The last week has been rough for Dave Pollick, since the realization that his ever-growing responsibilities as a lawyer had made remaining Susquehannock's softball coach all but impossible.

At one point, Pollick sought advice from his neighbor, recently retired Dallastown boys' basketball coach Jay Rexroth, on how to cope with leaving coaching behind.

But no part of the process was harder than Wednesday night, when Pollick informed his now-former players that after a six-year run that included a pair of Class AAA state titles, he was stepping down as Warriors coach.

"There were a lot of tears in the room," Pollick said. "A lot of people were upset. We all have so much invested in each other that I can understand that emotion."

The good news for Pollick -- and his former players -- is there are plenty of fond memories to reflect on.

Pollick, 54, meticulously molded the Warriors during his tenure, using a passion for the sport and a three-word coaching philosophy -- Train. Empower. Trust. -- to build a consistent winner. That process culminated in back-to-back PIAA titles in 2007 and 2008.

Overall, Pollick posted a 105-27 record at Susquehannock. This spring, the Warriors made it to the District 3 Class AAA quarterfinals.

Pollick leaves the position to concentrate on his job at the law firm of Dale E. Anstine. Pollick said the burdens of his crammed schedule had weighed on him before. But after recently assuming more managerial duties in addition to his role

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as an attorney, he decided he couldn't continue to put his full effort into coaching.

"It was very gut-wrenching, and it's because I look at it more than just playing ball," Pollick said. "But part of that life lessons I teach is you don't take shortcuts. For me to keep coaching I'd have to take a shortcut, and I'm not going to do that."

Pollick informed Susquehannock athletic director Chuck Abbott of his decision earlier in the week.

"We had a long conversation. He was really torn, I know," Abbott said. "Obviously he did a great job coming in here in the years he's been here. What he's done really speaks for himself."

Pollick said two of his assistant coaches, Don Mercadante and Ross Winterson, will return next spring to help guide the program's transition. It's uncertain if either will apply for the head coaching job, but Pollick said he hoped at least one would.

Pollick arrived at Susquehannock seven years ago, spending a year as a volunteer assistant before taking the reins.

Never much of a disciplinarian (he guessed he yelled at his team "maybe three times" in seven years), Pollick said he'd remember the state titles and other big wins. But he'll also treasure the off-the-field moments. The team pasta dinners. Stopping to get ribs after a game at Dover. Seeing his players mature and move on to college.

"It's gonna be agony for me for a lot more than a week," Pollick said. "This is something in me that's going to be part of my identity for a long time.

"I'm gonna be miserable next spring. I've already warned my wife."

Pollick left open the possibility of returning to coaching once his professional schedule dies down.

"It will only be at Susquehannock," he said. "I'm a Warrior for life."

jclayton@ydr.com; 771-2045