After seven years as an assistant coach at two different area programs, Gavin Kurtz is getting his chance as a head coach.
Kurtz was hired as the head coach of the Putnam County-Hall co-op, taking over for Jerry Kreiwald.
“I’ve never been a head coach before, so I feel like I’m progressing and furthering my coaching career,” Kurtz said. “I’m not too sure what I even have coming in as far as numbers and returning athletes, but I’m just excited to get an opportunity.”
Kurtz served as an assistant coach at St. Bede for three years then went to Seneca for two years before returning to St. Bede for the last two seasons.
“I’m going to bring a source of aggression,” Kurtz said. “My practice rooms are notoriously pretty tough. I hope that translates well to the athletes. I hope they take my style of wrestling and run with it.”
Kurtz, an Ottawa graduate, hopes to bring postseason success to the Panthers.
“For this year, if we even have a season, it’s going to be about getting numbers and getting kids mat time and experience,” Kurtz said. “The long-term goal is always going to be a regional championship. That’s the No. 1 thing I can think of wanting to achieve as a coach. I’d like to get one in the first five years. It’d be great to get a kid on the medal stand in Champaign.”
Jim Cherveny steps down as L-P girls golf coach
Jim Cherveny resigned as the La Salle-Peru girls golf coach after three seasons.
“I want to thank the girls who have impacted my life the past three years,” Cherveny said.”I would love to see Grace Antle and Sasha Bruins finish their senior seasons, but I have to do what’s best for me and my family at this time. This was a tough decision, but the older my daughters get, the harder it becomes to be a head coach in back-to-back seasons. I have to put my family first right now.”
The Lady Cavaliers had three sectional qualifiers in Cherveny's tenure.
"I appreciate the opportunity the board of education has given me and trusting me with the girls golf program," Cherveny said. "I believe it's in a very good spot right now and has a very bright future."
Cherveny said he plans to remain as L-P boys basketball coach.