Bainbridge picks Jeff Rouser as new football Head Coach

Published 8:17 am Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Jeff Rouser, Kingston High School’s varsity defensive coordinator, will take the reins of the Spartan football program at Bainbridge High School this spring, school officials announced Monday night.

“We couldn’t have found a candidate more suited to lead the Spartan football program forward,” said BHS Principal Duane Fish. “Coach Rouser is a perfect match for the Bainbridge community, with a driven approach to fundamental football as well as a passion for developing athletes who take the student aspect of their high school experience very seriously.”

Rouser, who replaces longtime island football figure and former Spartan Head Coach Andy Grimm, has spent the past decade moving up the ranks in regional football, serving as the catalyst for the youth program in Kingston and also spending the past four years as the defensive coordinator the school’s football program.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to Coach Grimm and his staff for their many years of dedication to the BHS football program,” Rouser said. “As a coach and past opponent, I’ve always been impressed with BHS team’s on the field execution, their determination and their sportsmanship. And, as I’ve had the chance to meet the players, it is obvious the coaches have made a positive imprint and that the players truly value their relationship with Coach Grimm and his staff.”

Rouser lettered in three seasons of Division I college football at the Air Force Academy where he played as a linebacker.

Professionally, he has a Master’s of Business Administration from Boston University, and is the vice president of client services for Planet Ecosystems of San Francisco, California, though he said that Bainbridge Island is the community his family calls home.

“I’m not coming here because I needed a job,” Rouser said. “I’m coming here because I want to be a part of Spartan football. I want to be a positive influence for the kids on and off the field, work closely with the great resources in this community and generate enthusiasm for high school football on the island.”

In addition to his wife, Meisha, Rouser’s family includes his son Garrett, who played football and was a state champion track athlete at KHS, and his daughter Cameron, a sophomore at BHS who finished second in state diving finals this fall.

“We’re excited about the future of Spartan football,” Fish said. “And we wish to thank the members of our search committee for their excellent work in selecting Coach Rouser.”