MBR.ORG

Longtime coach leaves MDI football post

Mark Shields, who has guided the Mount Desert Island High School football program to the upper echelon of the Class C North standings in recent seasons, is ending his 15-year tenure as the Trojans’ head coach.

Shields served as an assistant coach under George “Toog” McKay at MDI for seven seasons before taking over as head coach in 2003. Under his leadership MDI compiled a 74-68 record overall, including a combined 18-4 the last two seasons.

“It’s funny,” said Shields. “Going into it I thought if I lasted four or five years I’d be doing well, and 15 years later as the head coach I was still doing it. I just felt it was time for somebody else to take the reins. I’ve given all I can to the program and had a blast but just felt like this was the right time for me to step down.”

http://bangordailynews.com/2018/01/02/s ... ball-post/

Sorry to see such a quality coach leaving the ranks. Much respect for Coach Shields and what he built there at MDI. Mark is one of those guys you would want your own son to play for. Class act all the way and a great teacher of the game. He will be missed. Ian Braun was also a big part of the success there. I hope coach stays on....another class act and great defensive mind. My first football coaching gig was with Ian at Old Town in my student teaching days in the mid 90's and I learned a ton. Grateful that he gave me an opportunity and was such a great role model.
Congrats again to Mark. Coaching HS football is a grind....I hope he enjoys the time off!

Shields Steps Down at MDI

BAR HARBOR, MAINE (WABI)- MDI will need a new football coach. Mark Shields has announced that he is stepping down as coach of the Trojans.

- http://www.wabi.tv/content/sports/Shiel ... 67463.html

- http://www.foxbangor.com/sports/item/23 ... ds-resigns

MDI’s Shields steps down after 15 years as head football coach

...“It’s tough, but I felt it was the best time to move on,” Shields told The American. “I’ve made a lot of memories here and have loved every bit of the time I’ve spent with the players, coaches and parents who have made this program so special.”

Shields, 44, came to MDI in 1996 after graduating from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. He accepted a job as a physical education teacher and soon joined the football team as an assistant coach under George “Toog” McKay.

After McKay’s final season in 2002, Shields took control of the program. The first few years weren’t easy, but Shields quickly morphed the Trojans into a successful program; the team was 74-68 during his tenure and made the playoffs every year from 2006-17.

https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/sport ... all-coach/

Pic: https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/wp-co ... 49x800.jpg