Carrying on the tradition

SANDPOINT - If there is anyone who knows what to expect when he takes over one of the best soccer programs in the state, it's Adam Tajan, who on Friday accepted the job as the Sandpoint boys soccer coach.

Tajan was a three-year varsity starter at Sandpoint who went on to play in college at Colorado State University-Pueblo. He has stewarded the Sandpoint girls team to four state titles in eight years at the helm, biding his time while waiting for the job he truly coveted.

When longtime Bulldogs coach Randy Thoreson stepped down recently, after leading his team to seven state championships in 12 years, it didn't take a rocket scientist to know Tajan would be throwing his hat into the ring.

If you think Tajan is nervous about replacing one of the most successful high school coaches in state history, think again. He's aspired to take this job for a long time, and is fully committed to carrying on the rich legacy.

"There are big shoes to fill; however, I've got big feet. Hopefully those shoes will fit just fine," said Tajan, who was a senior in Thoreson's first year as an assistant in 1995. "I'm excited about the challenge, to carry on the tradition of a dynasty in the state."

While he's spent the past eight years coaching the Bulldog girls each fall, each spring he coached the under-17 Striker boys, many of whom went on to win state titles for Sandpoint High in the fall.

While soccer is soccer is soccer, Tajan realizes the coaching dynamic will shift slightly when he moves from the girls to the boys.

"On the girls' side it's more emotions and chemistry to manage, while on the guys' side it's more about egos," he explained, well versed in both. "The key is finding the buttons for each individual kid. Not everybody responds to the drill sergeant or the coach that's pumping you up."

Four of the seniors from last fall's 4A state championship team have signed to play in college, and the starting goalkeeper will also be moving, meaning a lot of new positions will be filled along with a stable of new coaches.

Tajan plans to bring current assistants Ed Bock, a former head boys and girls coach at Sandpoint, and Lonnie Williams over with him to the boys program. While the faces calling the shots may be different, the brand of soccer on the pitch will remain very much the same.

"Like always, we'll be the fittest, most physical team," said Tajan, keeping in step with tradition. "Randy and I's philosophy to work rate and commitment are similar; guys can expect that without a doubt."

Tajan will also demand excellence on the technical and tactical side of things, with good decisions carrying as much weight as good conditioning. He hopes to revive the alumni games, something for the younger kids to see and want to be part of.

Having been immersed in Sandpoint soccer since he was a kid, Tajan knows full well the high expectations that come with the job. He's also eager to attack them, and go about shaping his own legacy.

"Build off what's currently in place and infuse some new energy and step everything up," he said, adding a scary thought. "You can always get better."