FIELD TWP — Needed: one boys head basketball coach, immediately, for North Woods School. Only certified coaches need apply.
The Grizzlies have been looking for a head coach since former successful and popular coach Andrew Jugovich fell victim last spring to ISD 2142 budget cuts, with his teaching contract not renewed for this year. The loss hit the school hard, even prompting one elementary school class to start a petition for his retention.
It looked like the problem had been solved last week when the school board held a special meeting in part to approve a new coach. Robbie Goggleye, former boys assistant coach and girls head coach, had been tapped for the position.
But according to information provided by superintendent’s administrative assistant Jeanne Sopp, board members voted down Goggleye’s appointment. Apparently, Goggleye told athletic director John Jirik that he would have to miss games and practices that conflicted with the Grizzlies girls basketball games, as he has a daughter who plays for the team, and the board found that arrangement unacceptable.
This past week, social media feeds have been flooded with position announcements from the school and concerned parents and patrons looking for qualified applicants. The Minnesota State High School League requires head coaches to have either a teaching and coaching license or to have completed a 60-hour in-person and online head coaching course.
With the start of the season scheduled for Nov. 17, time is growing short to get a new coach hired. Qualified applicants are encouraged to visit the ISD 2142 website to apply.
The district employment webpage also lists current vacancies at North Woods for three assistant boys basketball coaches, two at full stipends and one at half stipend; two assistant girls basketball coaches, one at full stipend and the other at half stipend; and a full-time head softball coach and two assistants.
Northeast Range is the only other district school looking for a coaching hire, a head golf coach. All positions are listed as open until filled.