A Legacy Forged in Six State Titles
Alex Rotsko, the longtime head coach of the Marshwood High School football program in South Berwick, Maine, revealed his decision to retire at the end of the recent season. His departure comes after a distinguished 13‑year stretch that yielded six Class B state championships and a cumulative record of 100‑35.
Rotsko’s impact extended beyond the win column. He built a culture that emphasized discipline and community involvement, qualities that resonated with players, parents and local supporters alike. The program’s recent challenges, however, forced a reassessment of its future.
The coach cited the dwindling number of participants as the primary factor behind his exit. This year the team fielded only eight freshmen, a roster size that made it impossible to sustain a competitive schedule. The shrinking talent pool has been a growing concern across many small‑scale high school programs in the region.
Before arriving at Marshwood, Rotsko honed his craft at Longmeadow High School in Massachusetts and later at American International College, where he also pursued his own academic interests. His coaching journey reflects a deep connection to New England football traditions.
Taking over as interim head coach is Andrew Elwell, a 2004 Marshwood graduate and former offensive lineman at the University of New Hampshire. Elwell has been part of the Marshwood football family for more than a decade, first as a player and later as an assistant, giving him an intimate understanding of the program’s nuances.
Rotsko’s contributions have not gone unnoticed; he was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to his lasting influence on the sport within the state.