Harper resigns as Rogers coach

Mike Harper announced his decision Tuesday to retire as the head softball coach at Rogers High School at the end of this semester.

He said the decision was probably a year in the making.

“This fall it’s become apparent to me that it’s time to move on to the next phase of life, whatever that is,” Harper said. “I do not know what that is yet. I’m still gonna teach, but I don’t know what I’m gonna do with all my free time now. … I’ll figure out what God wants me to do and run toward that.

“My goal when I started all this was to be a positive influence on kids, and I think I’ve done that. I think I’ve provided an opportunity for people to go on and be more successful in life and in general, not just sports. Because sports are a very fleeting thing. But I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I think, at least I hope I’ve done that.”

Harper, 57, has coached softball for 25 years at Rogers and 35 years total. He also coached at Mountain Pine, Glenwood and Cabot. He led Rogers team to a state championship in 2000 and state runner-ups in 1999 and 2013. While Harper will retire from his coaching duties, he will still continue teaching social studies full time at Rogers.

Harper has led the Lady Mounties to six conference championships and an overall 401-261 record. He was selected as the conference Coach of the Year five times and as an All-Star coach four times.

Keith Kilgore, athletic director for Rogers Public Schools, said there’s no current timetable for finding Harper’s replacement.