Firebirds to tip off season with new leadership in men’s and women’s basketball

GRAYLING — Kirtland Community College opened the 2025-26 basketball season with new head coaches.

Ernest Collins will lead the men’s team while Paul Koepke will take over for the women’s team.

Collins brings fifteen years of coaching experience and places an emphasis on pressuring teams on both sides of the ball.

Koepke meanwhile, has led the Bellaire basketball program for over 20 years and has led the team to numerous district and regional championships.

The Firebirds will host their first home games of the season on Friday, Nov. 14.