Meet the new WIAA Class 1A/B football coaching hires in 2023: Andy Olson back in Whatcom County - at Blaine High School

Andy Olson took a direct path to his next high school football coaching destination - one county to the north.

And Whatcom County is a familiar place - Olson played for the late Curt Kramme at Lynden High School.

After spending three fruitful seasons leading Burlington-Edison High School, Olson was hired in March to replace Jay Dodd as the coach at Blaine High School.

Why go from a winning up-and-coming program with the Tigers in Class 2A to a struggling Class 1A team that hasn't posted a winning season since 2016?

"Family is up there," Olson said.

"And Blaine is chock-full of potential."

It also helps that Blaine has recently renovated its high school (2019), installing both a brand-new football field and weight room.

The Borderites were 1-8 last fall in Dodd's final season, but will only graduate four seniors. Key returners include Victor Gervol, who was the Class 1A wrestling runner-up at 285 pounds, as well as sophomore running back Colby Shipp.

Olson said his current outlook is similar to when he came to a struggling Burlington-Edison program and helped turn it around (six years as an assistant; 35-23 in three seasons as coach).

"We've always known that Blaine has athletes," Olson said. "And it has a community that will get behind things."

Other offseason Class 1A coaching hires:

DAN CHASE, Seton Catholic

One of the founders of this program (2011), he now returns to call the shots - for a third time. This Evergreen of Vancouver graduate played quarterback and wide receiver at Carroll College.

SCOTT FORSYTH, Connell

Following three-time WIAA championship coach Wayne Riner in the captain's chair has its challenges, but Forsyth - who has been the wrestling and track and field coach at Connell - seems up for the challenge. Also comes from Riner's staff.

CARL HABERBERGER, Cascade of Leavenworth

A multi-sport graduate of this school (football, track and field, skiing), Haberberger will take over this team after overseeing the school track and field program. He replaces Dominique Coffin, who resigned after eight seasons.

REX NORRIS, Eatonville

Arranged prior to the 2022 season, Norris now takes the reins from Gavin Kralik, who is still the Cruisers' athletic director. Former Kentwood coach left football to coach rugby - before returning as defensive coordinator at Eatonville.

KURT ROY, Cedar Park Christian

A stalwart in the community youth programs, Roy - and former CWU player who was on the staff for interim coach Louis Torres last fall - gets his first crack to lead a high school program. Also has been a CPC baseball assistant coach.

DEREK TODD, Chelan

High-flying Goats really hit their stride under Todd, who spent the past five season as the team's offensive coordinator. Played quarterback at Whitworth, and led Cashmere to Class 1A title as a player in 2008.

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Other offseason Class 2B coaching hires:

AARON COCHRAN, Adna

After back-to-back state playoff berths with Goldendale, Cochran resigned after five seasons to lead one of the storied programs in this classification - in the always-competitive 2B Pacific League. Played college football at Whitworth.

BLAKE LESKO, Goldendale

With Aaron Cochran moving west, the Timberwolves should be in good hands with this alumnus, who was the 1B SCAC defensive player of the year as a senior linebacker in 2010.

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Other offseason Class 1B coaching hires:

DANIEL BROWN, Taholah

Hoquiam product was former linebacker for Grays Harbor Bearcats in the Pacific Football League. Replaces Jordan St. Germaine, who is the school's athletic director.

(Featured photo courtesy of Blaine athletics)