Saying it was “time for a change,” Oak Harbor High School boys basketball coach Mike Washington resigned Wednesday, April 23, after eight years at the helm.

Washington met with Oak Harbor High School Athletic Director Nicki Luper earlier this week and decided to step aside.

“The administration wanted me to do some things I didn’t think I had the energy to do,” Washington said, citing, in particular, working with early elementary children to build a stronger program.

Luper said, “We appreciate all that coach Washington has done for our students over the past eight years and wish him the best.”

Now that his sons have passed through the program, Washington said the decision wasn’t difficult; he is “happy and at peace” with his choice.

“The freedom is such a relief,” he added.

Unburdened by coaching responsibilities, he now has time to follow his sons’ collegiate basketball careers.

Mike Jr., who will be a junior next season, plays for Princeton; and high school senior Drew, who originally planned to play for the Air Force Academy, accepted a preferred walk-on spot with Seattle University.

“I will be racking up the frequent flier miles,” he said with a chuckle.

Washington said if he decides to get back into coaching, he will most likely look at the college level.

The highlight of his career at OHHS, he said, was his 2012-13 team that finished second in the Western Conference North and fourth in the district tournament.

His 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 teams all qualified for district; the three-peat was the first for the Wildcats in more than 20 years.

“I loved the kids I was able to work with,” Washington said.

“I learned that the most important thing through it all is building relationships with the kids.”