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Bruce named Bulldogs boys hoops coach
Posted: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 - 10:24:26 am PDT
By ERIC PLUMMER
Sports editor

SANDPOINT -- Sandpoint athletic director Cheryl Klein announced on Monday that Lance Bruce will take over as boys head basketball coach, pending board approval.

Bruce will take over for Tyler Haynes, whom he was an assistant under two years ago. Bruce plans to bring an up-tempo style of play to the court, along with some old-school man-to-man defensive principles.

"High octane -- if the personnel is there, I like to run and gun," said Bruce of his coaching style. "We'll focus on things we can control, like how hard we work, playing together and decision making."

Bruce, 33, moved to Sandpoint with his wife and two girls three years ago. He coached the SHS freshman team in 2005-06, and credits Haynes with laying a great foundation for him to take over. Prior to moving to Sandpoint, Bruce was the boys head basketball coach for four years at Butte Falls High School in Oregon.

"I have a passion for basketball," said Bruce, who's coached on the high school level for 13 years. "I plan to focus on getting developmental programs in place, I had a lot of experience with that in Oregon."

Cheryl Klein is excited about the hire, noting Bruce has substitute taught at SHS and SMS and is very well received by both athletes and students. He also worked with the AAU program last year, and is hoping to build up the feeder programs.

"We're very excited and feel fortunate that somebody of his caliber is in the community and excited about the position," said Klein of the hiring. "We interviewed him and determined that we need to look no further. He has a clear picture with ideas, energy and passion that came through loud and clear."

Bruce played basketball, baseball and football at Butte Falls, and played baseball for one year at Linfield College. He'll continue to substitute teach in the school district, which he said he does nearly every day. He hopes to bring a crowd-pleasing style of play to Les Rogers Court next season.

"The kids will play extremely hard, with some class and pride," he said. "I hope to create some lifelong memories for the kids and community; that's what its all about."

Tom & Cathy Bruce wrote on May 3, 2007 5:13 PM:

" Sandpoint High School is very fortunate to have you as their next boy's basketball coach. You will continue to be a great role model for students, a man of integrity and compassion for others, and a great attribute to the community. We wish you years of continued success. GO BULLDOGS!!! "

Aunt Debbie in Oregon wrote on May 2, 2007 6:48 AM:

" We're very proud of you. These kids deserve a great coach (man) like you. May God Bless you and your students. "

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Bonner County Daily Bee
P.O. Box 159 / Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 / 208-263-9534

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