Bermea to coach Broncos football

RITZVILLE – The Lind-Ritzville Broncos will have their third head football coach in the last 48 years when practices begin in August.

In addition to a new head coach, the sports program will be under the direction of a new athletic director.

Brendan Bermea takes over as the third head coach since 1974, replacing Greg Whitmore who accepted the superintendent’s job in the Entiat School District.

Whitmore has served as head coach the last 17 years; prior to that, Mike Lynch had been head coach since 1974.

“It’s a changing of the times,” Whitmore said.

When Bermea was offered the job, Whitmore didn’t know he was hiring the next head coach because he didn’t know he was leaving the athletic director post.

But with Whitmore moving on, the decision was made for Bermea to take the head coaching job for the football team.

“He comes with significant coaching experience; he was the defensive coordinator for Tonasket last year,” Whitmore said. “I am confident he has the skills to do it (coach).”

Bermea will also have the assistance of Lynch, who plans to continue as an assistant coach.

Meanwhile, he will also have the experience of Dustan Arlt to draw from

Arlt, the new athletic director, is also the head baseball coach.

“He (Arlt) knows the ins and outs,” Whitmore said. “It’s so important to have the coaching experience. He’ll do a great job.”