CASSOPOLIS — After nine seasons at the helm of the Cassopolis football program, Dan Purless has announced his retirement, according to Cassopolis Athletic Director Todd Pawielski, Monday morning.

Purlee went 71-21 over that stretch, including back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2018 and 2019. The Rangers qualified for the playoffs eight out of nine seasons, including four district championships and a pair of semifinal appearances in 2016 and 2018.

He said he is stepping away from the game, which he has been a part of at Cassopolis for 27 years as both a player and a coach, to spend more time with his family.

“It was not an easy decision to make,” he said. “It is one I have contemplated for a couple years now from the standpoint of being a father and missing out on stuff. I have been thinking about doing it for a few years, and I finally felt like the time was right.”

Cassopolis went 10-1 this past season, falling to eventual Division 8 state champion Reading 28-6 in the district finals.

The Rangers have won 19 consecutive regular-season games, a streak that began in 2017. Cassopolis will take that winning streak into the 2020 season.

In 2018, the Rangers set a school record for single-season victories with 12.

“It has been fun,” Purlee said. “I was fortunate to have a lot of really good players, and I put together a really good staff. We had a lot of success. It was a ton of fun.”

Purlee said the 12-1 season is at the top of the list of things he will most remember, as well as the Rangers’ playoff victory over Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central in the regional championship game in 2018.

“I thought that was our best team,” he said. “The Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central game will probably go down as our greatest victory during my stretch.”

“Dan knows the defensive side of the game like few others,” Pawielski said. “Our defense always played fast and hard. He demands excellence and accountability from all of our kids. Our football team was always prepared due to the hours he and his staff put in.”

Purlee said that going to practice every day will be the thing he will probably miss the most.

“I looked forward to going to practice each day,” he said. “You know, when you are in the building all day as a teacher, it can take a toll on you. Practice was such a stress-reliever for me. I had unbelievable kids that were committed, dedicated and such a pleasure to be around.”

Pawielski said Purlee gave his all.

“Dan has been a servant to the Cassopolis community for over 20 years,” he said. “He had a magical run as our varsity football coach and will be sorely missed.”