By GEORGE KUNKE, geoakunke@gmail.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:35 pm

SOUTH BEND - South Bend HS Athletic Director Jon Schray has taken over as head boys basketball coach for the Indians. Schray had successful seasons as the head coach of the Raymond HS girls basketball team. Schray informed the Herald of the decision to take the position Friday afternoon during a phone interview.

"My decision to take over the Boy's program was not an easy one," Schray said. "The reason I stepped down as head coach of the Raymond girl's program was all about my family at home. My three boys were small, the youngest was born with some extra-medical needs, and my older two were starting to play sports and get into other extracurriculars that I knew I would miss with the schedule that coaching demands. They are older now and after talking with my wife, we feel that a better balance can be achieved then how I was operating before.

"I love the game of basketball and I cherish being able to share that love with others," Schray added. "So there was no question of whether I wanted to come back, especially with the young men that are coming up through South Bend's youth program that Coach Rangel established. I am very excited to work with them."

South Bend Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Tienhaara spoke highly of naming Schray as the new head coach.

"First, I want to thank Coach (Nathan) Needham for stepping up after we lost Coach (Manuel) Rangel two years ago," Tienhaara told the Herald Sunday night. "Nate loved the program and I know it was a tough decision for him to tender his resignation. That said, I am very pleased to welcome Coach Jon Schray to our boys varsity program."

Schray was the head coach of the Lady Seagulls for five seasons from 2011-12 through 2015-16.

"Coach Shray has a storied record of basketball success with his previous girls program at Raymond, and we were fortunate to gain his experience when we hired him as assistant principal here in South Bend last year," Tienhaara said.

"Mr. Schray is an impeccable role model for our students and I have the utmost confidence in his abilities," Tienhaara added. "I'm hoping we can put together close to a normal basketball season this year, and when we do, Coach Schray and his team will be ready. The future is bright here in South Bend."

Depending on the state of the coronavirus pandemic, basketball practices are scheduled to begin Monday, December 28. Teams need to only have five practices before games start in January. Only 14 regular season games will be scheduled.