Able went 30-6 in 3 seasons with 1 sectional title

NEW PALESTINE — Tim Able is a patient man. It’s one of many qualities that led to unprecedented coaching success the last three years.

That patience has a limit, however.

Able has resigned as the New Palestine football coach, citing the lack of an available teaching position at the school. Able has continued to teach in the Decatur Central system since he was hired at New Palestine.

Able previously coached at Decatur Central, and when he arrived at New Palestine, he was told that administrators would try to find a viable teaching position for him so that he wouldn’t have to drive each day from west of Indianapolis to southern Hancock County.

Unfortunately for Able, and for the Dragons, a teaching position never became available.

“I’ll be teaching at two different elementary schools this year,” said Able, who added that each Decatur school has different “project based” curriculum in which he’s being trained. “And with elementary kids, it’s 100 percent involvement and focus.

“I was getting to practice late last year. It’s just become too difficult to oversee the football program at New Palestine while teaching at Decatur Township 25 miles away.”

Able is appreciative of New Palestine’s efforts to find a teaching position for him.

“It’s not Decatur’s fault, it’s not New Palestine’s fault,” he said. “They’ve both been great. With the economy, there aren’t a lot of teaching openings. People are being laid off.”

Barring unforseen circumstances, Able, 52, will not be a head coach at any school this season.

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