Kurt Lundblad fired as CdA boys hoops coach

Coeur d’Alene High boys basketball coach Kurt Lundblad was fired Wednesday.

“I’m disappointed, I’m bummed. I’m more sad than anything,” Lundblad said, confirming he had been dismissed. “I loved working with the kids and the relationships I built with them. That hurts the most.”

Lundblad’s teams were 51-20 in three seasons under him. The Vikings didn’t qualify for state in that time.

CdA athletic director Bryan Duncan said administrators met with Lundblad on Wednesday.

“We’re going in a different direction,” Duncan said. “We appreciate all the hard work Kurt put into the program. He’s a great person … but we need to go in a different direction.”

Lundblad declined to give the reasons administrators gave for firing him.

“You’ll have to ask them,” said Lundblad, a CdA graduate and former standout player. “I’m thankful for the opportunity. It’s hard to stomach right now. It was my dream come true to get the job. I understand their decision and have to respect that.”

Lundblad was suspended a game last season by CdA administrators when he received three technicals and was ejected from a game at Lewiston. He was assessed a third technical when he wouldn’t leave the gym in a timely manner as required when ejected.

In all, CdA was assessed five technicals. Vik junior guard Brody Lundblad, the coach’s son, was given a technical along with an assistant coach.

“I need to get back to focusing on my family and my health,” Lundblad said. “I’m not angry. I have to live with their decision. Things happen for a reason. I’m sure they’ll find a quality coach.”