Reggie Weston has plenty invested already in the Dirigo girls’ basketball program.

His wife and two daughters played for the Cougars, and he coached many of the most recent players over the last decade at the lower levels. So when Gavin Kane resigned this fall after 13 years, Weston couldn’t help but commit himself even more to the success of the program.

Weston has been named the girls’ coach, pending school board approval next week.

“They were pretty disappointed losing Gavin and Rebecca (Fletcher) and that group,” said Weston. “It was hard to see them hurting the way they were. You know they were upset.”

His wife, Joanne, won state titles with the Cougars in 1977 and 1978 and his two daughters, Sheena and Brooke, both won numerous state championships during Dirigo’s dominance over the last decade. While coaching his daughters at the AAU level, Weston coached many of the girls that have come through the Dirigo system, including the current group of varsity players.

“The bulk of these girls were the last group I coached in AAU,” said Weston, who is also a Dirigo grad. “Most of these girls were part of that team. They’re like my own anyway. They know me and I know the system. It should be easy as far as transition goes.”

Weston coached the JV boys’ team for the last three years. That role is expected to be filled by Matt Clark. Weston says he’s coached a total of 27 years at various levels, including 12 years of AAU.

“You’ll see a lot of Gavin’s system obviously,” said Weston. “I don’t want to change a whole lot.”

He’ll have his own wrinkles thrown into the mix, but the Cougars won’t stray too far from what has made them successful. Following on the heels of unprecedented success is tough, but Weston is excited about the challenge.

Kane went 263-17 overall during 13 years with the Dirigo girls. That included 11 Western Class C titles and six state crowns.

“I can never fill his shoes,” Weston said. “Nobody’s (had that kind of success). It’s not about me, anyway. It’s about the girls. I’ll just try to continue working with them and keeping them successful. They’re willing to work hard and so am I.”

Fletcher, the girls’ JV coach, Clark and Greg Gagne all remain with the boys’ squad. So new assistant coaches for the girls’ program are being interviewed currently.

Weston not only brings a familiarity with the kids, the school and the program but also the league.

“I know a lot of the coaches,” he said. “I’ve either coached with them or coached against them. I’ve been watching them for years. Some of them I even played with. So they know what I’m about. So they’ll know I’ll push my kids because I push myself.”

Weston’s familiarity with all facets of the team and the girls’ familiarity with him should prove to be a benefit as it tries to continue Dirigo’s tradition.

“They have an advantage here, I think, and it’s good way for me to start,” said Weston. “If I’m going to be a varsity coach, I know I’ve got a great group of kids to work with. I know them, and we know the same system.”

Dirigo graduated five seniors, all starters, from last year. Guard Nikki Kaulback is the only returnee with significant varsity experience.

One thing Weston is concerned about is a lack of numbers. The dwindling number of athletes that many basketball teams have dealt with in recent years could be a factor at Dirigo. Numbers were thin for the summer program and could impact both the varsity and junior varsity levels.

“I’m hoping they’ll decide to continue to play because I can definitely use them,” said Weston.