Ten years after graduating from Atlantic High School Dalton Franken is taking over as head boys varsity basketball coach. Franken has been an assistant with the program for the past five seasons, including as JV head coach last season. He said he really appreciates the support he’s received from the community since the announcement was made.

Franken was a standout player for the Trojans, his team going 22-2 their senior season. After graduating in 2013 went on to star at Dordt University. He scored 1,165 points in his college career. He said he can draw on his playing experience and the coaches he learned from to help his coaching journey.

Franken succeeds Derek Hall who recently left for a position in Council Bluffs after leading the team for two seasons. Franken said there certainly is some pressure that comes along with taking over for his Alma-mater but he’ll embrace it.

Every coach likes to put their stamp on a program and have certain points of emphasis. Franken said he wants the Trojans to start with the defensive end of the floor.

Franken said he’s been talking with some coaches he knows to get advice on building the structure for the program and looks forward to getting started with open gyms, camps, and summer ball. Catch a full interview with Coach Franken on our Saturday Morning Coaches Show this Saturday at 8:30 a.m.