Roswell: After 12 seasons at Roswell High School, head baseball coach Mark Beeman said farewell on his own terms. Beeman submitted his letter of resignation to the school late Monday afternoon and informed the school district on Tuesday.

"It has been a genuine pleasure being the baseball coach at Roswell High, but I have decided to take this time to evaluate my current goals and investigate new opportunities," Beeman said in his letter.

Roswell Independent School District Superintendent Michael Gottlieb accepted Beeman's resolution with great understanding.

"In knowing Mr. Beeman, I know that he is a great teacher and a great individual," Gottlieb said. "The way I read the letter, I felt like it was something he had to do."

Roswell High interim principal Israel Carrera was reluctant to comment on Beeman's decision.

"All I'm going to tell you is he resigned officially yesterday (Monday); I accepted his resignation," he said. "He came in yesterday, gave me his letter and I said 'I appreciate it.'"

Numerous calls to Danny Eaker, the Director of Activities and Athletics with RISD, were not returned.

In his letter, Beeman was very grateful to every body involved with his tenure. In addition to extending 'thank yous' to Goddard High head coach Steve Nunez and Artesia High head coach Clay Foster, describing them as "true professionals and great baseball coaches" and wishing them well in the playoffs, Beeman thanked businesses, parents, assistants, friends, his family and even his former players.

"Thank you Coyote baseball players for 10 years of your blood, sweat and tears," he said. "You have done more for me than I could have ever done for you."

Naming Jason Zamora, Eric Jennings, Mike Mendoza, A.J. Cisco, Steven Childress, the Brandt brothers, Carlos Marrujo, Jeremy Johnson, Trevor Albritton Louie Joe Gomez and Kit Wier, Beeman said, "You guys have a special place in my heart."

Describing his coaching staff as "the best assistants a coach could ever have," Beeman thanked Kyle Alsup, Frank Sandoval and Craig Baca.

"You guys are truly magical with kids," he said. "I owe you more than I could ever repay."

Also affiliated with Coyotes baseball, Beeman extended his gratitude to the booster club members over the years, including Pat and Kathy Jennings, the late Steve Childress, Daryll Johnson, Lolly Grado, Kathy O'niel, Varney Brandt, Bill Wier and Mark and Pam Boyd.

"Because of you, our kids have the best of the best," Beeman said.

The Coyotes featured a sophomore-aden team in 2008 and, despite showing promise, finished 4-22 overall and just 1-9 in the district. A 4-2 win over Artesia on April 29 at home was perhaps the highlight of the campaign.

Rusty Ryan at Forrest Tire, Hector Lujan at Farmer's Country Market, Larry Hobson, Dan Woods at Woods Sports and Wendell Taylor at Gardenswartz Team Sales were also mentioned in Beeman's thanks.

Beeman offered his word of appreciation to the administration and staff of RISD, including all of the Superintendents, Athletic Directors and Principals he has worked with over the years.

For Roswell High, it does not seem to be an immediate priority to hire a new coach.

"The thing we have to do now is follow the procedures set by the RISD," said Carrera. "I will get with Mr. (Mike) Kakuska (Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources with RISD) and see what our next step is."

A handful of candidates have voiced their interest within the area, but no official applications have been submitted yet.