David McKenna steps down as Gonzaga Prep football coach after 16 seasons

At the end of every team football meeting during David McKenna's 16 seasons at Gonzaga Prep, players and coaches recited the same prayer.

"Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words."

That is certainly the best way to summarize the manner in which McKenna cared for the best program in the Greater Spokane League.

McKenna, 53, announced Thursday that he was stepping down as the Bullpups' leader, citing a desire to spend more time with his growing family.

"During the season, it crossed my mind ... but in all of my 16 years, I am always going o reflect and discern at the end of the season," McKenna said. "So, I went and thought on it, talked to family and friends and came to the conclusion it was time.

"The program is in a good situation - and in good stead."

With eight GSL titles to his name, and a 137-36 coaching record, McKenna is Gonzaga Prep's all-time winningest coach.

His team broke through in 2015 and won the WIAA Class 4A state championship, defeating Skyline in the finals in the Tacoma Dome.

True to his servant-warrior nature, McKenna gave much of the credit for the program's extended run of success - nine WIAA playoff berths, including eight trips to at least the state quarterfinals - to his players, staff of coaches and his "unsung hero" - his wife, April.

"She's been simply amazing," McKenna said. "She let me follow my dream. I am so blessed."

After being a backup quarterback on the school's 1986 state title-winning squad at Gonzaga Prep, he joined the staff two years after his graduation in 1990 as a volunteer assistant under Don Anderson, then stayed on with Dave Carson.

In 2008, McKenna became just the fifth coach in the program's 95-year history.

"Our kids won with class," McKenna said. "We had our ups and downs ... but we emphasized that (principle)."

(Featured file photo by Lane Mathews)