Witte putting stamp on his team

BRAIDWOOD — “Alright, change on three — 1, 2, 3 ... change!”

Trailing by a 21-8 score at intermission of their first game of the 15th annual Braidwood Shootout to West Carroll, Seneca coach Russell Witte uttered those words to his team as they broke the huddle to begin the second half. It was later found out that Witte was simply referring to his team’s defensive effort in the second half. Still, of all the catch phrases that could possibly be more appropriate, no word is more so than “change”.

No less that five Interstate Eight Conference schools have new basketball coaches this year, many of whom were of the long-term variety. Included amongst those changes is Witte, who is replacing venerable coach Doug Evans. Evans retired this past offseason after guiding the Fighting Irish for the past two and a half decades.

Sometimes when a decorated veteran decides to step down (Evans still remains at SHS as principal) people can get a little skittish about such a change. However, ask a member of the returning Irish and they will tell you they are virtually fearless of the move.

"To me it really doesn't matter what kind of changes are made,” Seneca junior Eric Adkins said. “If we work hard and buy into it, you can change anything and be successful.”

Adkins followed that up by also adding that “Coach Witte will be there no matter what if you bust your butt and don't take plays off.”

It would seem that Witte and his squad have already started bonding in an effort to keep the Fighting Irish program headed in the right direction. That began this past week when the team played well downstate.

“We have just spent four days  in southern Illinois and I wanted to remind them of the defense we played down there,” he said of the charge for change at halftime against West Carroll. “It seems like we came up north and were playing different defensively than we had. I wanted them to change back to where they were going.”

At the time they had been refining their game while also spending quality time together as a squad.

"We had a lot of fun ... We got to play some different teams down there than we play up north,” Witte said. “We camped out in tents and in cabins at Red Hill State Park and the kids enjoyed themselves."

They were also learning a new system and their new coach in the process.

“He's got a lot of experience under his belt,” Seneca senior Jake Condon said. “We know he coached at IVCC and he was our JV coach last year. He has experience at all levels."

Witte has compiled a 52-49 record in coaching high school teams over the years, which included two years in Hamilton, Montana and two years at Spring Valley Hall. Last year his sophomore team ended up 17-8.

Believe it or not, taking over in the wake of an icon is on Witte’s resume, too.

"This is just like when I went to Hall and replaced Eric Bryant (19 years and two state runner-ups as head coach of the Red Devils),” Witte said. “I've always said that I want to go places where I can teach and take over as coach of a place where they have higher standards.”

He asked for it and he got it. Now he has to wonder how much scrutiny he and his team will face by sitting in the shadow of Evans.

"One thing you can say is that every coach has his own philosophy,” Witte said. “Doug may have done things one way and I may do them another, but it doesn't make either of us wrong, and the success is dictated by how things are executed."

Which Witte admits can be a problem with a young squad — such as the one he currently commands.

"I don't know if there is pressure on myself, per say, just because this program has been successful, but the people have to remember that we only have one guy who is returning that had any starting time last year. They have to realize that we've had a lot of turnover from last year and that there are going to be growing pains."

But with growing pains can also come tough love, something that Witte seems to have a grasp on.

"I love what I do and I may be intense, but I love the kids and the individuals involved. You have to remember that this is not only about wins and losses, but it's about everyday life. At the end of the day its about the kids and never about wins and losses,” Witte said. “We're going to be as much of a family as anything. It's one of those things I believe in. We're playing for each other and that name on the jersey. With that comes some pressure, so everyone will need to be patient."