One of Minnesota's longest serving girls softball coaches is stepping down.
Tom Bang, who has been the head coach at Hermantown since 1978 is retiring after 41 years leading the Hawks girls softball program.
Under Bang's leadership, Hermantown has been to the state tournament a record 23 times.and won three state titles. He has also led the Hawks to six straight trips to Caswell Park in North Mankato from 2000 to 2005.
In 41 years leading the Hawks, Bang has compiled a winning percentage of .749 with a record of 710-237.
Bang is the third long serving coach at the Twin Ports area school to step down after a long and successful career. Bruce Plante, who led the boys hockey team for 28 years and numerous trips to downtown St. Paul, retired in 2017. Recently, Daryl Illikainen stepped down after 21 years leading the Hawks football program.
As for who will replace Bang, the best possible candidate is long time assistant coach Laurie Larson. She graduated from Hermantown in 1994 and was a member of the 1991 state title team her freshman year.
Next spring there will be new blood leading one of northern Minnesota's successful girls softball programs.
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