For the first time in 23 seasons, Mountain Heritage will be looking for a new head football coach.

Joey Robinson has announced his retirement from coaching, HighSchoolOT has confirmed. Robinson informed the team on Thursday.

“I have been so blessed to get up each morning and do something that I truly love everyday. It has been an incredible journey,” Robinson said.

Mountain Heritage is coming off a 12-1 season and an appearance in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A West regional championship game. The Cougars lost to Corvian Community in the semifinal matchup.

Robinson helped lead Mountain Heritage to its second straight season of at least 10 wins despite the town of Burnsville suffering devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene. After playing Hendersonville on Sept. 12, the Cougars did not return to action until Oct. 19 due to the storm. Mountain Heritage beat Avery County in that game, 44-7.

Mountain Heritage did not lose a game after the hurricane until its loss to Corvian Community in the semifinals.

Robinson arrived at Mountain Heritage in 2002. Prior to that, the Cougars had only posted one 10-win season. Robinson recorded 10 such seasons, including two 13-win seasons.

Two Mountain Heritage teams played for 2A state championships under Robinson. The Cougars lost to Tarboro in 2009 and to Reidsville in the pandemic-shortened 2021 spring season.

Robinson’s record at Mountain Heritage was 166-115 in 23 seasons.

Mountain Heritage will be part of the new 3A West classification next fall, as the NCHSAA expands to eight classifications.