Hjorth steps down at Stevenson

Stevenson head football coach Josh Hjorth announced his resignation on Friday after two seasons at the helm. Hjorth informed his players during a meeting before the start of school.

"It has been a great honor to be involved with the SHS football program for the past 13 years, serving as the head coach from 2017-18," Hjorth said. "Due to my family situation and demands, I will be resigning immediately as the head football coach of Stevenson High School. I am truly grateful for every interaction and experience with our student-athletes throughout the past 13 years and look forward to watching the continued success of Stevenson football."

Hjorth, the fourth head football coach in school history, compiled a 12-8 record in two seasons, reaching the Class 8A state playoffs both times. This year, his team finished 6-4 and had one of the top defenses in the North Suburban Conference. The Patriots allowed only 134 points in 10 games, and shut out three opponents. Stevenson faced six state playoff qualifiers in 2018.

Hjorth has been a member of Stevenson's varsity football staff since coming to the school in 2007. During that time, the Patriots went 99-35, reaching the state playoffs every year and winning the state championship in 2014. SHS captured seven conference championships during that span.

"In my years as athletic director at Stevenson, there have been few individuals who have positively impacted our athletic department to the level that Coach Hjorth has," athletic director Trish Betthauser said. "His willingness to reach far beyond his program is evidence of his commitment to professional growth and his deep love for Stevenson Athletics. Though we will miss him dearly as the leader of our football program, we continue to value him as an integral part of our Patriot athletic programs. Josh is an amazing teacher, and we are glad that he will still be in our classrooms."