Iverson steps down at Sauk

Clay Iverson was optimistic things would work themselves out. Iverson, Sauk Prairie’s football coach in 2019 and 2020 and a Business teacher at the high school, was driving every day from Waukesha. Iverson loved what he did, liked where the football program was headed and hoped to eventually move his family to the community. That never happened, though. And three hours per day in the car eventually became too much of a grind. So Iverson recently stepped down as the Eagles’ football coach.  Sauk Prairie athletic director Josh Boyer has posted the position and hopes to have a new coach in place by May. “I loved it here and wish we could have made it work,” Iverson said. “But three hours in the car is too much. I thought the family could get closer, but that didn’t work out.” Iverson spent two years at Sauk Prairie, going 6-12 overall. The Eagles went 6-4 in 2019 and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2007. In 2020, Sauk Prairie was 0-8. “I think we made strides in the program, reaching the playoffs for the first time in nearly 15 years, establishing a culture and an attitude that we can have success,” Iverson said. Iverson led rebuilding efforts at Pewaukee High School and Mukwonago, and was an assistant coach for one season at Carroll College in Waukesha, before coming to Sauk Prairie. Iverson also coached the three Watt brothers — J.J., Derek and T.J. — at Pewaukee. Sauk Prairie athletic director Josh Boyer said Iverson was the perfect man for the Eagles’ job. Boyer just wishes Iverson’s run could have lasted longer. “On paper and by reputation Clay checked all the boxes,” Boyer said. “From that first meeting he had with our kids and parents I knew that what was on paper was real in person. He was the exact person we needed when we hired him. “Our kids and football program are better suited going forward having had him be a part of our school and athletic programs. Our student-athletes got better and worked hard for him whether it was those who participated in football or for all our students during summer strength.  “Going to the postseason his first year for us was special, but his second season when we didn’t win a game, had to overcome the adversity of COVID, and to see our kids compete every single play in every game was special. We all wanted to have him here for the next decade-plus, however, there are things out of our control and I respect coach Iverson immensely for what he has given to us in his two years as head coach and for his thoughtfulness in coming to this decision.” Boyer said the job will be posted until he feels comfortable with the quality and quantity of applicants. Boyer will then lead the interview committee that also figures to contain another high school administrator, other high school coaches, some student athletes, a youth football representative and perhaps a football parent, “Ideally, we would have someone in place by May to set the tone and schedule for summer,” Boyer said. Iverson believes whoever follows him has a chance to take the Eagles to the next level. “This is a great job,” Iverson said. “You can win here. The administration is really supportive, the facilities are outstanding and getting better. Most of all parents and kids are so good to work with. Whoever is fortunate enough to get this job is stepping into a really good place.”