By Randy Whitehouse,Staff Writer

DIXFIELD – Gavin Kane, one of the most successful girls’ basketball coaches in state history, is about to double his workload. Dirigo basketball fans hope he’ll double his success in the process.

Kane has been named boys’ varsity basketball coach at Dirigo High School for the 2005-06 season. The SAD 21 Consolidated School Board approved his appointment last night. He will also remain head coach of the girls’ varsity program, which he has led to unprecedented success over the last 11 years.

He replaces Don Hebert, who resigned in April after four seasons as the boys’ varsity coach. The Cougars were 7-12 last year and lost to Jay in the Western C prelims.

“Certainly, it’s going to bring both programs together, which I think is a positive,” said Dirigo Athletic Director Jeff Turnbull. “Yes, it’s new, although it’s been done at the (Class) D level. But if anyone can do it, Gavin can.”

The arrangement will be reevaluated after one season, Kane said.

“I will sit down with our administrators at the end of the year to evaluate the season. If, in any way, I feel that this scenario is unfair to either team, I will be the first person to say so,” he said. “And if it is too much for me, I will also say so. This may be a one year deal or, if things go smoothly, then we will discuss the possibility of continuing with it.”

Kane has compiled a 228-11 record since taking over the girls’ program in 1994, leading the Cougars to the Western Maine title each year. He’s won six state championships, including last year’s thrilling 44-42 victory over Dexter that capped a 22-0 season. The Cougars take a 121-game regular season winning streak into next season.

The possibility of Kane overseeing both basketball programs first came up several years ago, “so it was something that has been in the back of my mind if the opportunity ever presented itself again,” Kane said. He said he met with Athletic Director Jeff Turnbull and Assistant AD earlier this spring and offered a proposal on making the arrangement work.

“One main reason I can do both positions is because of my job as the manager at Wilson Lake Country Club. I work from April 1 until mid-November,” Kane said. “I have plenty of time during the winter to do basketball preparation during the day hours prior to practices and games,” he said.

The Dirigo boys and girls teams usually play their games on different days. Kane said a typical day might involve meeting with one team for practice after school, then joining up with the other team after practice for their game that night.

“The only conflict I’ll have whatsoever will be having to take my own vehicle to three or four away games because the bus will have to leave before I finish my afternoon practice,” he said. “I really don’t anticipate missing any time with either team.”

Another reason Kane and Turnbull think the arrangement will work is because of his assistant coaches. Rebecca Fletcher and Matt Clark will return as assistants on the girls’ team. The assistants on the boys’ side will be named soon, Turnbull said.

Turnbull and Kane said they’ve heard no objections to both teams sharing a coach.

“They know that I will give a genuine effort to both teams,” Kane said. “I’ve yet to hear anything negative from the girls or their parents, and I’ve been told that the people on the boys’ side of things are excited about the program.”

Kane has coached boys’ varsity basketball before. He spent nine years as a head coach at Rangeley High School, leading the Lakers to eight Western Maine appearances and a state championship in 1989.

“I don’t feel that my approach to the boys’ game will vary much, if at all, from what I have done with the girls,” he said. “My expectations will be the same. My defensive philosophy will be the same, however, we will do a number of things differently on the offensive end of the floor.”

“As a coach, you adapt to your personnel,” he added, “and I will take the summer to determine what direction we’ll go in offensively with the boys.”