(NMB) Earlier this year, former Havre girls’ basketball coach Dustin Kraske was named as one of 10 Montana high school coaches for national recognition. He was selected by the Montana Coaches Association (MCA) for the chance to be entered into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA).
The process was whittled down to what the association thought were the best coaches from each discipline represented in the Treasure State.
“This is a tremendous honor for Montana and for each of these well-deserved individuals,” the press release said. “The nominees and finalists were selected based on longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years and winning percentage. They are evaluated by experts in the field of coaching, using a sport-specific rubric to assign points in each category.”
Kraske’s resume speaks for itself. After retiring following the 2023-24 season, Kraske solidified his storybook career as a six-time state championship head coach, including a 3-peat to begin this decade. He continued the legacy of his predecessor, Dennis Murphy, by putting banners in the Havre Blue Pony Corral. In 18 seasons, he was (306-117), which translated to winning over 70 percent of his games on the sidelines.
But what was the most rewarding part of coaching Kraske?
“I’ve always felt like being a Blue Pony was a special thing and Havre High girls’ basketball was just kind of part of that specialness or uniqueness of it,” Kraske said to New Media Broadcasters after retiring. “…my role in their life will continue to be, I hope, somewhat involved in what they want to do after high school.”
Kraske, along with the 2025 Montana nominees from a list of two assistants and seven other head coaches, will be on hand at the NHSACA National Convention in Rapid City, SD on June 25 to see if he is chosen amongst his peers as the “National Coach of the Year”.
