RFHS hockey head coach asks to resign

Written by Joe Payne

River Falls High School's hockey program, which advanced to the Frozen Four in the state tournament for the second time in its history this year, is unfortunately in turmoil after Cam Wilken was asked to resign last week and is looking for a new head coach. I decided to look for it. lots of.

In just three seasons, Wilken has rebuilt a previously uncompetitive program and led it to a state tournament berth last month. This is the team's first state visit since 1997 and only the second time in the program's long history that the team has reached state. There are many questions as to why this happened, but there are few answers at this time.

What is known is that an unsigned letter, ostensibly from a parent who did not want to be identified, was delivered anonymously to athletic director David Crail's high school. Mr. Kreil then met behind closed doors with other staff members and the decision was made to ask Mr. Wilken to resign, which he announced on Friday.

Following this, other members of the coaching staff have also tendered their resignations, including Brian Ahmanson, who will remain with the team and ensure that the players receive some guidance over the next few months until a replacement is chosen. become.

“As you've probably seen in the Minnesota articles and news stories, a small number of parents can direct the government to force a great coach to resign. That's what's happening right now here in River Falls. ,” Amandson said. “I don't know where to go from here, but what we're talking about is a bankrupt hockey program that turned his program into a respected, winning one in his three short years, then resigned It’s about a young coach who was asked and appreciated.”

In this case, Amundson claims that because he is anonymous, there is no way to verify whether what is written is true.

In addition to the support of other coaches at River Falls High School, coaches from other programs in the conference have also written letters of support for Coach Wilken, including New Richmond head coach John Larson.

“My understanding is that an anonymous letter has been sent expressing concerns.

River Falls pattern. “Like I said, people get upset, they want a new coach, and the cycle continues,” Larson said. “From many perspectives in the hockey world, it's a tough one to jump into as head coach at River Falls. I think anyone who takes this job in the future needs to be aware of this pattern. I hope it doesn't spread to the public. For me, it's interesting that no one signs their name. I don't see much merit in an anonymous letter in this case.”

Menomonee Mustangs head coach Matt Ellis said the River Falls hockey team has become a better program under Wilken.

“He's been able to bring a positive attitude and culture to this program that has grown over the years into respectable and great appointments. River Falls was tough to play in the past. There were a lot of dirty players. “There's a lot of rebellion against the coaching staff. I believe Cam has been able to change the culture since he's been there,” Ellis said. “I don't think a parent should dictate how a coach runs a program. As long as he can keep the kids safe and teach them how to play the sport and how to be a good young man, is doing his job. I believe he is a good coach and should stay with this program.”

Somerset head coach Dan Gilkerson said he was disappointed to hear that Wilken had been asked to resign.

“I have personally been a part of the coaching staff at Somerset for the past 21 seasons, and Cam is the seventh head coach River Falls has had during that time. From what I have witnessed, River Falls High School I don't think they should be looking for an eighth coach. They should continue to support Cam,” Gilkerson said.

Coach Gilkerson said he sees things being much better under coach Wilken than they were under previous coaching regimes.

“The players were extremely disrespectful to the game of hockey, to their own coaches, to the officials, and to the opposing team's players and coaches. It was frankly embarrassing,” Gilkerson said. “As a young coach, Cam has done an exemplary job of changing the culture in this program and growing with it. The change from his first year to now has been very noticeable. River Falls High School You should be proud of what the hockey program has become. They are now well-respected in the hockey community and I won't even talk about wins and losses.”

Somerset University's coach said he believes the school needs to confront the parents who wrote the anonymous letters.

“It's the coach's job to decide who plays, in what situations and what the curriculum is. Not everyone likes that and this is true for every hockey team in the state,” Gilkerson said. Told. “This shouldn't even be a conversation with parents. If the school doesn't support the head coach, who would want this job? I support Cam and definitely the head coach of the River Falls High School team. I believe he should return as a.”

River Falls High School athletic director David Crail was tight-lipped when commenting.

“Coach Wilken has resigned from his position as district boys hockey head coach. We would like to thank him for his hard work and leadership in guiding our program over the past three years,” Crail said. “We respect the fact that this is a personnel matter and have no further comment at this time.”

No other person familiar with the story requested an interview about what happened, and the packet will not be released to anyone not specifically named in the letter. Still, Amundson said other coaches mentioned in it, without naming him, are having trouble obtaining copies as well.

What we do know for sure at this point is that River Falls High School is searching for its entire coaching staff to take over next season, including its third head coach in the past five years.

For the remaining programs submitted to states last year, the certainty stops there. Unfortunately, the kids on the team who were hoping to compete for a state title again next year are caught in the middle.