Lundin

GLADSTONE — Eric Lundin has resigned as girls varsity basketball coach at Gladstone High School.

Lundin cited family time as his reason to step down after one season at the helm.

“It’s strictly a family decision,” Lundin said. “At the end of the day I love coaching, but I love my family more. It’s in the best interest of my family, me and the program to step away now.

“I’ve been at Gladstone the last five years and I’ve really enjoyed my time. But I’ve noticed the last couple years, it’s been more difficult to coach as my girls get older. They are in their own functions.”

Lundin and his wife Paula have two daughters, Megan (fifth grade) and Abigail (first grade). He plans to coach Megan’s fifth-grade team.

Lundin met with the varsity players individually Monday and informed them of his decision.

Athletic Director Andy Jacques said the varsity position will be posted internally in the school district for one week and then posted externally. He would like to hire a new coach as soon as possible to get ready for summer camps and workouts.

Jacques said Lundin will be missed.

“He did a wonderful job with the girls,” Jacques said. “He was very easy to work with. He was humble about everything. He took the girls and finished strong. They almost beat Houghton in the district finals.”

The Braves finished 7-15 overall this season and 0-8 in the Great Northern Conference. They fell to Houghton 60-49 in the district title game after upsetting Kingsford 42-40.

Gladstone had some early-season suspensions and injuries to overcome. The Braves also were young and short on height.

But they were not short on heart.

“I told the players I loved them all,” Lundin said. “They are great student athletes. They should get somebody else in here who is dedicated to get them onto higher ground. The Kingsford win in the district on the road is one I won’t forget. I’m proud how we finished and how we stuck together.”

Lundin is the second Gladstone varsity coach to resign this spring. Boys’ varsity basketball coach Clayton Castor resigned Friday.

“I enjoyed coaching and I’m glad I did it,” Lundin said. “But now I’ll focus on my family.”