February 2020 ROAR

“I was fortunate to eventually become the varsity girls basketball
coach at Belding for four years. It was a rocky beginning
and I learned a ton, but before I left, we were able to turn
the program around and win a conference a district title. I am
so thankful now to have the opportunity to teach and coach
in a community like Rockford. My wife and I absolutely love
Rockford and enjoy raising our two kids Luke and Lainee in
the community.”
It doesn’t seem to be as rocky a start for the Rams program.
Last year the players made some huge strides, and the returners
are continuing the pace this season. The team is currently
10-1, with a variety of players leading the scoring in different
games. They suffered their first loss of the year against OK
Red foe East Kentwood by a 55-47 score. Conference opponent
Hudsonville, who is next on the schedule, will be another challenge.
Wilson always sees his team come together, though,
win or lose.
“Each season is always different. It doesn’t matter how
many returning players we have back,” shares Wilson. What
makes this team unique is that they are all in for the team 100
percent. We know exactly who we are as a team, and all the
kids are dedicated to work as hard as they can to fulfill their
role. When a team knows their identity and they play as a team
for each other, the sky is the limit.”
Wilson explains his roster and why they are so successful.
The team, which lacks in height, makes up for in heart, skill,
speed and gritty play.
“Our depth is what sets us apart,” explains Wilson. “We
have the goal of making conditioning a factor. We cycle our
players in and out regularly so that they can always give it their
all. This philosophy makes it very tough on the other team,
and once we run them down, we have a great chance to win.
We have three senior captains. Syd Reinke, Madi Kleefisch and
Maddie Hutchings. We are a very young team collectively and
these three have done a great job at keeping us grounded and
hungry each and every practice.”
The team has also enjoyed the skills of sophomores Elle
Irwin, Alina Anderson Sami KeDuiper, and Megan McCauley.
Freshmen Madee Whitford and Alyssa Wypych also add their
talents to the mix. The team also rotates in Sophia Segard and
Abby Bakita for their skills to complete the team’s rotation.
“We really have pushed ‘the team’ mantra,” shares Wilson.
“I think all of our girls realize that they all have a tremendous
role in what we do, and care for each other enough to star in
that role.”
Wilson has a running list of why his teams are so successful.
NET GAIN!
Senior Maddie Hutchings fights off a defender for a basket.
~ Photo by “Papa” Razzi Sports Photography
He points to his assistants and shares how important they
are to him, and the success of his varsity team.
“My high school staff is incredible. I have never been around
a group of people who are this committed. Ashley Remtema,
Larry Fehrle and Jenny Wypych help me at the varsity level.
They are my best friends and dedicate countless hours for our
success.”
4 ROAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY, 2020