The Merrill Bluejays have hired Jake Schalow as the boys varsity basketball coach. Schalow replaces Kurt Soderberg, who resigned as coach at the end of this past season. Soderberg is leaving the MAPS district, having accepted the principal position at St. Croix Central High School in Hammond, Wis.

Schalow is a former Kaukauna basketball standout and the son of Kaukauna coach Mike Schalow. He majored in physical education at Bemidji State where he also played college basketball, and was most recently a graduate assistant at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. In addition to coaching, Jake will also be a physical education teacher at Jefferson and Maple Grove Elementary schools.

“I am really excited to be here,” comments Schalow. “I’ve only been here for a little bit thus far, but the school and community have been overwhelming in welcoming me and showing support.”

Jake also gave some of his observations about the team and where things will go from here.

“There is a lot of talent on this team, including talent coming through the freshman and sophomores,” he said. “They are a very quick and athletic team that can run and transition, we just need to bring it all together on the court. This team is very much a great team and I am confident that we can make this upcoming year a very successful one.”