Junction City, KS – Junction City High School has selected Mr. Nate Schmitt as the new Blue Jays varsity head boys’ basketball coach and physical education teacher in USD 475 for 2016-2017 school year, pending Board approval. Nate previously served as the assistant coach for Garden City High School (2009-11), Head coach for Wichita County High School (2011-13), and head coach for Lakin High School (2013-16). Nate is a graduate of Holcomb High School. He played basketball at Garden City Community College and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. Nate and his fiancée Shellby Knoll are planning a July 30, 2016 wedding.

“Junction City High School is very excited to have Nate join us as a Teacher/Coach. Nate brings a wealth of basketball knowledge as well as high level of energy and passion to the position.” -Matt Westerhaus

Nate will be replacing Pat Battle who coached the Blue Jays for five seasons. A press conference has been scheduled for Monday, April 25th at 9:00 a.m.at the JCHS Athletic Department Office. Nate will also serve as a Physical Education teacher in USD 475.

An earlier version of this story identified Nate Schmitt as “Nate Schmidt” in the photograph caption.