News Summary

Newman Catholic Schools in Wausau announces the appointment of Jeff Gress as head coach for boys basketball and Patrick Murphy for the boys soccer program. Gress returns to lead the basketball team, aiming to build on their successes, while Murphy brings extensive experience to the soccer team, focusing on youth development and academic balance. The community is filled with optimism as both coaches gear up for the upcoming seasons, fostering teamwork and perseverance among student-athletes.

Exciting New Beginnings at Newman Catholic Schools in Wausau!

In an exciting turn of events for sports enthusiasts in Wausau, Newman Catholic Schools has announced the appointment of two new coaches for their boys basketball and soccer programs. The school community is eagerly anticipating the fresh energy and new strategies that these talented coaches are expected to bring to their respective teams.

Basketball Takes a Familiar Turn

First up, we have Jeff Gress stepping back into the role of head coach for the boys basketball team. A school alumnus, Gress graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1995 and has a storied past with the program. He previously coached the team from 2002 to 2016 and during that time, he set the bar high by leading the team to achieve the most overall wins, playoff victories, and conference triumphs in the school’s history.

Gress is known for his clear coaching philosophy, which emphasizes effort, discipline, pride, and togetherness. These guiding principles of his approach to coaching ensure that each player not only develops their skills on the court but grows as a member of a cohesive team. With his extensive background in the program, Gress has expressed genuine appreciation for the opportunity to take the reins once more.

He is succeeding Jeff Waldvogel, who recently led the team for three seasons. Waldvogel notably guided the team to the program’s first-ever WIAA state tournament title in 2023, which is no small feat! Gress is set to carry on this legacy and aims to build upon the successes achieved under Waldvogel’s watch.

Soccer Programs Get a Boost

Patrick Murphy as the new head coach for the boys soccer program. Murphy is coming in with a wealth of experience, having spent the last six seasons coaching the girls soccer team at Wausau East. Before that, he made his mark as both a boys soccer coach and track coach at John Muir Middle School. With 32 years of experience as a soccer official, Murphy certainly knows the ins and outs of the game!

Murphy’s vision for the soccer program is clear. He intends to build a strong foundation starting from the youth level, ensuring that interest in soccer continues to grow within the community. He believes that no team will outwork his players on the pitch, aiming to cultivate a work ethic that will propel the players toward success—both in soccer and in their academic pursuits.

By emphasizing high standards on and off the field, Murphy is dedicated to fostering a sense of commitment among student-athletes. He recognizes that balancing sports with academics can be a challenge but is determined to help his players thrive in both realms.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

The news of these coaching changes has been received with great enthusiasm by families and supporters of Newman Catholic Schools. The school’s athletic programs play a vital role in fostering community spirit and providing students with valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance. With Gress and Murphy at the helm, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the future of both basketball and soccer at Newman Catholic.

As the basketball season approaches and soccer drills begin, fans will undoubtedly feel the excitement building. With experienced coaches leading the charge, there’s no telling how high these teams can soar. Keep an eye out for the upcoming seasons—there’s no doubt they’ll be phenomenal!

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