Cassellius to step down as Winhawks football coach

John Cassellius didn’t mention the trips to U.S. Bank Stadium, the section titles, the 100-plus wins or his multiple coach of the year honors. 

In a heartfelt resignation letter announcing his decision to step down as head football coach at Winona Senior High School, Cassellius talked about the people. The players. His fellow coaches. The booster club. The band. The community. 

That’s what he will remember the most during his 21 years as coach of the Winhawks.  

“Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of working with incredible young men, dedicated families, and a community that truly supports its students and programs,” said Cassellius, who recently submitted his resignation as head coach. “This decision was not made lightly. Coaching at Winona has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life.”

Cassellius took over the program in the middle of a 37-game losing streak. He didn’t win a game until his third year. Yet, he stayed the course. Along with a tight-knit coaching staff, he built the Winhawks into one of the state’s top programs.

Cassellius and the Winhawks played four times at U.S. Bank Stadium, including a state championship game in 2016. They won four section titles. Several players went on to play at the next level, including Aaron Witt, who is playing Division I football at the University of Wisconsin. 

“Watching (the players) grow as athletes and, more importantly, as people has been the most rewarding part of this journey,” Cassellius said. 

Family is also important to Cassellius. In thanking his coaches, he also thanked their families for the sacrifices they made. He also, of course, mentioned his own family, which was a big part of his time as coach. 

His wife, Emily, the principal at Jefferson Elementary, has been with him every step of the way. He was able to coach — and then coach alongside — his son, Bryan. His daughter Molly went from cheering in the stands to supporting the program as a team manager. 

“Your dedication and pride in Winhawk football meant more to me than you know,” he said. 

Cassellius was also a physical education teacher at WSHS before resigning to take over as the principal at Houston High School. He won his 100th game this fall with a 33-8 win at Faribault. 

“Winona football will always hold a special place in my heart,” Cassellius said. “I am proud of what we have built together and confident the program will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”