FARMINGDALE — Chris Ranslow is back for his second stint as head coach of the Hall-Dale High School boys basketball team. His first one was an unqualified success as he led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2005.

According to athletic director Tim Johnson, Ranslow has agreed to coach the team for one season while Jim Patrick takes a leave of absence. Patrick coached the team for the past four season, last year finishing at 12-6 while reaching the Western Class C semifinals.

Ranslow starred for the basketball team at Hall-Dale, graduating in 1997 before moving on to Bowdoin College where he played four years and served as captain his senior year. He was junior varsity coach at Hall-Dale for a year before taking over the varsity position in 2004 and 2005. During that time the Bulldogs went 39-4 and won the Mountain Valley Conference championship both years.

“I called him and he said he was interested,” Johnson said. “He understood we were looking for a one-year guy and that’s all he wanted was one year.”

Ranslow works at L.L. Bean in learning and communications and Johnson said he’ll adjust the team’s practice sessions to accommodate his hours. He has inquired about collegiate coaching positions in the past two years but did not interview, he said. Ranslow said he accepted the job because of “a desire to get back into it. The opportunity met the desire.”

Ranslow asked that former Winthrop standout Marc McElroy rejoin him as junior varsity coach and varsity assistant. McElroy replaces Matt St. John, who resigned the junior varsity position due to job commitments after least season. McElroy coached with Ranslow during his seasons with the Bulldogs.

“Marc’s a perfect balance for me,” Ranslow said. “He fills a void that sometimes I create. He has that guard mentality. He understands the intricacies that surround getting to your spot.”

With a new baby boy in his household, Ranslow said a year is enough for him for now.

“He’s just a fabulous practice coach,” Johnson said. “He’s just a good coach. The sad part is I don’t know if he’s ever going to get back to it other than this.”

Johnson said Patrick stepped down in May to help care for his wife but he wasn’t certain until recently if he planed to return for this season.

“We agreed to hang on for a long time,” he said. “Jimmy’s a special guy.”

Gary Hawkins — 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com