Casazza resigns as WHS boys basketball coach

Mark Casazza has resigned as head boys basketball coach at Whitefish High School.

Casazza turned in resignation letter to WHS activities director Aric Harris on March 7.

“I would like to thank the Whitefish School district for allowing me to coach in the boys basketball program for the past fourteen years,” Casazza said in his letter. “I started coaching basketball to try to make a positive impact in some young men’s lives. Instead, they ended up changing my life and for this I will be forever grateful. It is time for me to open a new chapter in my life.”

Casazza was promoted to head coach in 2009 after five years as a varsity assistant.

Casazza replaced Eric Stang, who resigned after two seasons. Stang posted a 30-18 record with the Bulldogs and advanced to state twice.

Whitefish finished the 2013-14 regular season with a 10-8 mark overall. In league play the Bulldogs were 5-3, which was good for third place.

Whitefish lost to Columbia Falls 51-37 in the Northwestern A divisional championship game and to Polson in a challenge game 59-47. Polson advanced to state along with Columbia Falls.

“I would like to thank Mark Casazza for his 14 years of service to the boys basketball program at Whitefish,” Harris said in an email.

“He has served countless hours and gave an enormous amount of energy to our program.

“Mark Casazza is a man of great character and integrity, these same traits were ultimately instilled in every basketball player that has gone through our program,” Harris added.

“He has taught the boys in our basketball program how to become responsible, hardworking young men.”