POULSBO — Tony Chisholm resigned from his position as head coach of the North Kitsap High School varsity basketball team March 1.

The reason for his resignation was not known by Thursday; in an email, Chisholm said he was not immediately available to discuss the resignation.

Chisholm coached in the North Kitsap School District for about 22 years.

Patrick Olsen, the district’s athletic director, did not return calls or emails from the Herald. Chris Franklin, athletic director and activities coordinator for North Kitsap High School, confirmed Chisholm resigned.

The coaching position was not posted on the district’s website as of Thursday morning. Karin Lawlis, NKHS’ athletic secretary, said the position has not been filled. Chisholm came to the Northwest on a plane ticket issued by the United States Army. After putting his time in at Fort Lewis, he moved to Poulsbo to be close to his in-laws and start a family of his own.

One day at church, Chisholm, who played basketball as a youngster and coached his unit’s team in the Army, had a chance encounter with a substitute teacher who recommended Chisholm apply for a job at the local high school. In 1991, Chisholm began his coaching career as an assistant with the NKHS girls junior varsity program. Two years later, Chisholm took the head boys basketball spot at Kingston Junior High and was asked to take the lead position with the girls squad as well.

After 13 years and three league titles with those programs, Chisholm transferred in 2006 to his position atop the boys program at North Kitsap High School. He timed the move to coincide with his son Taylor’s own progression from junior high to high school.

Chisholm led the Vikings to the state tournament in 2009, the first time since 2005.