Bill Gavers speaks during a news conference after being
announced as the new head coach of the Hastings College
men's basketball team this morning at Lynn Farrell Arena.
Only 12 days after the Hastings College men's basketball team's season came to an end, the Broncos have named the successor to former head coach Lance Creech in the form of Grand Island Central Catholic's Bill Gavers.
Over the last 22 years, Gavers led the Crusaders to a 421-127 record, 12 state tournament appearances, a state championship in 2000, a runner-up and 19 top-10 finishes.
"Bill Gavers was a young man that was always on my list," HC athletic director Jerry Schmutte said at a news conference this morning at Lynn Farrell Arena. "The things that he's done in the state of Nebraska ... and the knowledge of coaches, in my book, it was kind of a no-brainer."
Schmutte said he received numerous letter of support for Gavers describing the ways he has changed lives and recommending him for the position as the Broncos' head coach.
Gavers thanked HC president Don Jackson and Schmutte for allowing him to return to Hastings College.
"This is a great opportunity. Hastings College is a special place," the HC alum said. "It was exciting for me to see people that helped me in the process of becoming an educator. ... It's a special place and it's a people place. You get connected to people here, people that have done a lot for you, and you just want to give back."
Gavers was a player for Hastings College from 1986-88 under then-head coach Mike Trader, who was also his coach in high school at Omaha Bryan. The 1987-88 Bronco team was inducted to the Hastings College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.
To read more, see Saturday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
