Craig Widener’s second act as Bowling Green’s boys’ soccer coach has come to an end, with Widener announcing on Jan. 16 that he was stepping down to spend more time with his family.

Widener’s decision comes after a five-year return to a program he guided to lofty heights previously from 2005-15.

“It was a difficult decision, but right now it’s the right one,” Widener said. “So in that sense it’s difficult to step away for sure but the decision itself, it’s the same thing I said the first time that I stepped away — (I can’t) in good conscience like go to other kids’ stuff while my kids are doing stuff and miss it. That’s pretty much it, just the desire to spend more time with the family.

“The last five years have been awesome. The boys are always like family, so it’s a tough thing to step away from but right now it’s just it’s the right thing for us to do.”

Widener picked up where he previously left off with sustained success at Bowling Green. The Purples went 71-17-4 the last five years, with seven losses coming in his first season back. Bowling Green won three region titles, advancing to the state quarterfinals in two years. This past season Bowling Green finished 19-2, losing to eventual state champion St. Xavier 1-0 in the quarterfinals.

The success is added to a resume that included a 206-32-20 record with seven region titles and nine district titles. The Purples advanced to at least the state semifinals six times, winning state titles in 2006 and 2014.

“I know it’s the only place I’ve ever coached, but from administration to facilities to parent support and booster club support it’s wonderful,” Widener said. “I can’t speak highly enough about it. I think they’re gonna take the time and find the right person that understands everything that goes along with being a part of Purples’ soccer so I’m excited to watch the next person come on and continue with the success.”

Widener said being a head coach in 16 of the last 21 years also weighed in the decision.

“I guess that’s kind of part of it too,” Widener said. “Coaching is such a grind that 16 years, that’s a lot of commitment to one program. I’m amazed by people that are sticking at programs for 30 years or more. It’s a lot and I don’t think people really understand everything else that goes into it. I think every coach on earth if it was just coaching the sport and that’s all you had to worry about, that’s the best thing. It’s not exhausting, but everything else that goes into it can definitely be a grind. The rewards that you get from the relationships that you get to make, those the things that you just hope last forever.”

And while he’s definitely stepping away for now, Widener didn’t completely close the door to another return to coaching down the line.

“I don’t think you can ever say you’d never do it again if the opportunity presented itself down the line,” Widener said. “That’s way off in the future, so I’m gonna take some time and figure out what a summer is like. I get to travel to see my son kick football and visit my daughter more up in Columbus, so I’m really looking forward to doing those things.”