By Josh Beavers

Lakeside head football coach Mike Santelices has stepped down from the role following an announcement Wednesday afternoon.

Santelices, who has led the Warriors since 2019, said the time was right for new blood to lead the team into the future. He will remain a coach for powerlifting. He also teaches math for Lakeside.

Lakeside principal Denny Finley accepted the resignation and thanked Coach “Sant” for all the hard work he has put in the past four seasons.

“Mike Santelices is one of the most liked and respected teachers we have on staff here,” Finley said. “But after talking we decided it was best for Coach Sant and the football team to move in a new direction.”

Injuries and a difficult schedule made for a disappointing season for the Warriors. Lakeside went 0-5 in district this year and 3-7 overall.

Santelices led Lakeside to its first-ever playoff win when the Warriors defeated North Caddo in 2019.

Finley said the position would be open for applications after the first of the year.