York, PA - For Mitch Groh, the decision to step down after 11 successful seasons as boys' soccer coach at Dallastown was the result of a confluence of factors.

The biggest one, ultimately, came down to family. Groh wanted more time to spend with his wife and two children -- Mitchell, 9, and Maggie, 7. He wanted to be able to drive his kids to baseball or gymnastics and to coach them in soccer.

Two weeks ago, Groh informed Dallastown athletic director Tory Harvey of his decision. The coach leaves quite the legacy with the Wildcats, one that includes more than 100 career victories, six YAIAA Division I titles, three YAIAA tournament crowns and the 2010 District 3 Class AAA championship.

And, of course, Groh will always the have the relationships forged by more than a decade with Dallastown's program.

"I was thinking about all the kids that have come through the program," Groh said Wednesday. "You run into them, and if you don't see them, you see their parents.

"That's kind of the best part about coaching, is getting to meet new kids, new families. Being able to have an impact."

Last season, Groh's Wildcats finished 18-4-1, including 11-0-1 in Division I play. Dallastown also took home its second straight league tournament title with a 3-0 victory against West York.

But as the season wore on, the demanding nature of the job began to wear on the 40-year-old, who teaches at Loganville Elementary School.

The move of girls' soccer'

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from spring to fall in the next scholastic season also played a part in Groh's decision. He knew he would lose boys' JV coach and assistant Barry Barbush, who also serves as Dallastown's girls' soccer coach.

"I felt like, in some ways, that would be the best time for somebody to come in and start fresh with the program," Groh said.

But Groh stressed he's not abandoning the sport. He already helps coach his son's U-10 team with FC York.

"It's not like I'm leaving the sport," Groh said. "I'm just leaving the high school program."

@johnsclayton; 771-2045