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Plum served as an assistant to former head coach Al Gredlein two years ago, and three years before that he was an assistant at Traverse City Central.

He's also coached a couple of club teams, but most of his experience has been as a coach at the Mr. Soccer Camp in the summers.

This is his first head coaching job on the varsity level.

Elk Rapids athletic director Jim Standerfer made his recommendation to the school board at Monday night's meeting, and it was approved with little discussion.

It's a pretty big challenge for a first-time head coach.

Last year, the Elks lost to Grand Rapids South Christian in the semifinal round at Big Rapids and finished the season with a 19-7 record.

The Elks have won 15 regional championships in the last 1 years, two state titles and been to the state finals four times with Gredlein at the helm.

Plum realizes the challenge he faces.

But, he's excited about having the opportunity to coach such a prestigious and established soccer program that has enjoyed great success in the past.

It's not unfamiliar ground for Plum.

He played four years, mostly goalie and sweeper, at Aquinas College where he was part of teams that won three conference titles, one regional title and received one NCAA tournament berth as one of the top 16 teams in the nation.

"I'm looking forward to it (coaching at Elk Rapids), and I hope to continue on with the success they've had," Plum said Tuesday night.

"It is a big step for me. But, I love playing soccer, and I look forward to being able to pass what I love on to other kids.

"The excitement is overwhelming right now. I'm sure that it'll kick in in a couple of days what I really have ahead of me."

Replacing an established coach is another major challenge.

But that's also part of the thrill, Plum said.

"I do have big shoes to fill," Plum said. "But, you know what? Change is always a good thing, too. I'm hoping to come in, change a few things here and there, and hopefully make it for the best.

"There are always places where teams can get better. That's where I come in. And, hopefully I can do that, and hopefully I can make the team even more successful."

Improving on the Elks' success would appear to be a tall order.

Keeping the status quo will suffice.

Elk Rapids scored 110 goals last season, an average of 4.23 goals per game. The Elks gave up just 35, or an average of 1.35.

Plum will be losing two key players to graduation in Ian Sliger (31 goals, 19 assists) and Garrett Gribi (30 goals, 17 assists).

"I have to take a look at where I'm coming in as a coach, and what kind of players I'm going to be working with," Plum said.

"This was a strong team, and they do have a lot of people graduating. But, Elk Rapids always has a strong tradition of strong players.

"Really, I can't tell any kind of strategy of what I'm going to be playing until I actually get a good chance to look at who I'm working with."

It'll take time for players and coach to become familiar and comfortable with each other.

Plum has a solid foundation to build on, though, and that should make it a little easier.