St. Francis Boys Basketball coach leaves to become AD in Sartell

Coach Ryan Hauge hands program over to Kyle Waterworth

Since 1980 St. Francis Boys Basketball has only had two head coaches, Ron Larson and Ryan Hauge, but since Hauge is leaving, Kyle Waterworth will be taking over.

Hauge recently has received a new job as the activities director in Sartell and left SFHS after 1st trimester.

“I am very excited about having a new challenge” said Hauge

Even with a exciting upcoming future that doesn’t make it easy to leave all his student and players.

“I am very sad to leave but all good things come to an end” said Hauge “the program is in a great place and I’m proud to be leaving a talent young team in very capable hands.”

The boys basketball team has been very successful by making it to state in past years.

“I hope to continue to make our successful basketball tradition that they are responsible for establishing” said Waterworth

With the upcoming season many people are eager to see how it will be with the new coach and the changes he’ll make.

“There are a lot of unknowns going into the season and there will be a lot of competition and opportunities for players throughout the year to fill spots and claim roles” said Waterworth. “We may experience some growing pains while we gain experience and work to improve early in the year.”

There is only 4 players returning who have significant varsity experience so they team will need them to be leaders on and off the court.

“As a team we are hoping to host a playoff game and make a run in sections” said senior Blake Kulsrud

One of the returning varsity player junior Zach Wald who has been playing basketball for 12 years.

“I think it will go pretty good, I don’t think a lot will change,” he said. “ We will have to mature a lot because we only have a few players that have played varsity last year the rest are newcomers.”

Although Hauge is sad to leave the team he’s led for the past 15 years, he knows Coach Waterworth and Coach Norton will help the team do great things.

“The head coach now has less hair and the voice is different,” said Hauge, “ but I think the style of playing will be really similar.”

Waterworth looks forward to carrying on a strong tradition and leading the program.

“Our kids work extremely hard, they’re coachable, and I know they will positively represent our program” said Waterworth “Regardless of how the wins and losses shake out.”