When the Spearfish football team takes the field next season, it will do so with a new head football coach.

Chuck Syverson has stepped down as the Spartans' football coach to take the same position at Thermopolis High School in Wyoming.

The move, Syverson said, was based on family need rather than anything that happened on the field.

"It was just a move we had to make financially for our family," Syverson said. "It was a real tough decision to leave here. We have really enjoyed it. The school, administration, the community has been real supportive."

Syverson, who is originally from Minnesota, leaves the Spartans after three seasons at the helm where he compiled a 6-24 record as the head coach, including a 2-8 record in 2008.

"I think we set a pretty good foundation for our athletes. We increased our expectations on what's expected in the offseason and our weight room appearances have been much better the last couple of years and our injury rates have gone down significantly."

Syverson is positive he leaves a program in better shape than when he found it.

"The rest of the coaches are going to be on staff next year, so that will help with continuity of the staff," he said.

Syverson takes over a program that is struggling. The Bobcats finished with a 2-7 record last season, posting wins over Big Piney, Wyo., and Lovell, Wyo.

"There is a lot of potential, from what I've heard, with that program," Syverson said. "They really don't have much of an offseason right now. We are going to try and incorporate some of the things we did pretty successfully here and I think if we get those established we have a chance to turn some things around there as well."