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By Scott Roblin

Porter Steps Down

Rattlers men’s volleyball coach Porter resigns from program

Nov 5, 2019 | 12:38 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The architect of the Medicine Hat College Rattlers men’s volleyball team is moving on from the program.

On Tuesday, the Rattlers announced men’s volleyball head coach Mark Porter has resigned effective immediately to ‘pursue other career opportunities.’

“It’s not something that was taken lightly,” said Porter. “There’s been a lot of thought that’s actually gone into it for a lot of months. I just think it’s in the best interests of the team and the program if I step aside and let somebody younger get into it.”

“For a guy my age, it’s exhausting to be honest with you. I think the student-athletes would be better served with another fresher, younger guy that can take them to the next level.”

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Manager of Sport and Wellness Terry Ballard said while the news was suprising, Porter’s tenure with the Rattlers wasn’t going to be a long one.

“I was surprised for sure,” said Ballard. “But, at the same time Mark has been looking for other things and he’s expressed over the years that it wasn’t going to be a long-term thing for him. He hasn’t kept that secret, so he decided this was the time for him and we support his decision.”

Porter was hired by Medicine Hat College in the summer of 2015 and had coached four seasons at the ‘Snake Pit.’

His most successful season came in 2017 when the Rattlers not only won silver at the ACAC championships, but earned a national bronze medal at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association tournament.

“There are certainly offers that are out there,” said Porter. “I haven’t made a decision on what I’m going to do, right now I’m going to take a week or two to rest. I’m off to Europe next week to entertain some things that are possible over there.”

The Rattlers confirmed Kim Stonehouse and the rest of the women’s volleyball team coaching staff will be assisting the men’s team on an interim basis while a new head coach is sought.

“She’s more than willing to accept that,” said Ballard. “She’s actually a little bit excited about it, it’s a little bit of a change for her out of her routine. So, she’ll do that for the next six regular season games through December and we’ll see how that goes.”

“Her and Mark have been colleagues, so they’ve learned from each other and they’ve shared information. Mark is more than willing to even share information right now, I believe [Tuesday] morning Mark and Kim even talked.”

Through six games, the MHC men’s volleyball team has posted a 1-5 record and have lost their last five matches in a row.

However, Porter said he’s leaving the program with the most talented team he’s assembled yet.

“It’s the best group that’s been there since I’ve been there,” said Porter. “Their record certainly doesn’t show it and that’s probably a reflection of my lack of true energy to put into the program. But, I think this group, if they get it turned around and make the playoffs, I still think they’ll be very difficult to beat.”

Both sides reported the split to be amicable and Porter said he’ll remember his four years with the Rattlers program fondly.

“I’m not leaving on bad terms with any of them,” he said. “I’ll still socialize and interact with them, but I just think in the interest of everybody it was the best move to make.”