Emporia ? The head football coach at Emporia State University announced his resignation Thursday.

Dave Wiemers, who had a 35-32 record in his six years in the Hornets’ top coaching spot, said his leaving is the “best thing to do for myself, my family and the future of the program.”

Wiemers was an assistant coach for two years before being named head coach in December 2000.

“I’m very proud of our team and the accomplishments of our program throughout the last eight years,” he said.

The coach led ESU to a Mineral Water Bowl win in 2002 and a share of its first MIAA Championship in football in 2003. He was named Wilson/MIAA Coach of the Year in 2003 after helping the team reach the MIAA championship and earn a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs.