by Erik Nelson, senior

As the new school year begins, Mr. Dan Johnson, HHS athletics director, prepares for a new season filled with challenges both on and off the playing surface.

Last summer, Mr. Johnson hired six new coaches for the 2013-14 athletics season. The teams with new coaches include boys varsity hockey, cheerleading, and dance, to name a few. The search for new head coaches is no walk in the park.

“We always have a committee. It involves a student-athlete, a parent, a school administrator, a current head coach, and myself. I ask those people to help with the interview process and to give some feedback. But, I make the final decision”, said Mr. Johnson.

This committee is expected to review every candidate and make sure he/she is fit for the position. The task can be intense, but is rewarding.

However, one of the toughest parts about new head coaches is how players will react to the change in culture, which affects a team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

“Sometimes, that [coaching change] is well received. They’re ready for a change. Other times, they want the old coach to stay, and there not quite as accepting of the new coach until they get to know him/her”, said Mr. Johnson.

The fans and school community must also embrace the change. New coaches usually means new culture, and that usually provokes mixed reactions among fans.

“When you change head coaches, sometimes the entire staff will change because we give the new coaches the opportunity to hire the people they want to hire”, said Mr. Johnson.

There is one aspect of the program he keeps constant. Coaches work with the program the same way, regardless of experience.

“We are constantly working with coaches, whether they’ve been a coach here for 20 years or if they’re in their first year. We educate them on how to deal with the media, when we issue uniforms, how they schedule their busses, and how games are scheduled”, said Mr. Johnson.

Fans are eager for the athletics season to start. Some fans are looking forward to hockey season, while others will cheer on the basketball programs. No matter what, the coaching changes mark a dawn of a new era for HHS athletics, one that hopefully is filled with many championships and unbelievable moments in the future.