Tigers First Year Head Coach Looking for Positive Start

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

New Coach has High Hopes for the Tigers

The Cherry Tigers football program is looking to build a new football tradition beginning this year as first year head Coach Justin Bakkethun has taken over the helm of the Cherry Tigers football program.

New head coach Bakkethun is a 1993 graduate of Mesabi East and has also played college football at Mesabi Range Community College. Bakkethun started coaching football back in 2008 until 2011 for the Chisholm School District, and last season he was an assistant Coach for the Cherry Tigers.

The Tigers will look to snap a 21 game losing streak including 18 consecutive regular season losses. Bakkethun told Northland Sports Online that “we have been having some real good practices, and the team is working really hard.”

The Tigers have only 17 players out for the team this season, but Bakkethun mentioned “I’m really excited to coach this group of players.” The Tigers last win came against Silver Bay in October of 2010, and are hoping to pick up a win in the early part of the season.

Caleb Melnotte will be at the helm of this year’s squad as the teams quarterback, and Lucas Clement and Spencer Peterson will lead the ground attack for the Tigers; Avory Deegan will be a wide out to watch, and also keep an eye on Tim Bukovich.

Coach Bakkethun said “there are a lot of younger players looking to step up this season, and we are hoping to get that first win, for that will show all the hard work the kids have put in is working and has paid off.” “This team has a completely different attitude heading into this season.” Coach Bakkethun added.

The Cherry Tigers will open their 2013-2014 season on the road where they will face off against the Chisholm Bluestreaks on Thursday August 29th, and they will open their home schedule a week later when they will host the defending section champions South Ridge.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at Dwight@northlandsportsonline.com