MONROE - Monroe's girls basketball assistant coach Sam Mathiason will take over the helm for Kevin Keen, who retired at the end of the season.
"I wanted to see how things developed over the season, then sit down and make sure it was the right fit for myself and my family," Mathiason said, who has been at Monroe for the last six years.
Previously, Mathiason was the head coach at conference rival Monona Grove in the 1990s, when he compiled a record of 54-96. He briefly served as Monona Grove's athletic director.
"When we made the decision to move here six years ago, we knew a little bit about the community. We are very happy here," Mathiason said. "I had a great experience at MG and still have a lot of friends up there."
Mathiason, who hails from Minnesota, came to Monroe as a math teacher and later became the girls assistant coach. His wife, Ellen, was a key player on the Cheesemakers' state tournament teams in the late 80s, including Monroe's first title in 1989 - Keen's first season. In Mathiason's time with Monroe, the Cheesemakers have been to state four times, winning it all twice.
"With the level of success that coach Keen had, it would be foolish to change a lot," Mathiason said. "We'll take a look at our strengths and weaknesses. Each team is different, especially with the change in personnel."
Monroe returns four players who saw significant time this past season - Kyleigh Sellnow, Kylee Ritschard, Kristin McArdle and Jaclyn Ditter.
"Sellnow has three state trips under her belt and Ritschard has two. You take that kind of experience and try to build off of it. Also, our JV team went 16-5," Mathiason said. "Hopefully our players continue to work hard over this summer. We have a good nucleus coming back."
Keen compiled an overall record of 394-127 in his time at Monroe. This past season, Keen was ill and missed one game. Mathiason coached the squad to victory.
"I wanted to see how things developed over the season, then sit down and make sure it was the right fit for myself and my family," Mathiason said, who has been at Monroe for the last six years.
Previously, Mathiason was the head coach at conference rival Monona Grove in the 1990s, when he compiled a record of 54-96. He briefly served as Monona Grove's athletic director.
"When we made the decision to move here six years ago, we knew a little bit about the community. We are very happy here," Mathiason said. "I had a great experience at MG and still have a lot of friends up there."
Mathiason, who hails from Minnesota, came to Monroe as a math teacher and later became the girls assistant coach. His wife, Ellen, was a key player on the Cheesemakers' state tournament teams in the late 80s, including Monroe's first title in 1989 - Keen's first season. In Mathiason's time with Monroe, the Cheesemakers have been to state four times, winning it all twice.
"With the level of success that coach Keen had, it would be foolish to change a lot," Mathiason said. "We'll take a look at our strengths and weaknesses. Each team is different, especially with the change in personnel."
Monroe returns four players who saw significant time this past season - Kyleigh Sellnow, Kylee Ritschard, Kristin McArdle and Jaclyn Ditter.
"Sellnow has three state trips under her belt and Ritschard has two. You take that kind of experience and try to build off of it. Also, our JV team went 16-5," Mathiason said. "Hopefully our players continue to work hard over this summer. We have a good nucleus coming back."
Keen compiled an overall record of 394-127 in his time at Monroe. This past season, Keen was ill and missed one game. Mathiason coached the squad to victory.
