Cerney Leaves UHS Head Football Post

    The Umatilla High School football program will have a new leader, after Umatilla High School announced the resignation of Charlie Cerney. Cerney, who led Umatilla to a 5-5 record this past season after taking the Bulldogs to the state playoffs in 2021, leaves Umatilla with a 14 win, 25 loss record over four years while resurrecting a beleaguered Umatilla football program.
   “I’m proud of the work me and my staff did,” Cerney said on Friday, while commenting on the school’s official announcement. “I can step away feeling I did my best.”
   The resignation was announced by Umatilla High School principal Brent Frazier, who voiced appreciation for Cerney’s efforts.
   “The program is in much better shape than before he came,” Frazier said. “I know I speak for the entire athletic department when I say we wish Charlie the best of luck in all his future endeavors.”
   Cerney arrived at a Umatilla program that had suffered greatly on the field in the years preceding his arrival, winning just one game in the three seasons leading up to Cerney’s arrival.
   In 2021, Cerney was named the North Lake Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the year.
   “Coach Cerney is a man of integrity and the UHS family is grateful for his hard work and dedication.”
   Cerney said this week that he is unsure of his next stop, but intends to keep coaching. Declining to speak on specifics, Cerney did confirm that he has been contacted by other programs in recent days, and that he is exploring his options.