By MIKE MATTSON

Escanaba Daily Press

GLADSTONE — Dane Quigley was named boys varsity basketball coach at Gladstone High School on Wednesday, according to athletic director Andy Jacques.

Quigley has served as the Braves’ junior varsity coach the past seven years and currently is head coach of the school’s golf teams.

“We had four really quality candidates,” Jacques said. “(Quigley) stood out for us, he’s in it for the long haul. He has a lot of energy and he’s willing to take the program to a higher level.”

Quigley and his wife have run the skills and drills camps on Saturdays, which Jacques said shows his dedication to the basketball program.

He takes over for Clayton Castor, who resigned last month after compiling a two-year record of 29-15. Castor was named the Upper Peninsula Class A-B-C Coach of the Year after leading the Braves to an 18-6 record and spot in the regional finals last season.

Quigley, 35, is a 1999 graduate of Bessemer High School and also a graduate of Northern Michigan University.

He had a middle school coaching job in Marquette and also served two years as a varsity coach in Minnesota.

Quigley is anxious to begin his new duties, which included registering the Braves for the final summer team camp spot at the University of Wisconsin. This will also be the first season for Gladstone in the Mid-Peninsula Conference.

“I don’t think words can express how excited and lucky I feel to be taking over this program,” said Quigley, who also teaches high school English. “I’ve been the jayvee coach for seven years, so I’ve been around these players in the program and they know who I am.”

Quigley said his program will be based upon developing strong relationships, while preparing players for competition and the challenges of life.