MASON CITY – Sources are confirming now that Mason City High School football coach Justin Penner has resigned and taken a job in Western Dubuque.
It has been a rocky stay here in Mason City for Penner with few wins, but the consensus was that Penner was turning the team around with hard work and attention to doing things the “right way”. Just last week, he took the team to a Notre Dame football camp.
Coach Penner, when reached for comment this afternoon by phone, confirmed the move and his resignation. He said it is a homecoming of sorts, as he had spent some time in the Dubuque area coaching, previously. There was a little dejection in his voice, as he said he wanted to see his Mohawk players grow and mature, and he said he did enjoy his time coaching in Mason City.
Mason City Schools Superintendent Anita Micich offered the following comment: “We are sorry to see Coach Penner leave the Mason City School District. We are grateful for his work as a Teacher and Head Football Coach as this has established a positive path for our students both in the classroom and on the field. We wish him and his family well in this new chapter in their lives. Mason City will begin a search process immediately to fill this position.”
Players had a sense of confusion as they are hearing about their coach leaving, and another said the team will try to “keep its head up.”
Late Tuesday, an email went out to Mason City football players and their parents.
“Where do we go from here? Come to an important meeting and find out what is next!” The email said.
A meeting was called for Thursday, July 3 for coaches, players and parents.
“WE WILL PERSEVERE!! WE ARE MOHAWKS!!” the email concluded.