RallyNorth.net

Tue, Dec 18, 2007 07:30 PM @ Haverhill

Team	Final
Dracut	33
Haverhill	40

Woelfel reaches another milestone

Wednesday, December, 19 By Alan Siegel
Staff writer

Whenever Haverhill girls basketball Kevin Woelfel walks into Mansfield Gym, he looks up at the program's six state championship banners.

"It means a lot to me," he said, "because I know how much hard work the players put in."

Always quick to give credit to his athletes, Woelfel also deserves kudos. Last night, he recorded his 400th career victory, a 40-33 win over Dracut.

Afterward, he reflected on the milestone. Briefly. "It's flown by," said Woelfel, now in his 25th year. "But I'm not sure my wife would say that ..."

According to his players, the coach is as intense as ever. During games, his voice can be heard loud and clear across the gym.

"It's interesting," senior guard Michelle Stanley said. "He knows how to push peoples' buttons."

Take last night, for example. When Stanley was struggling with her jumper, he was in her ear.

"Keep shooting," he repeatedly told her.

Sure enough, Stanley warmed up, scoring all 10 of her points in the second half, as the Hillies overcame an 18-8 first-half deficit to pull away late.

It was fitting that Stanley helped Woelfel up his career record to 400-141. After all, her mother Debbie (Boule) played for the Hillies in the early 1980s.

"I've had fabulous players, great assistants and a great following," Woelfel said.

He also credited Dick and Margaret Maguire, the founders of the Haverhill girls basketball booster club, for getting | and keeping | people interested in the program.

In recent years, success has been harder to come by. The Hillies missed the state tournament last season for the third straight season, losing their final five games.

Still, with a win under its belt and the Coca-Cola Christmas Classic coming up, Haverhill remains upbeat.

Stanley, for one, sees Woelfel sticking around well into the future.

"I think so," she said. "I think so."