Hathaway, who won three league titles as head coach, also kept an incredible streak going for the program

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Jack Hathaway, who led the Camas Papermakers to three consecutive football league championships, has resigned as head coach but is expected to remain on staff as an assistant.

“It is with mixed emotions and a deep sense of gratitude that I announce my resignation as the Head Football Coach at Camas,” Hathaway wrote in a letter to players and families in the program. 

He described his decision as a difficult one to make because the program and the community are so important to him.

“I still have aspirations to be involved with the football program but just in a different capacity,” Hathaway noted.

Coaching the athletes and being involved in all that is Camas football was a “complete honor and privilege,” he said.

“Together, we’ve celebrated victories, overcome challenges, and created bonds that extend beyond the field. The unwavering support I’ve received along the way has made this journey exceptionally rewarding and fun,” Hathaway said.

Hathaway took over the program from Jon Eagle, who resigned after the abbreviated spring season of 2021. 

Hathaway continued a remarkable run for the Papermakers, who have now completed 23 consecutive winning regular seasons, 24 when including the abbreviated campaign. That streak started in 2000 with coach Bob Holman. Eagle took over in 2008.

Hathaway’s teams went a combined 22-11, with three Class 4A Greater St. Helens League championships, and a trip to the state quarterfinals in 2021. The Papermakers went 9-2 this past season. 

Hathaway, contacted after the school day Friday, said he was proud of the winning seasons, adding that the record belongs to all of the assistant coaches and players. It is not just a head coaching record.

He also said he anticipates supporting the next head coach in any capacity.

“I’m excited about being an assistant again,” Hathaway said. “I liked being the head coach and doing that role, but life is what it is. I’m just excited to be doing some other stuff. Somebody else will take the program to the next chapter, and that’s a good thing.”

Stephen Baranowski, the athletic director at Camas, said the school will post the position soon. He said the school district will consider internal applicants first and foremost. 

Today, he said, is about recognizing Hathaway for his commitment to the Papermakers. 

“As Coach Hathaway steps down from the head coach position, we want to thank him for the years of investment he’s given our student-athletes, program, and community. He has left his mark, having impacted so many young men across his tenure in the role,” Baranowski wrote in a letter accompanying Hathaway’s letter to the Camas football families.

Hathaway has coached at Camas for more than a decade and was on staff for the team’s two state championships.

“We are grateful that Coach Hathaway will continue to coach as part of our varsity staff, and continue to impact our student-athletes,” Baranowski said.

“With an immense amount of gratitude, we thank Coach Hathaway for the impact he has made on the lives of so many as our head coach,” Baranowski added.

Hathaway said the decision to step down stems from personal reasons. He is also looking forward to the future of the program, one that he will continue to assist.

“I am confident the tradition of excellence we’ve built upon will continue to thrive under new leadership,” Hathaway wrote in the letter. “I extend my deepest appreciation to the players, coaching staff, administration, parents, and the entire Camas community.”

Hathaway concluded his letter with this:

“Thank you for the memories, the challenges, and the triumphs. Camas football will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am excited for what the future holds.

“Roll Makers!”