Chadron High Activities Director Andy Pope on Thursday announced Eric Calkins as the new head girls basketball coach.

Calkins, a social studies and science teacher at Chadron Middle School, led the Cardinal boys team for seven seasons from 2011-2018.

Calkins had a record of 72-86 over that seven years that included a district championship and state tourney appearance in 2015. He almost led the Red Birds back to state in 2017 when 7-16 Chadron almost knocked off 23-1 Gothenburg in the district title game, losing by six.

When reached by phone on Thursday morning Calkins said, “I’m very excited to be coaching again. There is a great group of girls in this program.”

Calkins will return four starters off of last year’s 13-8 squad that had their season end to eventual state qualifier, Sidney.

Returning is leading scorer Demi Ferguson, who scored at a clip just north of 11 points per game, along with team leader and arguably the best point guard and defender in the Panhandle in Jacey Garrett.

Jaleigh McCartney and Macey Daniels, both of whom scored in double digits on more than one occasion last season, are the other two returnees.

Calkins also said, ” There has been a great tradition established by the success of Coach Holmquist and Coach McLain. I’m excited to get the girls in the gym this summer and start the process.”

Calkins replaces Jonn McLain who announced last month that he was stepping down to take a position at Boys Town.