Waterford — Don Berkel, who left the post in 1997 after coaching the Waterford High School boys' basketball team for 14 seasons, has returned as the program's head coach.
Berkel replaces Mark Capasso, who resigned in the offseason after leading the Lancers to the state finals in 2007.

Berkel was the boys' basketball coach at Clark Lane Middle School from 2001 through last season.

“I still have a passion for the game and for the kids. I love teaching it and coaching it,” Berkel said. “I got out because my daughter was born and I wanted to spend more time at home. She's been coming to the games at Clark Lane, sitting on the bench and taking the bus. We get to spend quality time.”

Berkel's first class at Clark Lane was the group of seniors who nearly won the Class M title last season.

“The program certainly doesn't need rebuilding,” Berkel said.

“Mark did a great job. We're with the big boys in the ECC so it's not going to be easy. But it never is.”

Berkel coached the Lancers from 1983-1997.

“I'm very excited to have someone of Don's ability to take over the team,” Waterford athletic director Dave Sousa said. “I remember when he resigned after starting a family how disappointed I was that my son would not get to play for him.”