News Summary

The West Central School District has appointed Dave Hollenbeck as the new boys’ basketball coach, succeeding Jacob Sittig amid controversy regarding the previous coach’s non-renewal. Hollenbeck, with over 30 years of experience and a record of 532 wins, will lead the program into a new era. Community support for Sittig has been significant, with many rallying for his reinstatement. As the district prepares for the upcoming season, questions remain about how this transition will impact the basketball program and its players.

Exciting Changes at West Central School District: Meet the New Boys’ Basketball Coach!

In an unexpected twist of events, the West Central School District in West Central has recently made headlines by hiring a new boys’ basketball coach. Eric Knight, the district’s superintendent, announced on Wednesday that Dave Hollenbeck, with his impressive background, will be stepping into the role. This decision comes on the heels of some controversy surrounding the non-renewal of the previous coach’s position.

A New Era with Hollenbeck

So who is Dave Hollenbeck? He’s no stranger to the basketball scene, having previously coached at St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City. With over 30 years of coaching experience under his belt, Hollenbeck boasts an impressive record of 532 wins and just 156 losses. What’s even more remarkable is that he guided his former team to an astonishing 16 state tournament appearances and clinched four state championships along the way. Talk about a winning track record!

If everything goes as planned and the school board approves, Hollenbeck will earn a cool $6,360 for his coaching duties, though he will not be taking on any teaching responsibilities. In contrast, Jacob Sittig, the former coach, continues to teach high school math and coach boys’ golf, making an interesting distinction in roles within the school.

What Happened to Sittig?

Now, let’s talk about Jacob Sittig, who faced some challenging circumstances that led to the restructuring of the basketball coaching situation. Back on April 9, 2024, he was placed on a plan of assistance. This was due to some concerns from the administration regarding the overall quality of the boys’ basketball program. Fast forward to April 8, 2025, and Sittig received a letter that left him facing the possibility of losing both his teaching and coaching contracts for not meeting certain objectives.

Details about these objectives remain murky, as Knight didn’t specify what Sittig fell short on. This lack of transparency became particularly contentious during several school board hearings. Ultimately, Sittig received no findings of fact that would clarify the reasons behind the non-renewal of his coaching contract, an issue that certainly raised eyebrows among community members.

Community Support and Controversy

Despite this setback, Sittig’s teaching and golf coaching contracts were renewed, and community support for him has been palpable. Many locals rallied around Sittig, with a petition collecting over 300 signatures for his reinstatement. Public comments in his favor echoed during board meetings, demonstrating the strong backing from parents and students alike.

Interestingly enough, Knight’s involvement in the basketball scene is quite personal, as both of his children are active on the basketball team. This adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics of the coaching changes within the district.

Coping with the Fallout

After facing the board’s decision, Sittig expressed his disappointment over losing the basketball coaching position, describing it as the honor of my life. He argued that the concerns highlighted by administration revolved around communication issues, coach-athlete relationship dynamics, and game strategies. Despite presenting counter-evidence and showcasing his strong varsity record, which includes a 21-4 record and a fifth-place finish in the state, the board ultimately chose to move in a different direction.

This situation certainly raises questions about how sports coaching positions are handled within South Dakota high schools, highlighting an ongoing concern regarding the treatment and retention of coaches. It seems that while new beginnings may be on the horizon for the boys’ basketball program, the community will continue to reflect on the implications of these changes.

Looking Ahead

As the West Central School District looks forward to the upcoming basketball season with Hollenbeck at the helm, many are eager to see how the program evolves. Will Hollenbeck maintain the tradition of excellence, or will there be new challenges ahead? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the community is ready to rally behind their new coach and support their young athletes!

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