SOUTH WHITLEY - "Leader."

If Whitko assistant coach Dave Lopshire had to describe head coach Bryan Sprunger in one word, that would be it.

Of course, choosing just one word to describe a man who has coached for 20 years (17 years as head coach and three as an assistant) at Whitko High School was not easy for Lopshire, who has coached with Sprunger each of those years.

"Coach Sprunger is a leader both on and off the field," said Lopshire. "He is a leader emotionally and spiritually as well as physically."

Sprunger began his career at Whitko as a student teacher and assistant coach in 1978, and was offered a full-time position soon after.

"I only expected to be here for two or three years," said Sprunger. "But this area has a way of making itself home.

"This is the only place I have taught. It's where I'm supposed to be. I met my wife here, and I've raised my children here."

Football began at Whitko began as a junior varsity sport in 1973 and became a varsity sport in 1974. Sprunger has been coaching in some capacity at Whitko longer than all of his predecessors added together, 20 of 25 years.

Sprunger, who has been coaching longer than most of his current players have been alive, has racked up more than 100 wins in 17 years.

In fact, his official record is 104-64, making him the winningest coach in Whitko football history. He has led the Wildcats to a state championship (1986), and several sectional final games. However, Whitko has won only one sectional title in 1986 when the Wildcats won the state championship title.

"We have a successful program, and many factors have contributed to that," said Sprunger. "Dave Lopshire has coached here for 22 years, and he is a great coach and friend.

"He has contributed to the 100 wins as much as I have."

"Coach Sprunger believes that kids need to have fun and football needs to be enjoyable," said Matt Thacker, Assistant coach and Manchester college student. "Winning isn't everything.

"Coach Sprunger's goal is to get the best out of kids, and he doesn't expect anything but their best. He makes the game as fun as possible while still teaching the players to be focused and ready for the game."

"I love to win, don't get me wrong; I'm a competitive person," said Sprunger. "But I enjoy watching young boys come into this progam and leave as young men.

"I've worked with a lot of guys, I've probably coached over 250 guys in my years as coach. Sometimes I'll see the guys on the street, or they'll come hang out and talk after a game. It's great to stay in contact with them. It means a lot that they take the time to come back to visit."

Chris Shepherd is one of those players who has returned to the Whitko football field. Shepherd, a player on the 1986 state champion team, is now one of Sprunger's assistants and has seen him in action on both sides of the football field

"Coach Sprunger seems more laid back than I remember, but his intensity and love for the game have not changed a bit," said Shepherd. "When I think of Coach Sprunger, the first thing that comes to mind is Whitko football. He bleeds red, white and blue."

Sprunger leaves a lasting impression on his coaching staff.

"Coach Sprunger has taught me many things over the years," said Lopshire. "He has taught me to be more open and caring about people.

"He is one of the most open and caring individuals I have ever met. He's not afraid to show his emotions."

"Starting out, I knew I wanted to coach, and I knew things about the game," said Thacker. "Coach Sprunger has become a mentor for me.

"He's someone I look up to, but I can depend on him as well. I will base a lot of my coaching philosophy on what I have learned from him."

Sprunger is an influence on his players as well as his coaching staff.

"I get to watch players grow for four years, mature, and learn lessons on the football field that are difficult to teach in the classroom," said Sprunger. "The guys come here and learn respect for themselves, respect for their teammates, and respect for their opponents. I always tell them 'You can fool a lot of people, but when you look in the mirror, the guy looking back knows the truth'."

Bryan Sprunger does not need to step in front of the mirror to see his truth. His reflection is conveyed through his coaching staff along with his former and current players who see him as a mentor, a leader, and a role-model as well as a successful coach [[In-content Ad]]