Brad McCormick named head football coach at Garden Plain

Brad McCormick has been named the head football coach at Garden Plain High School. McCormick has been an assistant with the Owls for the previous nine seasons under former head coach Todd Puetz.

"I was pretty exstatic when I found out," McCormick said. "We have such a good coaching staff here, good assistants, so that will make it an easier transition."

While most coaches are hired after unsuccessful seasons, McCormick will be taking over a team that made it to the semifinals this past season.

"I don't think I'm going to reinvent the wheel. A lot has to do with some things you want to adjust, and that depends on personel." 

McCormick, who is originally from Norwich, is a middle school math teacher in Garden Plain. His previous duties for the team have included assisting the defensive coordinator, but took over the offensive coordinator duties this past season when Puetz was removed as head coach.

Greg Gegan was named the interim head coach for the playoff run this past season, but McCormick didn't know if he'd remain on the staff.

"I'm hoping he will, but I haven't talked to him yet. I haven't even talked to the kids yet."

McCormick said maintaining the current coaching staff is important, as it provides continuity for the athletes in the program. Gegan has also been with the program for nine seasons, and Eric Rockers has been an assistant for longer.

"They know me, I've been here for nine seasons. Being familiar with them, they're like my kids."