Replacing Coach Eekhoff @ Western Christian
- Thread starter theocia
- Start date
I don't think there will be a long line of applicants.
Despite being able to step into one of the most successful programs in the state, there are a lot of issues that will reduce the # of candidates:
-Who wants to follow a legend? Western fans aren't used to more than a few losses/year. Comparisons will be made.
-Public school coaches won't like the cut in pay to switch to a private school (No teachers union/IPERS pension)
-Some won't want to move to a small town like Hull
My guess is that they look in-house first, (but they've had good luck in volleyball with Coach Verbeek, who teaches at another school). Possible:
-Bill Harmsen is the new AD, his son will be on varsity next few years, & has his own legacy in girl's BB (3 state titles, 1 runner-up, 1 final four in his 5 year career)
-Shawn De Stigter is a current assistant, played for Eekhoff, & well liked by all
-Wes Fopma is an assistant also & has experience at the college level as well (his son might be interested as well -(assistant @ D2 Sioux Falls right now)
I'd be good with any of these guys.
Despite being able to step into one of the most successful programs in the state, there are a lot of issues that will reduce the # of candidates:
-Who wants to follow a legend? Western fans aren't used to more than a few losses/year. Comparisons will be made.
-Public school coaches won't like the cut in pay to switch to a private school (No teachers union/IPERS pension)
-Some won't want to move to a small town like Hull
My guess is that they look in-house first, (but they've had good luck in volleyball with Coach Verbeek, who teaches at another school). Possible:
-Bill Harmsen is the new AD, his son will be on varsity next few years, & has his own legacy in girl's BB (3 state titles, 1 runner-up, 1 final four in his 5 year career)
-Shawn De Stigter is a current assistant, played for Eekhoff, & well liked by all
-Wes Fopma is an assistant also & has experience at the college level as well (his son might be interested as well -(assistant @ D2 Sioux Falls right now)
I'd be good with any of these guys.
I know I and everyone I have talked with about it are hoping Harmsen takes the job. He is an excellent coach and will make losing a legend like Eekhoff a little easier to swallow. If he doesn't I would think De Stigter is next in line. He has some head coaching experience before coming to Western and I think would do a good job. I would be very surprised if the job didn't go to one of those two, but you just never know.
'Public school coaches won't like the cut in pay to switch to a private school (No teachers union/IPERS pension)'
Must be different than football, I heard all the coaches at private schools with success like this make tons of money.
Must be different than football, I heard all the coaches at private schools with success like this make tons of money.
Keep stirring it up cid
Have to keep things interesting.... And maybe draw attention when points are made that fly in the face of the beat a dead horse pissers and moaners.
Pointing out a challenge Western faces in replacing a legend and responding to a post naming me specifically is derailing a thread? Key word responding. Try listing some candidates to keep the thread on track rather than worrying about what I post. It's almost like you worry a little too much about what I post.
1. Do they have any teaching openings?
2. This is a tough job. No place to go but down. Bill Harmsen has some great things going on in the girls program.
2. This is a tough job. No place to go but down. Bill Harmsen has some great things going on in the girls program.
The "all knowing they" say that Harmsen is happy coaching the girls and would prefer a "buffer guy" between himself and Eekhoff. I've also heard Shawn DeStigter has declined the position. I doubt Fopma would want to be head coach. Another name I've heard is Derek Keizer, assistant coach at Dordt. He's been a college level assistant for a number of years, played for Eekhoff, knows the school etc. Will be an interesting hire for sure.
That's what they said when Tom VandenBosch left after winning 4 state VB titles. His replacement, Sue Kooima, won another one, and then her replacement Tammy Veerbeek has won 8 or 9.
Western had gone to state 2 years in a row before Eekhoff started. It took him 3 years to win his first title.
Western will continue crank out some great players. (just a little shorter for a couple years)
"Tradition doesn't graduate."
Hull native. Eekhoff protege'
Got it pretty good at MOC though!
Comparing Tom to Tami is comparing 2 different eras. Both great coaches, but Tami has had 2 luxuries that Tom didnt. 1. More classes in volleyball now than then and 2. IGHSAU will split up better teams now than back then. There were also 2 coaches between Tom and Tami. Sue is a great person, but i wouldnt say she was a great coach. Tom's son Kyle was also there for a year. Kyle, is a great coach.
What was the reason gave for retiring? I had heard through word of mouth that something happened in the Western/Sioux Center game that helped push him in this direction. I hope it's not true
I had heard this was his last year quite some time before the post season from someone who i would call a very reliable source.
I would think western grad and assistant coach at USF Kevin Fopma would get a shot at the job if he wanted it. Great kid that knows the culture and how to continue the programs success and already has a good amount of experience at various places.
Supposedly, the decision for Eekoff retiring from the AD position was a for sure before the season, but there was still a tiny chance of him returning as the boys coach for the next year or two. That chance was put to rest after the altercation in the sub state game. Supposedly school board members were prepared for a resignation if he didn't' go on his own terms. Even if he didn't mean to violently grab a player by the front of his jersey and push him, it was well observed on a big stage in front of the communities. The altercation has been negatively recieved by both schools and fan bases. I'm sure he was worked up during the moment and regrets that decision, but it today's age that behavior isn't acceptable.
Interesting insight. Thanks for posting.
QUOTE="NWIhoopsFAN, post: 140019, member: 8904"]Supposedly, the decision for Eekoff retiring from the AD position was a for sure before the season, but there was still a tiny chance of him returning as the boys coach for the next year or two. That chance was put to rest after the altercation in the sub state game. Supposedly school board members were prepared for a resignation if he didn't' go on his own terms. Even if he didn't mean to violently grab a player by the front of his jersey and push him, it was well observed on a big stage in front of the communities. The altercation has been negatively recieved by both schools and fan bases. I'm sure he was worked up during the moment and regrets that decision, but it today's age that behavior isn't acceptable.[/QUOTE]
QUOTE="NWIhoopsFAN, post: 140019, member: 8904"]Supposedly, the decision for Eekoff retiring from the AD position was a for sure before the season, but there was still a tiny chance of him returning as the boys coach for the next year or two. That chance was put to rest after the altercation in the sub state game. Supposedly school board members were prepared for a resignation if he didn't' go on his own terms. Even if he didn't mean to violently grab a player by the front of his jersey and push him, it was well observed on a big stage in front of the communities. The altercation has been negatively recieved by both schools and fan bases. I'm sure he was worked up during the moment and regrets that decision, but it today's age that behavior isn't acceptable.[/QUOTE]
It was announced today that Bill Harmsen will be the new boys head coach. Great news for Western fans as he is a fantastic coach. He had the JV team rolling when he was their coach and his record as the girls coach speaks for itself. With him at the helm I can see Western's program continue to be top notch year in and year out.
How long has he been at WC? How old is he and what was his record with the girls team?
He coached JV for 11 years, and his teams were always excellent. Took over the girls program 5 years ago. Won three state championships his first three years, made it to state the other two including losing in last years semi and by 1 in this years championship game. He compiled a 123-12 record over those 5 years. Western's program is in very good hands.
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