Virgin Valley’s Hafen steps down after 21 seasons

Virgin Valley football coach Kirk Hafen resigned Friday after 21 years at the helm of the program.

Hafen was 166-66 as head coach and won a Class 3A state title in 2006, as well as a 2A championship in 1994.

“It’s kind of a transition period going into a new league, and I’m pretty close to retiring from teaching,” Hafen said. “I just thought it might be a good time.”

Hafen informed the Bulldogs of his decision in an emotional team meeting Friday.

“It was harder than I ever expected,” he said. “I’m still not out of my shell that I’m actually done.”

Virgin Valley was a state runner-up five times under Hafen, who has served on the Bulldogs’ coaching staff for the past 26 years. He plans to continue coaching boys golf in the spring.

Hafen enjoyed 18 winning seasons, missing the playoffs only once in his 21 years as head coach. Virgin Valley went 5-5 in 2011, including a 13-12 overtime loss at rival Moapa Valley in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.

“I’m proud I was able to stay in one spot and have winning records. It’s not easy in small towns,” Hafen said. “I’ll miss working with the kids, seeing them grow even after graduation and come back (to Mesquite).”

A news release issued by Virgin Valley reported no timetable is set for finding Hafen’s replacement, but a search committee will be formed to aid the hiring process.