Coaches Salesky and Nicks resign

SANDPOINT — A pair of resignations by Sandpoint's girls basketball coach Scott Salesky and volleyball coach Tiwi Nicks has athletic director Cheryl Klein scrambling for replacements.

Finding a new volleyball coach will take a slight priority with the fall season just four months away, while Klein has a couple extra months to find new girls basketball coach.

"We've posted both positions and are getting ready to move on it," said Klein. "In terms of basketball there has been some interest, however finding someone who is also on staff would be an advantage."

Currently the district has a handful of openings, unfortunately with the cost of living going up in Sandpoint it's harder for young teacher/coaches to afford to move here.

"The plus side is people want to live here and that's what has brought in quality coaches and teachers in the past," said Klein.

Stepping down after three years as head coach, Salesky said he is looking forward to spending more time with his daughter and son.

"My daughter is going to be a junior and on varsity next year," said Salesky, who is a teacher at Priest River Junior High School. "And last year, I only watched her play one out of 20 games — that sucked."

In addition, Salesky said he wants his replacement to begin his career at Sandpoint with a successful season and have as much fun coaching as he has.

"The nucleus of the team will be back next year and they'll be pretty good," said Salesky. "But beyond that … it's hard to predict and I don't think it would be fair if I stuck around."

Salesky finished with a 47-25 record at Sandpoint, took the Bulldogs to state twice and led the girls to one fourth place trophy.

For Nicks, a former Sandpoint High School graduate, the reason behind leaving the Bulldogs volleyball program is a little different. However, the decision to quit was still a tough one to make according to Klein.

"She did a great job," said Klein. "Her poise and youth was a huge asset and the kids loved her. It was really sad to see her go.

"She really enjoyed that position, but it was a situation where she had to make a choice and that's the way things go some things.

Nicks, who coached just one season, is moving with her husband, Steve, to Arizona.