Krouse steps down at Galena

May 09, 2008 12:36 am

— By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Brad Krouse has stepped down after nine seasons as boys basketball coach at Galena (Kan.) High School.
“It’s just the right time,” Krouse, who’s pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at Pittsburg State University, said on Wednesday. “It was a very tough decision.
“We’ve had success (two of the last three years the Bulldogs won sub-states) and several good players are coming back,” Krouse said. “We’ve had a nice run and I’m confident the success will continue.
“It all adds up,” Krouse said. “I have another opportunity and will start another part of my career.”
Krouse said he will continue teaching American History and assist Ken Cook (who’s replaced Toby VanCleave) with seventh and eighth-grade football. Plus, he hopes to become more involved with counseling at the middle school.
Krouse’s wife, Debbie, a Labette County High School graduate, teaches fifth-grade at Galena. Their daughter, Briley, is 6.
Krouse, 38, is a graduate of Girard High School (1987) and PSU. He began his coaching career in 1992-93 at Girard — assisting one season — before five as an assistant at Liberal. He helped Ron Baker one year at Galena before taking over as head coach in 1999-2000.
Brad’s father, Don, racked up several CNC League titles in boys basketball at Girard in the 1970s.
Brad Krouse guided Galena to records of 18-5 overall and 6-2 in the CNC this season.
The Bulldogs, seeded second in the Class 3A Caney Valley Sub-State, hurdled favored Riverton 62-53 — avenging a 55-50 league loss — before losing 72-68 to Northern Heights in the first round of state at Hutchinson.
Jacob Gougler, a 6-foot-3 junior, scored 20 in the sub-state against Riverton. Troy Albright and Colton Leet, both sophomores, added nine points apiece.