After five seasons, Oak Harbor High School boys basketball coach John Weston stepped down recently.

“I decided to resign due to the district and myself having different values and philosophies on what is important in high school athletics,” Weston said. “(We do) not see eye-to-eye on the current state of the basketball program and where it is heading.”

Many factors went into the decision, Weston said, including spending more time with his four young sons and “amazing” wife.

Weston noted that his teams did not “come along as fast he would have liked in regard to wins and losses,” but they were “successful in many other areas, including academics, community service and the impact we had on the youth basketball program.”

Weston said he is most proud of the relationships he developed with student athletes, assistant coaches, opposing coaches and community members.

“As high school coaches, we get the unique privilege to help guide and hopefully make a positive impact on young men and women who are trying to figure out life,” he said. “I can leave knowing I did my best to teach our athletes some life lessons and (to be a) role model for them; things they can hopefully take with them into adulthood.

“Knowing what kind of fathers and husbands most of these young men will turn into makes me proud.”

He is disappointed he won’t be able to continue these relationships.

“We have some incredible young men in the program with great character and integrity, and I am disappointed I will not be their coach,” he said.