“Josh will be an excellent head coach for the Otters GBB team,” said Strand.  “He has been with me for the past 9 years in Fergus Falls and has had a chance to have every role; 9th-grade coach, JV Coach, and Varsity Assistant the past few years.  He understands the leadership needed to run a successful program by communicating well and creating a high level of excitement in his youth program.  And he understands the work ethic needed in the off-season to be a top-tier program in the CLC and Section year in and year out.  I am very happy for him to have this opportunity and wish him the very best!  I know he will be successful!” 

Steer spent his first year as 9th grade coach under Josh Mohagen and served in the same capacity for Strand in his first two years before taking the JV role for two years just prior to being elevated to the Varsity Assistant Coach position.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the program in a different role,” said Steer.  “Being in charge of a k-12 program with lots of moving parts will be a challenge, but overseeing a program in its entirety is a great challenge to have.  Coach Strand has been such a great mentor for me.  He’s been giving me many opportunities to see everything that goes into being a head coach.  Anytime you can learn from a future Hall of Fame Coach it’s a good thing.”

Fergus Falls Activities Director Derek Abrahams added, “Josh is ready for this.  After the interview with him I feel very confident that he will do an outstanding job as head coach.  Coach Strand has really helped prepare him well to be a head coach, handing him increasing responsibilities over the last few years.”

The hiring will become final after School Board approval at their next meet.