GORHAM – Dave Kilborn, the only varsity football coach in Gorham High history, has resigned after 13 seasons.

Kilborn, 44, cited a desire to move into educational administration and also watch his sons play college football as chief reasons for his decision. Kilborn teaches physical education at Gorham Middle School.

“I’m certified to move into administration,” said Kilborn. “I’m willing to try something different and put my hat in the ring. I’ll have two sons playing college football, and I want to go watch them.”

Kilborn’s son, Nick, was a senior for the Rams this fall. He’s looking to play football at a Division III school. Another son, Abe, plays football at Maine Maritime Academy. A third son, Sam, is an eighth-grader who plays basketball and baseball.

Gorham rebounded from an 0-8 season in 2010 to post a 4-4 record this fall. The Rams finished ninth in the Western Class A Crabtree standings, missing the playoffs by one spot. The highlight of the season was beating Massabesic, 63-47.

“I wanted to leave the program in a better position and I think I have,” said Kilborn. “The kids got better every week. They worked together as a team. I couldn’t have asked for a better effort.”

The Rams opened with a win over Kennebunk, lost to eventual state champion Cheverus in Week 2 and followed with a 12-8 loss to Portland before turning things around with three wins in their next four games.

Kilborn started coaching the program in its infancy, when it played in the Developmental League. The Rams became a Class B program in 2001 and moved up to Class A in 2005.

The Rams improved quickly and played in state finals in both classes. In 2003, Gorham lost to Belfast 28-16 in the Class B final. Three years later, the Rams lost 14-13 to Lawrence in the Class A final.

“Every season has its own highlights, but 2006 was a special year,” said Kilborn.

“Western Maine Class A is the best league in the state and to represent them in the state final was an honor and showed how far the program had come. Looking back at that game, there were probably a few things I would have done differently.”

Kilborn played football at Lake Region High for his father, Art. He played at Maine as a tight end in the 1985 and 1986 seasons.

“Dave has been a huge asset for football in the community,” said Tim Spear, the Gorham athletic director.

“He put together a football program that has survived in Gorham, which is a big soccer town. It’s a tough thing to rebound after an 0-8 season, but the players worked hard and Dave had them believing. They carried that throughout the year.”

Spear said the head coaching opening is being advertised and he expects to have a new coach in place around the first of the year.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH