Kralik Stepping Down, Norris Taking over in 2023

On the heels of the Cruiser football program’s best finish, since 1992 with a runner-up finish at State in 2021, Head Coach Gavin Kralik announced on Monday that this upcoming season will be his final season at the helm of the Eatonville HS football program.

In an email sent out on August 1st to the families of his players, Kralik stated:

“I have decided that this will be my final season as the Head Coach of the football program. We are hoping to make a decision on the person that will take over as Head Coach for the 2023 season prior to the start of this season to allow for a smoother transition at the end of this season and heading into the next. Nothing is changing with our coaching staff for this season. We are full steam ahead and looking forward to getting things going. Thanks so much to everyone for their fantastic support of the football program and myself personally.”

When I spoke with Kralik, he cited many things that went into his decision.

“After this next school year I have two kids heading off to college and I felt like it made sense to step away from the head coaching position after this season. I look forward to getting my kids settled in their new locations and feel like it is important for the head coach to be consistently present throughout the summer, etc. Also, I wanted to have the flexibility to travel to see my kids during their college years/sports, etc.”

As for what’s next for Kralik, “I plan on being in Eatonville beyond this year continuing to serve as the Athletic Director and hopefully contribute to the football program as an assistant coach in a lesser role.”

As far as the decision to hire his replacement now for the 2023-2024 season, Kralik was thinking about what would be in the best interest of the football program.

“There has been a lot of uncertainty and instability over the last couple of years and I know that has taken a toll on our student-athletes. Knowing that this was going to be my last season, I saw this as an opportunity to make the transition as smooth as possible for the whole program. I want our athletes to know what to expect in future seasons and feel like they are part of that transition. This type of thing is pretty common at the collegiate level and it seemed like it made sense for this situation, too.”

The school district posted the job opening for the head coaching position on August 1st and its closing date was August 8th. After interviewing candidates, Kralik shared the following.

“Pending board approval, we are excited to announce that Rex Norris has agreed to fill that role beginning with the 2023 football season. Coach Norris has served as an assistant coach for the Cruisers over the past two seasons and has built positive relationships with players and staff. He is looking forward to supporting our team during this season and working with me to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”

Coach Rex Norris, seen here in 2021 during the Cruisers State playoff game, has accepted the head coaching position and will take over at the start of the 2023-2024 season. Photo: Trinity Potter.

Coach Norris brings an extensive and diverse football background to the Cruiser football program. Here are a few highlights.

Norris was the Head Coach at Kentwood High School from 2004-15. His record there was 86-30, including 5 league championships, and being named SPSL Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012.

He was the Head of Football at Atavus from 2015-2020. As part of Atavus, he provided tackling instruction and support for a number of universities, including the University of Washington, Ohio State, Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, SMU, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Baylor as well as for multiple NFL teams.

In addition to this background in football, Coach Norris has coached rugby for 30 years, winning 20 state championships and 6 appearances in the National finals. Coach Norris was also part of the coaching staff of the US National Rugby team.

After learning that Coach Norris was chosen to replace Kralik next season, I reached out to him and asked him his thoughts on being asked to take over the program starting in 2023.

“To tell you the truth it was a sense of pride and relief at the same moment. I know that the Eatonville community demands a very high standard when it comes to its coaches. There is a long history of high-level coaches at Eatonville across all sports and I am proud to coach for and with some of those coaches. It was a feeling of relief because my wife and I have taken a leap of faith to come to this area to settle down and this validates all the decisions we have made over the past year. I am honored to follow the example and standard that has been set by Coach Kralik and the current staff. They have had a lot of success and I am motivated to help keep that going. I am obviously in a unique position to be a part of Coach Kralik’s last year as Head Coach and I feel we will continue to get closer as a staff and improve our efforts to develop quality student-athletes for Eatonville High School.”

Coach Norris is honored to be chosen as the new Head Coach and he and the staff are focused on getting the players ready.

“I don't take this decision by the Eatonville Administration lightly. I am honored to be working as a Teacher / Coach at Eatonville High School. This was a family decision to come to this area. I am going to do all I can to help make Eatonville High School and the Eatonville Football Program the place to be. Our priority is to focus on our kids and our first opponent. Coach Kralik has a great plan for all of us moving forward so our priority is to get ready for Thursday, September 1st vs Olympic.”

As the Cruisers get ready for this upcoming season, their first day of practice is August 17th with their first game being on Thursday, September 1st, as Coach Norris mentioned, when they host the 2A Olympic Trojans.

Below is the Cruiser's full 2022-2023 season schedule.

Thursday, September 1st vs Olympic

Friday, September 9th at Orting

Thursday, September 15 vs Cascade Christian

Friday, September 23 vs Bellevue Christian (Hall of Fame)

Friday, September 30th at Tenino*

Friday, October 7th vs Montesano* (Homecoming)

Friday, October 14th at W.F. West

Friday, October 21st at Elma*

Thursday, October 27th vs Hoquiam* (Senior Night)

*League game