Word has spread throughout Minnesota and beyond since I reported a week ago about the International Falls School Board accepting Mike Bolstad’s resignation as the Broncos’ boys hockey head coach.
The Minnesota Hockey Hub linked to the story I wrote that was posted on the www.ifallsjournal.com website, for instance, and Bolstad’s departure was the topic of at least one on-line chat forum related to high school hockey.
Bolstad’s hiring a year ago also generated similar interest in light of him playing hockey in the late 1970s for legendary coach Larry Ross, who led the Broncos to six state championships and several other state tournament appearances from 1954-1985.
Given Falls’ hockey tradition, which I observed earlier this month is prominently mentioned in a video about Minnesota high school hockey at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, the attention about the Broncos’ head coach shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Bolstad, who compiled a 10-15-1 record in his one and only season as head coach, isn’t the only one to have a losing season for a high school hockey program known for being one of the best in Minnesota.
What led up to his departure wasn’t about winning and losing. The complaints made about what would nicely be described as his coaching methods and temperament were something I had soon become aware of after first arriving in the Falls a couple of months ago.
While several other Bronco coaches received school board approval this spring to return for 2011-12, Bolstad’s pursuit of a second season was tabled before he pulled himself out of consideration and avoided a public airing on the merits of him remaining as head coach.
“I will not go through this, and will resign...thank you,” stated Bolstad’s one-sentence resignation letter.
With two assistant coaches also having submitted their resignations, there are now three boys hockey coaching positions for Falls to fill. An ad published in The Journal notes interested candidates have until Friday to apply for those positions with the district.
Given the emphasis on hockey in the International Falls area, where some involved in other sports have expressed an opinion to me that they believe hockey has received too much attention at the expense of other sports, being the next boys hockey head coach brings a lot of expectations for success with it.
There is a long list of players from the Broncos’ program who have been recruited to play hockey at the collegiate level. Though the varsity coaching staff play a key role in making that possible, a youth sports program beforehand is also important in developing players’ skills.
Other high school sports programs I’ve covered in the past with traditions of success, such as wrestling and girls basketball teams that have won state championships, benefited from having the right leadership in place at both the varsity and youth levels.
The Falls School Board has some “big skates to fill” with the boys hockey coaching vacancies. Selecting the right leaders is key to continue a successful program that has its origins before players enter high school.
Boneske may be reached via e-mail at kevin@ifallsjournal.com
