Perry girls basketball: Pirates looking for Brindi Kandel’s successor

The Perry girls basketball team is in the market for a girls basketball coach after Brindi Kandel stepped down.

Kandel led the Pirates to the Division II regional tournament in the 2016-17 season and led the Pirates to the district championship this past season where they lost to eventual state runner-up Gilmour.

Kandel, who coached the Pirates for five years, was not available for comment, but reports say she has moved out of state.

“We were surprised,” Perry athletic director T.J. Rockwell said. “She’s made a personal decision to move out of the area. We have to respect that. We’re thankful for the five years she gave us. She did a fantastic job. We’re not happy to lose her for sure, but we’ll find the best possible coach we can to go on from here.”

Rockwell said the interview process is well under way. His plan is to have a new coach in place by the June 26 board of education meeting.

Under Kandel’s tutelage, the Pirates won a school-record 23 games in 2016-17. This past season, the Pirates won 21 games.

Rockwell said “there are some big shoes to replace” with Kandel’s departure.

“She related so well with the girls,” Rockwell said. “She’s all in. A lot of coaches are, but she ran a very intense program. The girls knew she cared about them, and they reacted accordingly. Those girls would have run through a brick wall for her.”

Lake Catholic wrestling opening

The Lake Catholic wrestling program is looking for a new head coach after Eric Lakia’s recent departure for NDCL. Anyone interested can send a resume to Athletic Director Sam Colacarro at scolacarro@lakecatholic.org. Head coaching experience is preferred. Deadline is June 29.