EASTON. Maine — Cody Closson emerged out of a field of five solid applicants, according to Easton athletic director Steve Shaw, and has been chosen as the new boys’ varsity basketball coach for the Bears.
The news became official Monday, June 19, after Closson’s hiring was approved by the Easton School Board.
Shaw said he is excited to have the 26-year-old Closson on board.
“Cody is very impressive as he is highly organized and has a great basketball background,” Shaw said. “He is enthusiastic, dynamic and positive. … I think he’ll be a great fit.”
Closson replaces Manny Martinez, who coached the team for two seasons. Martinez’s 2015-16 team won a Class D North regional championship, losing in the state finals to Valley of Bingham. Last year, the Bears were eliminated in the quarterfinal round of the tournament. Shaw said Martinez opted not to reapply for the position.
Closson is in the process of implementing a summer program, which will begin soon, and said he’s ready for the challenge of coaching varsity basketball in the region.
“I have dedicated a lot of time and effort into preparing myself to attain a head coaching position in the heart of basketball country,” Closson said. “There is nothing like basketball in Aroostook County and I’m beyond excited to be awarded the opportunity.”
Closson is a native of Fort Fairfield and graduated from high school in 2008. He was the Tigers’ starting point guard for four years and went on to play collegiate soccer at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. He went on to earn a master’s degree at Western Michigan University.
He has coached a combined five years at the middle school and high school level and locally served as an eighth-grade and junior varsity coach at FFHS.
“Cody is a program builder,” Shaw said. “I know he will work closely with the middle school and JV programs here in Easton and I’m looking forward to having him lead our program.”
Closson, who resides in Easton, is the medical office support instructor at Loring Job Corps, a position he has held for the past 2-1/2 years.
