Men’s basketball practice begins Thursday. Sheehan’s new coach understands the importance of establishing a foundation right away.
“We will have a program based on the expectations of resilience and team attitude, we will focus on this progress and work together towards a common goal,” said John Wodatch. “I’m super focused on the fundamentals of the program, creating expectations of what players should be getting in practice, out of practice, in the community and what’s expected of them. them as teammates.”
Wodatch was officially named the boys’ basketball coach at Sheehan on November 23. He met the players on Monday – many of whom he already knows from having been a staff assistant for the past seven seasons.
The news was first reported by The Record Journal.
Wodatch replaces Joe Gaetano, who retired nearly a month ago after 27 seasons as Titans coach. He wants to spend more time with his grandchildren in Florida and Massachusetts.
The pinnacle of Gaetano’s long tenure was winning the 2010 Class M State Championship, a title Woodatch was part of as a junior.
“He only told us two or three days before he told the team about it (he was retiring),” Wodatch said. “Joe still has such a passion for coaching, I know that decision killed him because he loves coaching and loves being around the game, but he knew it was the right time for it.”
The rest of the staff will remain intact with the return of PJ Grant and Shante Bacote. That should help, besides being in the building (Wodatch is a math teacher, as well as the girls’ head tennis coach).
Sheehan’s athletic director Chris Dailey said there was a “very competitive application field” and two rounds of interviews for finalists.
“One thing that was evident going through the application and interview process and also knowing John for a number of years is that he cares about children and their growth and wants what he wants. best for them,” Dailey said. “Developing his players as responsible young men and student leaders is just as important to him as developing them as basketball players and teammates.”
Wodatch pointed out that regardless of class, hard work on and off the floor will be rewarded.
The Titans open the season at home against Shelton on December 15.
“CSC is really, for my money, the toughest basketball conference in the state top to bottom,” Wodatch said. “It’s literally like a glove every year.”
joseph,[email protected]; @nhrJoeMorelli
