By Dale Miller
dale.miller@theindependent.com

That comeback will take place at Grand Island Northwest.

Hermsen, currently an assistant women's basketball coach and math professor at Lincoln's Kaplan University, was announced as the new head girls basketball coach Monday at Northwest.

"From my standpoint, we are just excited about the level of intensity and everything coach brings to the table," Northwest activities director Rocky Almond said. "We know what kind of kids we have here. We've seen it in the fall and it's time to bring that out in the winter, too."

Hermsen coached at Crawford from 1994-98 and compiled a 71-40 record.

He then moved on to Palmyra where he went 67-10 between 1998 and 2001. His teams there qualified for the state tournament three straight years and finished runner-up in Class C-2 in '99 to Sandy Creek during its dynasty run.

Hermsen is excited about returning to the high school ranks after helping coach at Kaplan, which competes at the junior college level.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity," Hermsen said. "I definitely missed (being a high school coach). The college level does not have the same spirit and work ethic."

Although he's been away from the high school game, Hermsen has kept following prep sports in the state. He regularly has attended the state basketball tournaments and football championships and has helped out the Nebraska School Activities Association at events.

"I try to stay familiar with a lot of schools," Hermsen said. "I knew what Northwest had to offer as a school and the high expectations there."

His Vikings should follow his past teams and focus on the defensive end.

"Hopefully the team will be all about defense," Hermsen said. "I want a hard-working defensive team. Every coach likes to say that. Bu I want intensity and like to work around team play and defense. This will be a 'no I in team' type of thing."

Almond has seen firsthand how Hermsen's teams play.

"When I was AD at Alliance I saw his teams play at Crawford," Almond said. "They always played harder than everyone else. He brings a lot of energy. Knowing how his teams play, I'm excited."

Northwest hasn't qualified for the state tournament since 2004 and hasn't earned a win in Lincoln since 1994. The Vikings suffered through a 2-17 campaign this past season and lost their final 12 games.

Hermsen, who hopes to meet with his new players as soon as possible, won't dampen his expectations entering his first year at Northwest.

"I'd definitely like to get the girls to the state tournament and get them excited about the basketball program," he said. "I'm a very motivated person. I look forward to meeting everybody and look forward to new challenges."