McFadden resigns as WHS girls basketball coach

Dean McFadden has resigned as head girls basketball coach at Whitefish High School after a successful six-year run.

"The girls have been great, well behaved, the parents did a great job," said McFadden.

"The administration has been totally supportive. It's all been good. It's been a great ride."

McFadden submitted his resignation on Thursday to WHS principal Kent Paulson.

"School District No. 44 and specifically Whitefish High School would like to thank coach McFadden for his many years of service to the girls basketball program," said Paulson.

"His efforts in leading the girls basketball program the past six years are very much appreciated."

Under McFadden, WHS never experienced a losing season. The Bulldogs posted a 95-40 record overall during his tenure.

Whitefish finished second at the Class A state tournament in 2002-03. The Bulldogs had a 22-game winning streak in 2004-05 and finished that campaign with a 24-1 record and third place at state.

The Bulldogs have advanced to state five times in the last six years. The team's worst record under McFadden was 12-10.

Whitefish has won three divisional titles with McFadden on the bench and were runners-up twice.

Whitefish posted a 13-10 record this past season, placing second in the conference and second at the divisional tournament. The Bulldogs lost out at state in two games.

McFadden had two girls move on to play Division I basketball at Montana and Montana State and two more at the NAIA level.

"I feel the program is in a solid, positive position," he said.

"I just hope it continues to go that way."

Prior to taking over the head coaching duties at WHS, McFadden coached the junior varsity team for two years and the freshman squad for another.

"I'd like to thank my wife (Lucy) and my kids most of all," said McFadden.

"As a coach you have so many hours away from your family.

"I also want to thank (assistant coaches) Mike Caldwell and Jeremy Anderson," continued McFadden.

"They were very supportive and very knowledgeable and very committed."

McFadden says he will now have some "free time" to watch his daughter Mandy play volleyball at Carroll College in the fall.

"Coaching the winter, I never got to go sledding with Kelsey (daughter) last year," said McFadden.

"Now I can."

Kelsey is a fifth grader.