Just a year removed from qualifying for its first state 4A boys soccer tournament, Lakeland High will look to its junior high music teacher to keep the Hawks in tune for another state run in the fall.

Andrew Craig, who was the junior varsity and assistant coach last year, takes over for Nick Haynes, who resigned earlier this year due to family reasons.

Lakeland went 13-5-3 and won the consolation championship at state last year.

Lakeland returns 10 starters from last year's team.

"We've already worked with the kids," Craig said. "I think the biggest thing is winning districts again and getting back to state. We've got the team to do it and expect it to happen again."

His playing career cut short by a torn ligament in his left knee, Craig has remained involved in the sport as coach of the Lakeland Soccer Club's under-12 team for the past two years.

"It was a very positive experience," Craig said. "Both for me and the girls."

This will be his first head coaching job at the high school level.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Craig said. "We've already been working with the kids. They're a really fantastic group coming back. They're a hard-working bunch and have that drive to get them back to state."

Craig graduated from Uni-versity High in Spokane in 2004.

"It was a really fantastic experience last year," Craig said. "The boys have a fantastic attitude. There's some success in the program now. It was a great experience to work with Nick. Now, we want to keep that environment going."

Haynes, who coached the Hawks for 12 years and compiled a record of 56-130-17, said the decision was difficult.

"I've got three young boys that are playing soccer right now," Haynes said. "I'm still going to be coaching their teams, but they need someone at home when they get off the bus. My wife (Michelle) is going back to school and right now, it's just time to step away and focus on my family."

For now, Haynes' final game was a 4-3 win over Preston in the consolation championship game.

"We sure went out on a good note," Haynes said. "I'm still going to be around to help out when I can. I just need to have my family time now. I'm sure I'll be back and coaching again someday."

Haynes added that he's excited to see what Craig and the team can do this fall.

"Andrew's a great guy," Haynes said. "He's a really good coach. We've got some great kids coming back and I'm excited to see how they'll do next year."