Stockwell Gets Lake City Girls Basketball Job

Dave Fealko may have resigned as the head girls basketball coach at Lake City High School, but his influence will remain.

Dave Stockwell, Fealko’s top assistant the past seven years, was named head coach Tuesday, his hiring approved by the school board last night.

“It’s something I’ve wanted for a long, long time,” Stockwell, 41, said. “I really haven’t thought about what it would be like to be head coach. I’ve just been trying to get the job.” A head coaching job, period.

Stockwell applied last year at Coeur d’Alene when Fealko resigned to take the new job at Lake City. CdA officials hired former Viking player Sheila Sharp. Stockwell was a finalist.

Stockwell thought not being a teacher might keep him from getting the Lake City job. A painting contractor, Stockwell suspected that was the reason he wasn’t hired at CdA.

Fealko, head coach at CdA for 16 years, resigned after a memorable season in Lake City’s inaugural year. He coached the Timberwolves to the State A-1 championship and a 24-1 record.

It was Fealko’s second straight state championship. His final team at CdA posted a 25-0 record. Four of his last five teams won state titles. Fealko, who got his 300th career victory this year, finished with a 307-116 record.

Stockwell realizes he has big shoes to fill, but looks forward to the task.

“I hope to maintain the quality that’s been established,” Stockwell said. “Hopefully I’ve learned enough from Dave to be able to continue with the success.”

Stockwell was one of three candidates interviewed last week. Michelle Judy, an assistant at CdA last year, and Kellogg head coach Wayne Pfeifer also were interviewed.

Lake City principal John Brumley said the choice was easy.

“He’s the right man for the job for all the right reasons,” Brumley said. “He’s going to do a great job for us. He’s got tremendous support in the community.”

His biggest supporter for the job was Fealko.

“I’m elated,” Fealko said. “Personally, I wanted the job to go to Dave. He’s anxious and eager to do it. I don’t think it could go to a better person.”

In his coaching relationship with Fealko, Stockwell directed the offseason program. In fact, Stockwell was holding open gym Tuesday evening when the school board officially approved his hiring.

Over the years, Fealko shared the bench and practice coaching duties with Stockwell, calling him a cocoach in recent seasons. Fealko incorporated many of Stockwell’s coaching ideas into his game plan.

Stockwell appreciated the respect and loyalty Fealko showed in him.

“If I’m half as successful as Dave was I’ll be happy,” Stockwell said. “I hope to be there a long time.”