Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
COLUMBIA CITY -ÊHigh expectations and a winning program is the theme for the Whitko Wildcat boys basketball team for the 2006-2007 season.
Coming off a three-win season last, the Wildcats return several players. Experience and leadership should make for an improvement to the Whitko program.
Coach Rob Irwin, also the school's athletic director, is in his second season with the Wildcats. Irwin was the head coach for the Carroll Chargers of Fort Wayne before taking the job at Whitko.
"Last year when I came, when practice started we started with six kids. This year we had fourteen to start the season. The kids here are more excited about basketball at Whitko," Irwin said.
"It will take some time to teach winning to a basketball team," Irwin continued. "You take a team like Columbia City and they expect to win. We have been down for so long that we have to teach winning to our kids."
Sophomore Cory Snep returns as one of the leaders, along with Kaleb Swender. Snep will be relied on for more scoring as he starts his second season.
"Cory Snep is the one we want to make our go-to guy. There aren't too many sophomores in the state who will be relied on as much. We want him to be the one that makes the plays when we need it. It is a lot to ask from a young kid, but I am confident he will rise to the occassion," Irwin said.
Whitko lost its leading scorer from last season in Brad Smith. Also gone from last year's team are Cameron Walter and Jeff Coats.
The Wildcats boast five seniors this year in Swender, Doru Aldea, Brian Busz, Andrew Warner and Randy Wilkinson.
Others on the team are juniors Malon Kraft, Trent Rowland and Brenden Hart. Rounding out the varsity squad are sophomores Nick Netzger and Ryan Brumbaugh.
"Kaleb Swender is the leader of this squad. He is such a tough kid. When he gets healthy from the football season he is just going to get better," said Irwin.
Whitko started its season Wednesday at Columbia City, falling 55-48 to the Eagles. After their season opener, the Wildcats will face Huntington North, Norwell, Central Noble, Wawasee, West Noble, Tippecanoe Valley and Warsaw before the first of the year.
"If there is a tougher schedule in the state to start off the season I would like to see it. These are the type of games we like to play. I don't know how many games we will win down this stretch but we will improve," said Irwin.
Turning the corner has brought excitement not only to the players but to the school and its fans. Irwin's goal is to teach Whitko how to expect winning. His assistant coaches are Mike Kline and Dan McLellan. The junior varsity coach is Steve McManama and the freshmen coach is John Strayer.
"Our theme this year is toughness produces wins. I don't know if that will translate in to 10 wins or 15, but we will continue to get better and more competitive," said Irwin.
Whitko boasted a bigger turnout for basketball tryouts this year. The turnout for the season shows the basketball team is turning the corner.
"Last year the kids didn't know what I expected from them. This year they understand. This group of kids plays well with each other and they like each other. That makes for an excellent combination," said Irwin.
Whitko hopes to be more competitive and battle for the Three Rivers Conference title in 2006-2007.
"The bottom line is that we expect to improve. With improvement comes wins and that is what we are shooting for," said Irwin.
The Whitko Wildcats have a lot to look forward to this season. Only time will tell how good they will really be.
WHITKO LOSES OPENER
Whitko traveled to Columbia City on Wednesday night to open their season. The Eagles pulled away late in the third quarter to hold on for the win 55-47.
"They made some plays down the stretch when they needed them. Tyler Shively is a good player and he made the shots and plays when Columbia City needed them," said Irwin.
The Wildcats came out playing in-your-face, intensive defense. Whitko went on a 10-3 run to close out the first quarter in a 12-12 tie. The Wildcats remained close through of much of the first half and trailed 26-21 at the break.
"Our kids did a good job most of the night. We just gave them some easy baskets and we made some mistakes at times we shouldn't," said Irwin.
Shively led all scorers with 19 points, including 6-of-7 shooting from the free throw line. He also had three three-point goals. Tim Briggs and Jake Sittler scored 10 points each for Columbia City.
Cory Snep led the Wildcats in scoring with 18 including, three three-point shots. He added three rebounds and one steal.
Trent Rowland contributed to the cause with 12 points and five rebounds. Andrew Warner added nine points and six rebounds.
