Erickson Named New Varsity Boys Coach
Effective May 5, 2011, the Galena Hawks are pleased to announce the hiring of new head varsity men's basketball coach Arne Erickson for the 2011-2012 season. Coach Erickson replaces Coach Stordahl who stepped down following the 2010-2011 season. Coach Erickson was an all-conference guard and team captain at Tok High School, graduating in 1981. He attended the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, graduating in 1986. Mr. Erickson brings over 20 years of Alaska coaching experience to the Galena basketball program. Coach Erickson has been an assistant coach at Tok High school for 2 years, and a head coach at Hoonah High School for 20 years, and most recently was the JV coach at Galena during the 2010-2011 season. During his years at Hoonah High School the Braves were conference champions 2 times and runners-up 4 times. The Braves were also state runners-up in 1990 and 1998. Three of Coach Erickson's players went on to play basketball at the university level, and in 1998 one of the Braves was named small schools player of the year. Coach Erickson has international coaching experience, guiding the Team Alaska Junior Men's team at the Arctic Winter Games in 2000, 2002, and 2004. Team Alaska won a Silver in 2000, a Gold in 2002, and a Bronze Ulu in 2004 under Coach Erickson. In the off season Mr. Erickson has worked as a camp staffer and clinician at NBC camps, Houston's Hoop camp, Southeast Basketball Academy, and Pacific Clinics.
In a statement released following his acceptance of the head coaching position at Galena Interior Learning Academy, Coach Erickson said, "I am honored and grateful to be selected as the coach of the Galena Hawks and for the opportunity to be part of such a proud and distinguished basketball program. I humbly vow to do my best to build upon the standards of excellence in the Galena Basketball tradition. Galena has a devoted fan base, first-rate radio coverage, 2 gymnasiums, 2 state-of-the-art weight rooms, an intramural developmental league, a group of students who are passionate about basketball, the Gun shooting training machine, excellent educational opportunities, and one of the best Athletic Directors in the state. Our coaching staff here is experienced, dedicated, competent, and knowledgable and our team plays a diverse schedule around the state. We have a strong group of young prospects entering the program. For students looking to take their game to the next level and play basketball in a positive and challenging environment, Galena is a good choice."
THE GALENA HAWKS ENDORSE:
