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Sheppard steps down as Viking football coach
Loudoun Valley High School football coach Bruce Sheppard has resigned after six seasons as the program's head coach.
Sheppard, who has coached athletics in Hampton City, Frederick County and Loudoun County for 29 years, said it was a very difficult decision.
“I need to spend more time with my family,” he said. “It's the best thing for me personally, and my family.”
Sheppard led the Vikings to a 35-27 record during his tenure. Loudoun Valley's best season under Sheppard came in 2005 when it won the Group AAA National District championship.
“We always preached that our players have three attributes – hard hitting, disciplined and never get tired,” Sheppard said. “I coached a hard-nosed group that were very disciplined.”
The Vikings instituted a spread offense prior to the 2007 season. Valley experienced some growing pains with the new offensive scheme and slipped to 2-8 last season, but Sheppard feels the Vikings will be back in contention in 2008.
“I feel like everything is in order. We have good numbers and motivated kids,” Sheppard said. “I feel good about that, but I feel bad leaving these kids. It's a great group of kids. I think they are poised to compete for a district championship this year.”
Sheppard, who previously coached track and field at Valley before focusing solely on football, will continue to teach physical education at Loudoun Valley.
“This will give me a chance to step back and recharge my batteries,” said Sheppard, who did not rule out the possibility of returning to coaching in the future.
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