Ries selected girls basketball coach at Norfolk High

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A familiar face will be taking over the Norfolk High School girls basketball program.

Ben Ries was selected for the job, the school announced Thursday afternoon.

Ries graduated from Norfolk High School in 1996. He attended the University of South Dakota where he was a member of the USD men's basketball team. Ries had been at Norfolk High School for 19 years. During that time he had served as the boys basketball head coach for 14 years and the activities director for 5 years.

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“I am excited to start the 'second half' of my teaching and coaching career at Norfolk High School," Ries said. "Norfolk Public Schools is a wonderful place filled with top-notch students and educators. The girls basketball program is a new challenge for me and I’m eager to see what we can accomplish together. We will strive for excellence in all areas of the student-athlete experience.”

“We are excited to have Ben Ries take over the girls basketball program," said activities director John Erwin. "His coaching and playing experience will be valuable for the program. He had tremendous success with the boys basketball program and we are excited to watch him do the same with the girls program. I look forward to seeing the girls basketball program grow and improve under his leadership."