Familiar coach on East Grand sidelines

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    East Grand Athletic Director Chris Young has announced that the varsity girls basketball team will have a new coach this season.
    Mike Carlos was approved by the SAD 14 board. Carlos had previously coached the Washburn girls to consecutive Class D state titles. Carlos coached the Washburn girls’ program for three years and in his last two years, the Lady Beavers amassed an impressive 41-3 record, and they were the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Maine Class D girls tournament both years.
    “I am looking forward to coaching the girls and hopefully redeeming some of the glory days long gone,” he said.
    Carlos coached in East Grand for three seasons 1998-2001 before moving onto coaching at the University of Maine Presque Isle.
    “I’m excited to have Mike onboard,” said Young. “He is a top-notch coach and teacher of the game. The community and team are excited as well for a fresh start for the girls basketball team.”
    Last season, the East Grand girls went 4-14 finishing 20th in the Class D standings.
    “I want to bring a sense of confidence,” said Carlos. “I want them to believe in themselves and believe that they can achieve the things they want through hard work.”
    The East Grand girls have tasted success in other sports and Carlos hopes to rebuild the basketball program.
    “With their success in soccer and softball, I want them to understand, it is not just getting there. It’s getting there and winning some games,” he said. “It’s about goal setting. I want them to know what they are playing for and wanting to achieve.”