Three new head coaches have been hired and approved to lead Minnewaska Area sports programs this coming spring and fall.

The girls softball team has replaced Jason Weber with Luke Barkeim, while the boys golf team has hired Dion Harste to take over for David Drexler, and the Laker volleyball program has hired Mitch McGuire as the new volleyball coach to replace Michele Johnson.

“We are excited to have all the new coaches begin their new assignments,” Minnewaska area AD Phil Johnsrud said.  “They are all great people and will do a great job in leading their programs.”

•  Luke Barkeim, a former Laker graduate and student-athlete, is the new softball coach at Minnewaska Area Schools.  He is a science teacher at Minnewaska Area Schools and served as junior high tennis coach this last fall.

Barkeim takes over for Jason Weber, who coached the team this past spring with assistance from Jacalyn Skoglund, Abby Ver Steeg, Dave Moe and Chip Rankin.  The team went 2-14 overall last year and 2-10 in the WCC, but lost only two players to graduation.

“Luke is excited to take the lead of our K-12 fastpitch program and is committed to doing all that is necessary to make Laker softball a winning program,” Johnsrud said.  “I was lucky enough to have had Luke as an athlete and student so I know his character, integrity, and work ethic will be an asset to our program.”

•  Dion Harste, an assistant boys golf coach for many years, is also set to begin his new assignment this spring with the Laker boys golf team, which edged West Central Area for the WCC title last spring.

Harste is a retired business person in the area and was also the principal at Minnewaska Area High School several years ago.

David Drexler was the head coach last year and Brett Thorfinnson was the junior high coach for boys and girls.

Last year, Riley Larson earned his second-straight state berth, while the Lakers won another WCC title and Larson, Zach Gugisberg, Thatcher Sherlin and Blake Nelson all earned All-Conference honors.

•  And, Mitch McGuire is the new volleyball coach, replacing Michele Johnson.  The Lakers went 16-13 overall last fall, including a 7-7 mark in the WCC.

The team, which was also coached by Bailey Gronner, Kari Nelson and Jacalyn Skoglund, graduated five seniors from last year’s team, all of which have been long-time regulars for the team over the past four years (Avery Fier, Haley Shea, Dreya Barsness, Brooklyn Meyer and Miaya Guggisberg).

McGuire was the Alexandria Technical College Legends coach for the past couple of years.  He is an art teacher at Minnewaska Area High School.