Cougars Welcome Former Coach Back for 46^th. Campaign

Karl Elliott is returning to Cascade, for a second stint as the head football coach. Athletic Director Evan Brown brought to the school board on Monday night a “recommendation with no reservations” from the football coach search committee to bring back Elliott, and his 45 years experience as a head football coach, to Cascade, where he experienced most of his success.

Elliott led Cascade from 1973 through 1998, during which time the Cougars experienced only one losing season, and in 1980 claimed a state championship. Prior to his stay at Cascade, Elliott had 15 years experience as a head coach in Idaho.

Family reasons led to Elliott’s retirement from Cascade, but his absence from the sidelines was brief. Elliott spent four seasons, from 1999 through 2002, at Stayton, where he took the Eagles to the playoffs, before turning that program over to his former player and assistant, Greg Nolan, who is still at the helm.

A successful stint working with a women’s semi-pro team came next, and then Elliott returned to the high school sidelines in Dallas. First as the offensive coordinator, and finally as the head coach in 2007, Elliott rebuilt the Dragons from a team that had to play an independent schedule to one that advanced to the 5A playoffs in 2006 and 2007.

The Cascade opportunity developed when Terry Graham stepped down at the close of the 2008 season. After winning seasons in 2006 and 2007, a young Cascade squad struggled with injuries, and dropped to a 2-8 mark last fall.

Elliott, with an overall record of 279-148-4, was “One of 19 applicants the search committee considered,” according to Brown. “We had a number of excellent candidates.” In the end, Elliott, who described himself as “Excited” about the opportunity, was the clear choice.

“This is a special opportunity for us,” said Superintendent Darrin Drill, “to bring back someone of Karl’s stature and experience. We’re excited because he is excited.”

Elliott, who termed himself as “Ready to go”, will be assembling his staff, and be on campus, immediately.

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