3-17-2022 5:56pm

Jason Brunke named All-Conference Girls Basketball Coach of the Year

Hononegah coach Jason Brunke was recently named NIC-10 Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. He was the sophomore girls basketball coach for 11 years before stepping up to the varsity level following Coach Randy Weibel's retirement in 2020. In addition, Brunke received a "Those Who Care" award in 2018, for his contributions in educational innovation.

Hononegah girls basketball coach Jason Brunke stepped into some pretty big shoes two years ago when legendary coach Randy Weibel retired after coaching the Indians for 20 years, including winning the NIC-10 conference in 2019.

Brunke coached the sophomore team for 11 years before taking over as varsity coach in May 2020. He was recently named NIC-10 All-Conference Coach of the Year.

His first year as varsity coach turned out to be a shortened season due to COVID. This year the Indians played a full season. The team's overall record this year was 30-4.

They earned an 18-0 conference record and first place in NIC-10, and first place with a 4-0 record in the Sterling Holiday Shootout.

Brunke and his team finished the season with the IHSA Regional Championship.

Two team players, Carly LaMay and Haley Warren, were named to the NIC-10 All-Conference first team.

“It’s nice to be recognized by the other coaches of the NIC-10 with this award, but I think more than anything the accomplishments of this group speaks to the talented and hard-working players,” Brunke said.

“They responded to every challenge we threw at them throughout the year. It was a tough-minded and resilient team that I have been proud to be a part of. They have provided me with memories throughout the season that I will never forget.”

Brunke went on to thank the entire coaching staff. “I can’t speak highly enough about the dedication and efforts of the coaching staff, especially varsity assistant Matt Simpson. He has been instrumental in the transition navigating the responsibilities of varsity coach.”

Brunke said he looks forward to continuing to grow the program and challenging future Hononegah athletes in reaching their potential.

In addition to coaching, Brunke teaches Business Education at Hononegah and is the coordinator of Career and Tech Education. He introduced and teaches the entrepreneur/ Incubator Program that has been part of the business curriculum for about seven years.

A few years ago, he received the “Those Who Excel” Award, a special recognition for teachers who have made outstanding contributions to elementary and secondary education in public and non-public schools.

Brunke has a win/win record at Hononegah Community High School.

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