Lance Pedersen leaving Mount Vernon to coach football at Clear Creek Amana

MOUNT VERNON — According to the so-called “bottom line,” Lance Pedersen’s decade-long stint as Mount Vernon High School football coach was an absolute success.

But the real success, Pedersen indicated, is yet to be determined.

“The record is never the answer,” he said in a social-media farewell to the community. “My answer has always been, ‘I will let you know in 10 years. Are the players we coached better sons, brothers, fathers (and) husbands from going through our program? Are they giving back to their communities that they live in?

“’If that answer is yes, (then) we were successful.’”

Pedersen, who posted a 79-29 mark in 10 years at Mount Vernon, will take the head coaching job at Clear Creek Amana, pending board approval Wednesday.

The Mustangs were 9-2 last season and reached the Class 3A quarterfinals. His successor will inherit a likely 3A top-five team.

Clear Creek Amana was 3-6 in 2023 under Matt Haddy.

Pedersen could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com