Battle Ground names interim boys basketball coach

Gregg Kalian, who has been an assistant with the program the past five seasons, has been hired to run the Battle Ground boys basketball team on an interim basis.

He will take over for Andy Schoonover, who left his coaching position to become an administrator within the district.

Karla Kalian, the school’s athletic director, said the school opted to go the interim route because of the timing of the vacancy. Schoonover’s move into administration was announced late in the summer.

Karla Kalian did not want to put a new face to the program so late in the game.

“It’s really difficult when you don’t have an opportunity to work with the kids over the summer and establish your own philosophy and to get to know the kids,” she said.

Gregg Kalian, Karla’s brother-in-law, has known the current players for years. Besides coaching with the Tigers, he also has been involved in youth basketball in the community for years.

Gregg Kalian is a 1971 graduate of Battle Ground. He played for the Tigers when they finished second at the Class 3A state championship that year.

Karla Kalian said the head coaching position will open again after the 2012-13 seasons.