Bigfork High hires new boys basktball coach
Bigfork High School's search for a head boys basketball coach has ended with the selection of Californian Paul La Mott.
La Mott was approved by the Bigfork School District Board of Trustees at a special meeting Monday night. He was recommended by the administration after flying in to the area last week for an interview.
"We had a great group of applicants that all had a good set of qualifying attributes," said BHS Activities Director Matt Porrovecchio. "Ultimately we hired the person that we thought was the best. We were really impressed with his knowledge of basketball. He has the background and the passion for the game that we feel made him the best fit to take over the program."
La Mott has never coached a high school basketball team, but he has a wealth of other experience that includes working with that age of players. He played basketball at California Lutheran University, where he returned to coach for one year after his college playing years were over. He then went to Australia to play in a semi-pro league while also coaching youth basketball there.
"I'm really excited about it," La Mott said of taking over his new position. "I'm really grateful for the opportunity. Hopefully I'll be able to bring something to Bigfork to help elevate the program even further."
La Mott is currently living in Orange County, but has been visiting extended family in the Bigfork area for years.
"I have a long history with the community and I've been passively watching the opportunities that have been coming up there in recent years, but it just hasn't been the right time," La Mott said. "We have always wanted to bring our family there and now that the timing works out for us we are looking forward to being a part of the Bigfork community."
He plans to be relocated to the Flathead Valley by the end of July along with his wife, Julee, and their five children. La Mott is also hoping to hold a camp for potential Vikings players when he is here setting up for his family's move in mid-July.