Interlake coach Sheldon Cross accepts coaching position at WSU

Interlake football coach Sheldon Cross has accepted a coaching position with the Washington State University football team. Cross, 28, confirmed to the Reporter Wednesday morning that he was offered a graduate assistant coaching position with the Cougars, which he has accepted. He will leave Interlake after the Christmas holidays and begin working with WSU in January. "For a while now, it's something that I've considered and something that I've wanted to do," Cross said on a cell phone from Atlanta, where he is traveling to watch the Illinois State-Northern Iowa football game on Saturday. "But I wanted to make sure I took the right opportunity and not jump at the first thing that became available."

By Joel Willits • November 18, 2009 3:12 pm
Sheldon Cross
Sheldon Cross

Interlake football coach Sheldon Cross has accepted a coaching position with the Washington State University football team.

Cross, 28, confirmed to the Reporter Wednesday morning that he was offered a graduate assistant coaching position with the Cougars, which he has accepted. He will leave Interlake after the Christmas holidays and begin working with WSU in January.

“For a while now, it’s something that I’ve considered and something that I’ve wanted to do,” Cross said on a cell phone from Atlanta, where he is traveling to watch the Illinois State-Northern Iowa football game on Saturday. “But I wanted to make sure I took the right opportunity and not jump at the first thing that became available.”

Cross will work as an offensive graduate assistant. He said his duties aren’t 100 percent clear yet, but will likely include working with the skills positions, breaking down opponents tapes, and scouting.

“I’m really excited to go over there and help in any way possible,” he said.

Cross said he informed players at the team’s end of the year meeting earlier this week. Interlake was eliminated from the 2A state playoffs Saturday with a 35-21 loss to Mark Morris in Longview.

“I think there was mixed emotions,” Cross said. “Some of the guys had an idea it could happen. I think everyone knew I wanted to see these seniors through.

“I really, really loved my time at Interlake and I’m proud of where the program is and where it’s come,” Cross added. “There’s never a great time, but I figured it was the best possible time.”

In three years at Interlake, Cross put together an overall record of 16-18 and led the Saints to two consecutive trips to the Class 2A state tournament.

Washington State University is 1-9 this season under second-year coach Paul Wulff. The Cougars lost to UCLA 43-7 last weekend in Pullman.

“I’ve been around the coaching staff enough to see that they have a plan in place,” Cross said. “Coach Wulff believes in that plan and they are sticking to that plan. I really believe it’s going to get turned around.”

Calls to the WSU football program were not returned.

Notes: Cross also confirmed that Interlake senior running back Brett Kirschner, who is being recruited by WSU, has not committed yet to any school, but will take an official visit to Pullman in January.