Waterloo High School boys basketball coach will not return for 2020-21 season
After five years in the Mississippi Valley Conference, Dane Walter is out as the Waterloo Bulldogs head boys basketball coach.
A native of Evansville and 2007 graduate of Sparta High School, Walter was notified early last week by Waterloo District 5 administration he would not be rehired for the 2020-21 season.
Walter confirmed Wednesday via email it was “technically true” he then resigned his head coaching duties. He remains at Waterloo High School as a teacher and assistant baseball coach.
Waterloo finished 12-20 this past season, ending with a loss to Herrin at the Class 3A Marion Regional. The Bulldogs were 43-111 in Walter’s five years. But with a lineup which included three sophomores and a junior, Waterloo showed promise during the second half of the season, winning four of five games late in the year.
Walter 30, said, while the record wasn’t impressive, he felt the program was headed in the right direction.
“No I don’t think anyone would sit here and say after five years being 43-111 is where they want to be. I felt that especially this year was a huge step in the right direction for Waterloo basketball however,” Walter said.
“I felt as though we progressed well through the season, especially after Christmas. We started three sophomores, a junior, and senior at that point so we were a very young team and really turned it around. I was looking forward to coaching that young team as they became upperclassmen.”
The 12 wins this season were the most for the Bulldogs under Walter and the season was one of the most successful since Waterloo last posted a winning record in the 2013-14 campaign when it finished 17-10. The Bulldogs won the MVC championship that season.
Walter said he is aware basketball is not the No. 1 choice at WHS for most athletes.
“I don’t think there is any secret that coaching basketball at WHS is not an easy thing to do. The conference itself is never easy. We have had some good basketball teams in the MVC over the last five years. Basketball seems to have not been the most popular sport. Our kids really enjoy playing baseball and soccer and spend a lot of time doing so,” Walter said.
“I always push for basketball players to be multi-sport athletes and want them to do three sports so that is not something I will ever argue against, it just seemed to be that basketball was their third choice. I think with a few kids coming up, though, that is not the case. That sophomore class has some kids who just want to hoop. There are a few in the younger classes and the junior high as well, and I think with some consistency, Waterloo will be more competitive on the hardwood as well.’’
Waterloo AD offers positive remarks about outgoing coach
Waterloo Athletic Director Mitch North said he admired the passion Walter had for the game and his players.
“As athletic director, I was pleased with the effort that coach Walter put into our boys basketball program. He cared deeply about his kids and was growing as a coach and leader,” North said. “The winning percentage in his tenure was not a number that anyone was happy with, but I did see progress as we won 12 games this year with three sophomores and a junior starting for the majority of those wins.
“We definitely got better as the season went on and I know coach Walter would have liked to have seen what this group could have done together next year.’’
Walter leaves a Bulldogs program which should be strong in the next few campaigns. Triad, led by senior all-stater Luke Cox, won the MVC crown this season after Highland dominated the two years prior.
Walter has nothing but praise for Waterloo
Walter had good things to say about the athletes and people of Waterloo.
“Our kids are great kids. They show up every day and work hard and do what is asked of them. The people in Waterloo are good people. It is a great school and great place to live. I am thankful for the opportunity that I had coaching basketball here,” Walter said. “Regardless of what happens from here, it was always a good challenge for me as a head coach. I have learned a lot that will benefit me in the future as an educator, coach, and in life.
“Coming to Waterloo has also introduced me to some of the great people here. Most importantly, I got to work with and build relationships with great kids each day. While the record is not what I had hoped for, I am still grateful for everything. ‘’
