A new coaching staff will lead the defending Class A state champion Whitefish High School boys soccer team this season. 

Eric Sawtelle, life-long soccer player and no stranger to teaching and coaching high schoolers, is the team’s new head coach. He replaces John Lacey, who was head coach since 2015 and led the team to a perfect 15-0 record last season.

“I am excited to work with this exceptional group of young men who are committed to doing everything possible to continue the strong tradition of Bulldog soccer coach Lacey established over the years,” Sawtelle said. 

Alex Benz is the team’s new assistant coach. He is a business teacher at Whitefish High School, has a strong soccer background and a love for the beautiful game.

Sawtelle, who has been a renown science teacher in the valley for 20 years, taught and coached at Flathead High School in several capacities before making the move to Whitefish 12 years ago. He worked with the junior varsity boys, was assistant coach for the varsity before working as the head coach for the Braves.

“During my time as head coach we won a state title and, perhaps more importantly, our players represented our school and community with class,” Sawtelle said.  

For the last two years, he served as assistant coach under Lacey at Whitefish High School. 

“As a coach I enjoy developing the relationships, work ethic and technical strategies required for team success,” he said. “I want all of my players to work hard, have fun and play with passion and desire.”

His connection with the sport runs deep. He played competitive club soccer during his early years in California and coached youth club soccer. He continued to play through his college years and into his adult life.

“I was fortunate to have been coached by knowledgeable and passionate individuals that were positive role models in my life,” Sawtelle said. “I love that so many attributes we strive to instill in our players translate to life beyond the pitch.

“Team sports are a great vehicle to instill strong work ethics and to develop friendships and positive habits that will last a lifetime.”

He said soccer challenges players physically and emotionally. Teammates work together and as individuals to develop strength, resilience and teamwork. They create a sense of community from the collective effort required to achieve success.

As an award-winning science teacher, Sawtelle is likely best known for working, along with Kyle Fedderly, on the FREEFLOW Program, an advanced field science program that gives students hands-on science experiences in the midst of recreational opportunities.

The Bulldogs play their first game of the season on Aug. 26 when they travel to Frenchtown to face the Broncs.