Battle Ground hires boys basketball coach

Wes Armstrong has been a head coach at two other high schools, and while he enjoyed his experiences there, he is really looking forward to the next stage of his career as the boys basketball coach at Battle Ground.

“The last two programs I’ve taken over have been starting from ground zero. Battle Ground is well established and has some great talent and they have very high expectations,” Armstrong said. “I have high expectations, as well. I want to contend for the (league) title every year.”

Armstrong played for R.A. Long and remembers taking on the Butch Blue-led Tigers. He understands the traditional of Battle Ground basketball.

“I’m very humbled and feel honored to be the next Battle Ground coach,” he said.

Armstrong coached Rainier into the Oregon state tournament a year after going 2-23. He also was the head coach at Port Angeles.

Armstrong is the brother of Skyview wrestling coach Dave Armstrong. Another brother, Mark, is a wrestling coach in Montana.

“I’m the black sheep of the family. I was the basketball player,” Wes said.

Armstrong will take over for Gregg Kalian, who coached for one season on an interim basis after Andy Schoonover left to become an administrator in the school district.