ESCANABA - The search for a new hockey coach at Escanaba High School began Monday with an internal posting of the vacancy.

Athletic director Dave Wilson said the opening will be posted externally in The Daily Press Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

"I hope to have the job filled by the August school board meeting," Wilson said Monday. "I think there will be substantial interest in the job. I've had two-three phone calls (already)."

The position opened in spring when Ward Johnsen resigned. Johnsen, who also resigned as a teacher at the junior high, did not coach the team's playoff game in March for personal reasons.

The Eskymos were 10-13-2 last season, Johnsen's first year at the helm after seven years as an assistant coach.

Johnsen was also head coach from 1988-97, posting a 71-131-7 mark.

Wilson also addressed rumors that have been circulating about the future of the EHS hockey program, which had been listed among potential budget cuts earlier this year.

"We are going to have hockey. The schedule is complete," said Wilson. "It will not be a budget cut."

Some other coaching positions have also been adjusted.

Bron Harmon has been named head volleyball coach to replace Kim Matthews, who resigned after last season. Matthews became head coach in 1996, succeeding the program's first coach, Sandy Raymond. Harmon has been the jayvee coach since 2006.

Mike Beveridge has been named head freshman football coach, replacing Marty Oslund, who stepped down last fall. Beveridge is a former EHS varsity assistant.

Carl Brunngraeber will replace Paul Kangas as freshman assistant after Kangas retired.

Nick Nolde will be a varsity football assistant, replacing Ryan Wender, who resigned after last season.