Corbett named new head football coach

By FAITH MOLDAN

Bigfork Eagle

A major piece of the puzzle was put into place last week for the Bigfork High School football team — the new head coach.

BHS Activities Director Shannon Smith announced last Thursday that Bruce Corbett would take the helm of the Vikes.

"When I got his stuff, I couldn't believe it," Smith said of Corbett's resume and application.

Corbett, a longtime football coach at many levels, most recently (1996-99) coached at Gustine High School in California. He has also coached high school football in Hollister and Merced, Calif., as well as Division I Long Beach State and Butler County Community College and El Camino Community College for a total of 16 years' experience.

"I've continued on in the roll of consultant," Corbett said of his eight-year absence from the gridiron. "I've worked quite a bit behind the scenes."

Corbett explained that his desire to get back onto the field and coach overshadowed his desire to continue working through the administrative side of things. He has served as athletic director, dean of students and assistant principal.

"I haven't disliked working in administration," Corbett said. "My wife is originally from Stevensville, and we've talked of returning to Montana someday. It was the right time."

Corbett's decision and timing were perfect for Bigfork.

"We need all the things he wants," Smith said. "He wants to be at Bigfork and wants to get back on the gridiron."

Corbett will have small numbers to work with come fall, but he said that "really doesn't scare me."

"Throughout my years of coaching, I've rebuilt about three other programs," Corbett said. He added that he hopes to gain the trust, respect and interest of some athletes who might not have considered going out for football to boost numbers, add to the strong base of existing players and the Vikings' chances of winning.

The new coach already has some plans and ideas in mind for his new team, including a wing-T offense. Corbett said the Vikings will either travel to a wing-T camp or host one of their own during the summer.

Corbett and his wife will settle in Bigfork starting in July.

"I'm definitely in it for the long run," he said. "I'm ready to hit the ground running."