Austin High School activities director Naomi Hatfield announced today that Troy Holtz has been hired as the head coach of the varsity boys' hockey team for the upcoming school year.

Holtz, a long-time assistant for the Packers boys' squad, takes over control of the clipboard from Denny Laumeyer, who retired after Austin's 16-9 season that fell two triumphs short of the state tournament.

Austin qualified for the state tournament at the end of the 2000-2001 season, losing twice in St. Paul to finish with a 21-5-1 overall record. The Packers will return one of five Big Nine All-Conference selections, as well as Holtz as the new head coach.

"I think his experience with the team set him apart," Hatfield said. "He's made a very strong committment to the program, he's spent at least 10 years with our team alone, and he has a nice, varied background.

"He really cares about the program and the kids."

Holtz has coached youth hockey in Austin and also has experience as a hockey official. He was one of six people interviewed by Hatfield for the head coaching position

"He has so much time to devote to the team in the winter, and he's willing to do that," Hatfield said.

Holtz filled the last of seven varsity head coaching positions made available after last spring. Sam Kolas has been hired as the head boys' soccer coach, while Billie Jo Wicks is the new girls' gymnastics coach.

It was announced earlier this winter that Gary Peterson would return to the Austin High girls' basketball head coaching job after a brief hiatus, and Lisa Grunewald takes over the varsity volleyball position in place of Treasure Ransom.

Call Ross Thede at 434-2234 or e-mail him at :mailto:sports@austindailyherald.com.