Mark Casazza, an assistant boys basketball coach at Whitefish High School for the past five years, has been promoted to head coach.

WHS activities director Jackie Fuller made the announcement on Wednesday.

"We are very excited to have Mark take over this program," Fuller said in a press release.

"He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. His commitment to this program and our kids is immeasurable."

Casazza will take over immediately, guiding the Bulldogs summer camps and summer program.

"It's a great opportunity," Casazza said.

"I started coaching 14 years ago at the junior high. I really enjoyed it, got along good with the kids and moved up the ranks."

Casazza replaces Eric Stang, who was not rehired this spring. Stang's teaching position was also eliminated as part of a staff reduction at the school.

Stang coached the Bulldogs for two seasons. He guided WHS to two state tournaments and compiled a 30-18 mark overall.

Casazza was the WHS JV coach the last two years. His first year at that level, the Bulldogs went 14-4. Last year with a young team, they finished strong by winning six of their final eight games.

Casazza's first three years were spent coaching the freshman.

He says the three things he will stress will be defense, intensity and hard work.

Casazza played high school basketball in Eureka, where he was a member of the varsity for two seasons.

He attended Flathead Valley Community College for two years and graduated from the University of Montana.

Casazza teaches math at WHS.