Mike Downs, the head of the Bellevue Christian boys basketball program for the past 32 seasons, will not coach in 2013-14 and beyond, the school said in a statement.

Downs cited personal reasons for the decision and will remain a sixth grade teacher at the middle school.

On the court, his Vikings captured 1A state championships in 2005 and 2006, surviving close games with Brewster on both occasions.

Before Downs became the head man, BCS had a single state tournament appearance in Class 2B in 1977, losing both games. Since his arrival the program made 13 trips to the biggest stage, posting a 29-17 record and a pair of third and fourth place finishes to go with the championships. In all, Downs won 493 games as the head coach and led all three of his sons through the program.

Off the court, Bellevue Christian athletic director Mark DeJonge said it was his dedication to the school’s religious mission and community that will be remembered.

The school’s statement on the resignation is below.

After 32 seasons of serving as the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Bellevue Christian School, Mr. Mike Downs has decided to resign as its head coach.

Coach Downs leaves a legacy as a great teacher of the game, but more importantly, his legacy has been written on the countless numbers of athletes, coaches, and parents who have had the privilege of being part of boys basketball at BCS.

He leaves Bellevue Christian with 493 wins and 2 state championships.  In his letter of resignation to me, Coach Downs wrote:

With much heartfelt reflection I have decided to step down as the boys’ varsity basketball coach at Bellevue Christian School for personal reasons.

Losing the best coach’s wife possible, Jan Downs, to cancer two and a half years ago has made coaching more challenging.  After 32 years of building a program where athletes were taught not only basketball but life lessons and Biblical values, I believe it is time for someone else to provide the passion it takes to run a quality program.

I have been supported by an amazing community of parents, players, coaches and staff at BCS.  I want to thank the many BCS assistant coaches who have enriched my life and supported our program over the years; your friendship means the world to me. We have won two State Titles together and I have been able to coach and develop lasting relationships with young men that I will always treasure.

In addition, I had the pleasure of coaching all three sons, Daniel, Jeffrey, and David.

I know I am leaving one of the best coaching situations in the State.  Words cannot express my gratitude to the BCS community for supporting and blessing my family over my 32 years as the BCS Boys’ Varsity coach!

We praise God for the blessing that Coach Downs has been to the BCS Community and the entire basketball community in Washington State.  Coach Downs will be missed and we look forward to honoring him in the very near future. Mike will continue to teach 6th grade at BCS and we look forward to seeing him around campus.