Coach Culbertson ends long Colfax football career

When the first autumn call of Colfax football goes out next month, one familiar face, and voice, will be missing. Assistant Coach Craig Culbertson, a part of the Bulldogs grid campaigns for the most part of 40 years, decided at the end of last season to close out his run as assistant coach.

"I'd done it a long time, and it doesn't get any easier," Culbertson noted about the fall campaign .

He also noted football practices, games and road trips mean a lot of time away from home, and he figured it was time to step off the bus and spent more time at home with wife Denise and other family members.

Culbertson's departure from the NE-A ranks was recognized at this year's Washington Football Coaches Association meeting in Everett when he was named Assistant Coach of the Year for the NE Distrct. It was the second time he has received the award.

Culbertson played for the Bulldogs from 1970 to 1973 when Sid Otton headed the program.

He recalled in those years, the coaching slots for different seasons were all filled by faculty staff with hoop coqches Bob Bafus and Bill Pennick as assistants for football.

Culbertson graduated with the CHS class of 1974 departed for Pullman and Washington State University, but he returned to the home turf in 1977 as a college student volunteer under Coach Doug Curtis. Coach Otton by that time had departed for what turned out to be a long stint at Tumwater.

"Doug said he'd be glad to have me help out, but he also said he couldn't pay me anything," Cullbertson said.

Among others on the staff at that time were Eric Kelly and Jack McBride.

Culbertson was still on the sideline in 1981 when Curtis and the Bulldogs took their first title with a 6-0 win over Montesano at the King Dome.

The Bulldogs booked the lone score of the title game in a QB sneak by Kevin Johnson.

"One of the things I remember about that game was that Montesano had this tradition about eating a victory cake after every win. After we won, their coach brought the cake over to us. I thought that was classy," Culbertson said.

He added one big plus for Colfax in the title game was the kicking power of Tim Eng who kept Montesano's offense deep in their own territory for most of the game.

Culbertson was still in on board in 1997 when Coach Curtis and the Bullogs rolled to a second state title game against Lynden Christian and sustaned a 20-22 loss to end the season.

In 2001, Colfax. then under Coach Mike Morgan rolled to state again and dropped Tacoma Baptist 48-6 for a second state championship.

Prior to the title blowout, the Bulldogs played a semi games which rates high in Culbertson's grid memory book.

That 2001 semi battle was at Lampson Field against Zillah, a team which was loaded with several talented players who went on to college careers.

Zillah took a late go-ahead lead on a field goal, and Colfax came back with a drive which ended with a pass from John White to Sam Hall.

What's his advice to a first-year assistant coach?

"You should try to keep your ears and eyes open, but keep your mouth shut," Culbertson said. "You might have a great idea, but it might not be what the head coach is doing."

Over the years, Culbertson said he's noted the decline in Colfax enrollment which eventually dropped the team from 1A into the then new 2B division.

"When I graduated we had 74 people in the class. Now, we're down to 40 to 50," he commented.

Culbertson said he believes any coach who wants to build a dynasty would be well advised to hook up with a big school where the football recruits can number over 100.

Coaches in small schools have to "play the hand they're dealt" when players shows up each August to make the team.

The long-time assist pointed out success for a coach doesn't always get charted with an undefeated seasion or a state title run.

"I've been part of teams with 3-6 records which were just as rewarding because you can see the progress. Kids sometimes really do things that are amazing," Cullbertson commented.

Will he be in the stands to root for the Bulldogs this fall?

Culbertson, who noted he's coached a generation of players who are sons of the first players he coached, admitted he might check out the St. John/Endicott action this year were grandson Tyler Anderson will be on the team.