Dane Quigley

GLADSTONE — Dane Quigley has been named the new boys’ varsity basketball coach at Gladstone High School.

Athletic Director Andy Jacques said Quigley was hired Wednesday after the search process was completed. Quigley has served as the Braves’ junior varsity coach the past seven years and currently is head coach of the school’s golf teams.

“We had four really quality candidates,” Jacques said. “He stood out for us, He’s in it for the long haul. He has a lot of energy and he’s willing to take the program to a higher level. We are excited about that. We are excited for him.”

Quigley and his wife have run the skills and drills camps on Saturdays — which Jacques said shows Quigley’s dedication to the basketball program.

Quigley takes over for Clayton Castor, who resigned last month after compiling a two-year record of 29-15. Castor was named the U.P. Class ABC Coach of the Year after leading the Braves to an 18-6 record and spot in the regional finals.

Quigley, 35, is a 1999 graduate of Bessemer High School and Northern Michigan University. He landed a middle school coaching job in Marquette, and also served two years as a varsity basketball coach in Minnesota.

Quigley is anxious to begin his new duties, which included registering the Braves for the final summer team camp spot at the University of Wisconsin.

“I don’t think words can express how excited and lucky I feel to be taking over this program,” said Quigley, who also teaches high school English. “I’ve been the jayvee coach for seven years, so I’ve been around these players in the program and they know who I am.”

Quigley said his program will be based upon developing strong relationships, while preparing players for competition and the challenges of life.

“I know I have some big shoes to fill,” he said. “I have been mentored by good coaches in the past. Coach Castor did some great things with the program the last two years. My goal is to continue that and put some consistency on that. What we need is some consistency throughout the program and to continue to develop our kids as ball players and good people.”