Glacier's Holmgren resigns

Paul Holmgren, Glacier's head girls soccer coach for the past five seasons, has resigned.

Holmgren submitted his resignation to Glacier activities director Mark Dennehy earlier this month.

"I'm gonna miss it," Holmgren said.

"With what I've had going on (in my life) the last couple years, it was too much. It was just time to move on."

Rich DeJana, an assistant coach with Holmgren the last five years, has also resigned.

Glacier lost JV coach Chrissy McKinney at the midway point of the season because of family reasons.

Dennehy said the head coaching position will be posted after Jan. 1. The two assistant positions will be posted after a head coach is hired.

"We will certainly miss Paul as our head soccer coach," Dennehy said.

"Paul always took great care of our kids and has always been aligned with our philosophical approach. Paul also put in countless hours in our summer strength and conditioning program. We wish Paul the best."

"I felt really good about the things we accomplished," Holmgren said.

"There are also some things I would have liked to have seen gone better."

Glacier this fall went 0-11-1 in the regular season. The Wolfpack lost to Flathead 2-0 in a Western AA state play-in match.

Glacier advanced to state in the first and third years of the program.

"High points, a couple things," Holmgren said.

"Going to state and winning games at state ... we won a game both years.

"Working with the kids and coaches, developing a program. Working with quality students and athletes."

Holmgren said he wished there had been more wins than losses along the way.

"That was frustrating," he said.

"The kids worked hard, we were competitive. For myself and the kids, it was time for a new direction.

"I've been very fortunate," he continued.

"The kids have been very enthusiastic, committed to the program. They were hard working, willing to do what needs to be done."

Holmgren will continue to teach 7th grade physical education and health at the middle school. He has taught for 31 years and coached for 32 years.

He started the Flathead Gymnastics Academy in 1981.

"I look forward to watching the kids (play)," he said.

"I wish them the best of luck. I'll miss the program. That's to be expected."