Posted: 7/17/02

Bender returns home to coach girls basketball

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

After two long months of waiting for a coach, Forest Lake girls basketball finally has a head coach again.

Jack Bender, a Marine resident and 1974 graduate of Forest Lake, was named head coach last week. Even though the season is months away, Bender is excited to get to work with his new team.

With 25 years of coaching under his belt including the college, high school, junior high levels, Bender has developed a success that he hopes he can bring to Forest Lake.

ìEvery situation Iíve been in weíve been successful in regards to wins to losses.î Bender explained. ìIím a real stickler on fundamentals. But I also think it (success) starts with putting pressure on the ball.î

Bender gained an interest in coaching while attending college at Hamline. He graduated from Hamline in 1979 with a degree in physical education, health studies, and coaching. From 1976-1983, Bender was an assistant basketball coach at Hamline.

In 1983, Bender joined New York Life Insurance but has since remained involved in coaching in junior highs, traveling programs, at Stillwater high school, and even a brief stint in California.

Activities director Don Bosch admired Benderís long list of coaching experiences, and feels he got the best candidate available.

ìWhen I look at the guy, heís got 25 years of coaching experience at many levels.î Bosch explained.

ìHeís a real excited guy who knows the good and bad of traveling and high school basketball programs. Heíll be good for the program.î

For years, Forest Lake has experienced problems in communication between the traveling and high school programs. Bender hopes to improve those lines between coaches of several levels, and become not only the leader of the high school girls but also a leader for Forest Lake girls basketball.

ìThereís problems out there between traveling basketball and schools in the communication between them. I find it a challenge, but Iím a rallier.î Bender optimistically admits.

ìIf girls want to play basketball, they deserve a solid opportunity to play. Anyone with an interest in Forest Lake basketball, whether itís parents or kids.î

ìIím always very open to work with anyone with a basketball interest.î

In sharing time between New York Life Insurance and the basketball team in Forest Lake, Bender believes he has the time necessary to handle both demanding tasks, not to mention his family.

Bender and wife, Cherie have two daughters. Christie, 15, and Raegan, 13, who attend Stillwater schools.

With the support of his family, the 45-year-old coach is already looking to get started.

ìWeíll need to start at the beginning,î Bender said. ìbut Iím real excited to pull the girls all together, and see what theyíre up to for off-season conditioning plans.î

Bender also spoke of developing a camp for area youth, and is eager to dive into his position.

Forest Lake gained a positive, motivational coach in Jack Bender. After two long months of waiting, hopefully the Benderís players will be as excited as their new coach.

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