Lochman steps down as Souhegan football coach

Mike Lochman believes the Souhegan High School football team is in great shape to have a successful season next year, regardless of who the head coach is.

But one thing he does know for sure is that it won't be him.

After four years on the sidelines leading the Sabers, Lochman stepped down last week as the head coach at Souhegan, citing a need to step away to better balance family and work commitments.

"It's become apparent over the last couple of years, that I'm having more difficulty balancing the things I'd always been adept at balancing, which are family, football and career," Lochman said. "I've always been able to manage that well, and that's started to erode a bit. It's been 23 years (as an assistant and head coach) that I've been involved in New Hampshire football, so it was a difficult decision.

"It was always a dream of mine, of being able to lead a program, and I enjoyed it tremendously. If any one player got as much out of it as I got out of it personally, in terms of learning and growth, then I was successful. I wouldn't trade it or the people I worked with for the world."

Souhegan struggled with injuries and depth in 2016, going 3-6 after compiling a winning record the two previous years, which included a Division II playoff berth in 2015.

And with a large number of players set to return for next year, Lochman feels he's leaving the program in a good situation, regardless of who replaces him.

"I felt leaving the table set for someone to come into was important," he said. "We worked really hard since taking over the program and next year could be a playoff year. I thought about it and said I don't know if that's a great reason to come back. It may be a better reason to call it at that point. It makes it easier for the administration to get someone to come in. I want the program to be successful."

Lochman took over as the head coach in 2013, replacing longtime head coach Mike Beliveau. The Sabers were 2-7 in that first year, as they had just one returning starter on both sides of the ball going into the season.

Souhegan improved to 5-3 the following year and went 7-1 during the regular season in 2015 before losing to Milford in the quarterfinals.

In his four years at Souhegan, Lochman was 17-18 with the Sabers. He previously was an assistant coach at Hollis Brookline (2008-12), Merrimack (1998-2006) and Milford (1997).

"I'm proud I was associated with the program and I'm proud of the way the guys showed up to play every week," Lochman said. "The players at Souhegan were always dedicated to improve themselves and play for each other. It seems generic to say but it's not as common as you might guess, especially in years when you're not cruising. That made it so much fun."