Twenty-five years ago, in the Fall of 1997, I was hired at Cottonwood School District as a teacher and football coach.  When I took this job, I had very little knowledge of the historical past of Prairie Football.  One thing I did know was that very few players had the same coach their senior year that they had started with their freshman year.  The inconsistency in coaching was apparent and I made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to bring consistency and stability to the Prairie Pirate Football program.  With the exception of one season out of the past 25 years, I have been blessed to be a part of this program; a program that endured some really rough seasons early on but worked its way into a top contender year in and year out over the past 15 seasons.  Four state championships, 2 state runners-up and four 3rd place finishes over those years has helped put Prairie Football on the map in Idaho.
There have been some great mentors and coaches throughout those times that deserve much credit.  Travis Mader who was responsible for “righting the ship” in 2006, Teel Bruner, Ron Sigler, Matt Elven and more recently Jarod Cash, Tanner Ross and Forrest Partlow all have played huge roles in setting the standard and leading to the success of this program.  There is no way Prairie Football would have accomplished the things it has without these great leaders. Thank you!
No program is successful with just coaching though.  Prairie High School has turned out some of the most talented football players in the state of Idaho and the majority of the credit belong to those young men.  They were always committed and endured endless hours of practice to attain the success that has become the norm with this program.  Each team set the bar high and each year the new incoming class of Pirates carries that torch and continues to impress.  Thank you!
The administration, school board, fans and followers of Prairie football are also some of the best in the state.  Always excited, always supportive, and always travelling to give this team and its players the best experience they could ask for.  There is nothing like Friday night football at Prairie to unite the community. Thank you!
So, as many have been asking and wondering over the past couple of months, I have to make a very difficult decision right now and choose to resign as the head football coach at Prairie High School.  This is by far one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do but I feel that I cannot commit the full time and effort needed to continue this journey.  I can only hope that everyone involved in Prairie football over the years have some positive and lasting memories.  I did not always do things right, that is for sure, but I gave my 100% effort to try and do right.  I would like to thank my wife Lisa and my family who have been through all of the ups and downs of this awesome ride.  I will always be an advocate for Prairie Pirate Football.  Thank you all and Go Pirates!
Sincerely
Ryan Hasselstrom