Jerry Adams, who coached the Central Aroostook Panthers of Mars Hill to the 1995-96 Class C boys basketball state championship will coach his third team in three years this winter.

Adams was unanimously approved by Houlton’s 13-member school board Monday night as the new boys varsity coach at Houlton High School, according to school principal David Wiggin and Adams. Wiggin and school superintendent recommended Adams to the board.

“I’m a native of Houlton, lived here all my life, and played for them in the late ’60s for Terry Spurling, so it’s a dream come true,” said Adams.

Adams replaces Bruce Nason, who resigned in March after three seasons. Nason cited parents having a problem with him as a reason for his departure.

Adams could face the same problems, as rumors that a prominent returning basketball player would not play if Adams was hired were circulated the last few weeks.

“I hadn’t heard that, but if that be true, then fine. Let it be. I’ll make due with what I’ve got,” he said. “I can’t make decisions for other people.

“I will not be threatened by someone saying they might leave. I’m my own man and I’m going to do my own thing. If people give me the chance, they’ll see the results.”

The Houlton barber and longtime high school and college basketball official is also the varsity golf coach at Houlton. He began coaching the team last fall.

Adams has compiled a 32-9 record the last two seasons. He coached Ashland to an 11-8 record in 1994-95 before taking the Central Aroostook job.