2005 Season: 11-12 (6-6 North East Michigan Conference)
Head Coach: Tim Hansen
Returning Players: Alicia Brown, sr. (G); Jamie Lucas, sr. (F); Rene Wangler, sr. (C); Jordan Foster, jr. (G).
Outlook: Tim Hansen takes over a program that has had one winning season in the last 10 and hasn't won a district title since 1982. He has plenty of experience coaching at sub-varsity levels -- 15 years overall, including seven at Ogemaw -- and helps coach track and field as well.
"I have a unique opportunity here in that I've been mentored by Chris Powley in basketball and Doug Grezeszak and Rick Frank in track," Hansen says. "I also get the privilege to teach every day side-by-side with two of the greatest former OHHS coaches in Darla Inman (basketball, who won the Falcons' last NEMC title 12 years ago) and state football champion Larry Bellor."
Last season's 11-12 squad graduated most of its scoring and, other than the 6-1 Wangler, doesn't boast much height.
"To turn that trend around, we have to start with hard work and improving fundamentals," Hansen says. "We need to build a feeder program that is on board with what we are trying to accomplish. That might take several years before the impact is felt. The last guy here (Don Fritz) did a good job of making sure things were done right; I have to continue those high standards with my own added spin."
Wangler is the only full-time returning starter, but Lucas and Brown saw plenty of time and started at several points during the season.
"Our strength will be our senior leadership," Hansen says. "If the seniors step up and lead, the juniors will really benefit. We'll work hard, pay together and have fun, and just take it one day at a time. |