BRIDGEPORT - His phone hasn't stopped buzzing from calls and texts. His email inbox is filling up. 

New Bridgeport Boys Basketball Coach Sean Sterkel has been receiving congratulatory messages from family, friends, teachers and coaches ever since he posted his intentions on social media Wednesday morning.

The former Bridgeport standout athlete takes over for Nick Broz, who spent the last 10 season with the Bulldogs. He announced on April 13 he had accepted the coaching position at Cozad High School. 

Sterkel says the Bridgeport job fit his family's life and they have the opportunity to be closer to extended family. His wife's name is Kylee, and they have one son name Jru.

"There's a lot of pride in Bridgeport," Sterkel said. "We really love our hoops. We love our community. We love our town. We're prideful people. I'm excited to have the opportunity to come back and be a part of Bridgeport."

In high school, Sterkel helped the Bulldogs to a 39-3 record and back-to-back boys state basketball tournament appearances in 2004 and 2005. He also competed in golf, qualifying for the state championships during his junior and senior years. 

Next season will be Sterkel's 12th season as a head coach. He says he will keep play-calling simple with multiple actions on offense to score quickly, and multiple efforts on defense to play for one another.

"That should be one of our goals is to win a game in the state tournament, and it's hard. Winning is hard. It's going to ask you to do more than you've been asked to do. It's going to ask you to make some sacrifices. I think this group of kids has an opportunity everyday."

In four seasons in Ainsworth, Sterkel compiled a 42-51 record. 

Bridgeport is coming off a 21-5 season. They lost to Doniphan-Trumbull in the C2-7 District Final on March 2, 48-36.