POLAND — Poland graduate Eric Fender will replace his former coach as the head coach of the Bulldogs, assuming he is approved by the Board of Education on Monday.

Fender, a 2003 graduate of Poland, played for Ken Grisdale, who retired from coaching last month after 28 seasons as the Bulldogs’ basketball head coach.

“It is a tremendous honor to have (the) opportunity to be the next boys’ basketball coach at Poland Seminary High School,” Fender said in a news release from the school. “My hope is that we can continue the tradition of excellence that coach Grisdale took this program to during his tenure as Poland boys basketball coach.”

Fender was a varsity assistant on Grisdale’s staff this past season. Prior to that, he was a varsity assistant at Boardman and also was head coach at Springfield for eight seasons, compiling a record of 138-47 with five league titles and one district crown.

“Coach Fender brings a great understanding of the game, dedication to the program, and a true passion for what it means to be a member of the Poland Boys Bulldog Basketball Program,” Poland athletic administrator Brian Banfield said in the release.

Fender graduated from Mount Union College in 2007. He and his wife, Carolyn, reside in Poland with their two children, Emery, 2, and Tate, 5.