August 25, 2004 at 4:07 p.m.
North Branch welcomes new coach, sort of
North Branch welcomes new coach, sort of
“I’ve always wanted to teach. Coaching was never really the ultimate goal. If someone would have told me that I would be a head coach some place, I’m not exactly sure what I would’ve said to that,” said Gustafson, North Branch head boys soccer coach. “I really enjoyed coaching under Kevin, so when I got the opportunity to take over, It was kind of like a no-brainer.”
Kevin is Kevin Sayers, former boys head soccer coach at North Branch. This fall, Sayers decided not to return, so in turn, his assistant over the past two seasons, Gustafson, was offered the job. The rest is Viking history.
“He mentioned it once to me,” replied Gustafson, when asked about Sayers resignation. “I knew with the birth of his daughter, most of him time would go to that.”
Now, most of Gustafson’s time is spent on the soccer field. Actually, nothing has changed in that department except now he’s calling the shots, hoping to improve on the five win season last year’s Viking squad posted. The five wins were a program all-time high. In terms of how many wins to expect under the new regime in 2004? Nobody is making any predictions just yet, especially not Gustafson.
“I think it’s going to be totally different,” remarked Gustafson, commenting on the difference between last year and this season. “I want us to play our game, play hard, and hopefully the wins will take care of themselves. I just want us to really go out and play hard, play the way I know we can play. To me, it’s all about the players. My job is to try and help them be the best they can be.”And like Sayers had when he was head coach, Gustafson will have some help. Taking over as the new assistant coach will be Tom Brandy, a former soccer professional in Europe.
“He brings a lot of insight and a lot of experience to the team,” replied Gustafson. “I’m just really excited. This team is full of a great group of guys, they’re really unbelievable. I’m in a good position and I plan to make the most of it.”
Gustafson and the Vikings will get their chance on Thursday when they open up the season on the road versus Brooklyn Center.
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