we hope that will continue for a long time. David is a good man and always led his boys through his example of good sportsmanship. For that, I am truly grateful.''

The final paragraph of the release said that the school is immediately seeking applicants for the position. Prospective applicants should forward their resumes to Soldwisch at 660 S. Lono Ave., Kahului 96732.

When reached by phone yesterday afternoon, Soldwisch said the school would have no further comment than the press release.

When NeSmith was reached, he said that a letter he wrote that was attached to the press release via e-mail would be his only statement.

NeSmith had a 1-17-1 record in two seasons at the helm, including 0-9 in 2007, the Sabers first winless season in at least 25 years. He took over for Danny Crowell, who resigned after one season in 2005 with a 3-6 record. Crowell took over for Curtis Lee, who resigned in 2004 as the winningest coach in the state after 21 seasons.

NeSmith informed his assistants and players over the last two days that he would not be returning as football coach.

NeSmith said that he informed head track coach Odell Marinia that he will also step down as assistant track coach in charge of the shot put and discus, a position he has held for the last three seasons.

NeSmith will continue as a special education teacher at Maui, a position he has held since 1999. Previously he held the same position for five years at Waimea High School on Kaua'i.

In his letter NeSmith thanked Maui for the chance to be football coach.

"I would like to thank Maui High School for the opportunity to have coached the varsity football program,'' he wrote. "I have tried to help build a program that had been struggling over the years and bring it back to a competitive level that it once was. I regret not having been able to reach that goal in the past two years. However, I am proud of the progress we made in the short time.

"I'm grateful to the young men who have sacrificed over the season to work hard. I thank their families for their support of their son(s) and our program. I want them to know that as they continue to work hard their efforts will be rewarded.''

NeSmith finished his letter by listing the goals he and his staff tried to instill.

"Lastly, we incorporated some goals that if learned through sport would help them be successful in life,'' he wrote. "These core beliefs — 1) Team goals above individual goals; 2) responsibility; 3) courageous leadership; and 4) empathy; will help them through whatever difficulties that they will experience in life. The biggest difference, however, between success and not being successful is the effort we put into it.

"Thank you again to Maui High School.''