Mendon football coach retires

Mendon Community Schools is losing a coaching icon, as varsity football coach John Schwartz has announced his retirement.
School board officials Monday accepted Schwartz’s letter of resignation.
The Hornets won 10 state championships under Schwartz, who compiled a record of 274-48 in 27 years at the helm of Mendon football.
A Colon High School graduate and Long Lake resident, Schwartz is member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Detroit Lions Coach of the Year award and the Duffy Daugherty Memorial Award.
Schwartz was defensive coordinator on the 1982 state championship and 1983 state runner-up teams. After he became head coach, Mendon won the 1989 and 1993 state titles.
Schwartz’s final game was an 8-6 playoff loss to Climax-Scotts Oct. 30. It was Mendon’s first opening-round playoff loss since 1987.
He said he looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and thanked the Mendon community for its continued support of the district’s football program.