‘It was more than wins and losses’: Coach Ross reflects on over two decades from the Whitefish football sideline

After 24 years coaching football in Whitefish, one state championship and a whole host of thrilling games, as Chad Ross recollects all he can think of is the people. The smiling faces at graduation, the ‘thank yous’ from former players, the names of kids he had the opportunity to assist in life — those snippets all come up as the most memorable part of his coaching career.

Wins and losses, records and play calls, they’re are all part of one aspect of the sport, and the Whitefish football team was competitive under Ross, but for the long-tenured coach the most meaningful takeaway is the impact of relationships.

Last month Whitefish head football coach Chad Ross announced his retirement from the sidelines — for now. For nearly half his life Ross has been with the program and he’s stood at the helm of the team for 12 of those years. His decision to step away from coaching didn’t come easily, but he says it was the right timing in his personal life as his own kids grow older and he continues to chase them with his unconditional support.

After making this move, he has spent time reflecting on his run with the program and the many lives he has had the distinct joy of being involved in.

“(Whitefish coaches) are kid-minded people – we believe the best in kids,” Ross expressed. “And yes we’re competitive and we want to win, but winning is not just the win-loss records. It’s maturity in kids and seeing them succeed in life, that’s really how we define wins.”

ALTHOUGH WINS come in many different forms, Whitefish football had its share of exciting moments on the field over the last two decades.

While Ross was head coach the team has had its ups and downs each season, creating a 62-53 overall record. The program made it to two state championship games, had several thrilling rivalry matchups against Columbia Falls and started out his final season as head coach on a seven-game winning streak.

The highest achievement in the scorebooks came in 2015 when the Bulldogs capped an 11-1 season by becoming State A Champions for the first time in over 30 years. Whitefish dethroned the reigning state champs, Dillon, 17-3; the dramatic plays and the heart of the guys on the field that day still flood Ross’ mind when he recalls the win.

“The excitement from the community was so cool, it was electrifying,” he recalled. “My mind’s like, Luke’s interception, or Jed’s catch or Chris’ touchdown. I mean you can just go back and those moments just kind of start flashing in your head.”

He was referring to key plays made by players Luke May, Jed Nagler and Chris Park. It was extra special for Ross as well because his oldest son Chaffin was a senior on the team and he had literally watched all of these kids grow up alongside his own son.

“That was pretty memorable because I got to live life with them, not just coach football,” Ross said.

The championship win was the pinnacle, however Ross says the build-up for the four years prior to it was just as remarkable. Throughout those years the entire program from coaching staff to players progressed together to create a team capable of claiming a state title.

“Just to see all of it come together was really neat,” he said.

2015 was hardly the only highlight-worthy season though, and Ross says it is hard to pinpoint a moment or a game that would take the honor of most memorable.

ROSS PRIDES himself as a coach on his ability to connect and build relationships with his players and his coaching staff. He says with the support of his talented assistant coaches he has had more time in recent years as head coach to focus on that aspect of coaching. He feels it was time well spent too as he’s received numerous kind messages from former players and families since announcing his retirement.

“I think I can get more out of kids because of the relationship,” he said. “I think building the relationships and empowerment of people made me a good coach.”

He consistently empowered his coaches to make calls and to create bonds with the players; he likewise empowered his players to take responsibility for themselves and become decision-makers.

“As I’ve gotten older I connect really well with my assistant coaches and I empower them to (build relationships) and I give them the ability to make decisive calls,” Ross said. “I think my players see that and they like playing in that kind of a program.”

ROSS CAME to Whitefish in 1998 when he and his wife Nadine bought the local Dairy Queen. He grew up in Tempe, Arizona and football was a huge part of his life. In high school, he was being recruited when he blew out his knee senior year.

He worked is way back with a year at a junior college and then walked on to the football team at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He played long snapper for the Wildcats. Ross earned his degree in chemistry with a minor in math physics and soon began teaching and coaching football at a local high school.

When the Ross family visited Whitefish for spring break in ‘98, they fell in love with the area and the small community. After moving out here that May, Ross wasted little time getting involved in football again.

He met Mike Ferda, the Whitefish coach at the time, at the Dairy Queen he owned. Ross still remembers his shake order to this day. He began as a volunteer coach and worked his way through up to the head coach position.

Ross, with his wife Nadine, has three children — Chaffin, Cailyn and Camren. All three went through the Whitefish school system during the time their father was coaching and teaching at the high school. He coached both of his sons in football and has made sure to prioritize showing up for his kids.

Nadine also is a huge support for the 30 years the two have been married. 24 years as a coach’s wife and about the same as a mother to three smart, athletic kids.

“She put a lot of time in too,” he added.

ROSS WANTED to become a coach for a few reasons, one being that he didn’t want to give up the feeling of the Friday night lights. But also he had coaches that made an impact on him at pivotal times in his life.

He always wanted to be able to offer the same support, advice and love to his own players as a coach. With the moments involving the people, the emotions and the life lessons being some of his favorites from his time with Whitefish Football — he accomplished that goal and now gets to watch former players make something of their lives. That’s quite a reward for years of dedication.

“I just think of the community... It’s humbling, the love and support,” he said holding back emotion. “I’m very proud to have been a part of this. It’s been really cool for me and my family.”