Helakoski

IRONWOOD — The Gogebic Samsons women’s basketball team has found its new head coach. Wednesday, the school announced that former Hancock Bulldogs girls basketball coach Ward Helaskoski has been tabbed to take over the Samsons.

“I care about the people I coach and want them to feel positive support from myself and their teammates,” said Helakoski. “Playing as close to our potential as possible is always the goal, and I want us to work hard and have a great time doing so.

“I am thrilled to become a part of the Samson family and to begin building relationships with current student-athletes and staff.”

He said that he wants to embrace what makes Gogebic a special place.

“My goal is to use my connections to bring quality future prospects to Gogebic,” he said. “It is a wonderful place with unique and valuable opportunities.”

Helakoski, originally from White Pine, and currently of Bergland, brings decades of coaching experience from stops across Michigan, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.

During his time coaching Michigan high school basketball programs at Crystal Falls, Bloomingdale, Mattawan, and Hancock, his teams earned seven district championships, two regional championships, and one state runner-up finish.

Most recently, Helakoski served as an assistant coach for the Michigan Tech women’s basketball program, where he was responsible for implementing the Packline defense. At the collegiate level, he also served as head coach at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His team qualified for two National Junior College Athletic Association (NCAA) tournaments and advanced to one Sweet Sixteen appearance.

Known to many as “Coach H,” Helakoski is the son of Hall of Fame basketball coach Ed Helakoski. He earned a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on community colleges, along with a Bachelor of Science in Education in math and social studies from Northern Michigan University.

In addition, he is a certified school counselor and grief recovery specialist.

Helakoski and his wife, Leslie, a children’s book author, have three children and two grandchildren.