Kravets off and running as new Round Lake coach
Howard Kravets isn't wasting any time getting busy as Round Lake Community High School's new boys basketball coach.
Kravets, who was named Jeremy Fisher's replacement this week, is inviting all members of the school, boys basketball players, parents and fans to what he's calling "our first Round Lake boys basketball town meeting."
It will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the high school theater.
In a written statement, Kravets said: "I am very excited to be the next varsity boys basketball coach at Round Lake High School and would like to share my vision of how we, as a community, will restore the Panther Pride that has been established by athletes and coaches in years past."
He notes he has been a high school coach for more than a decade in Lake County and has always been associated with "teams that represent their school and community in a positive manner, with winning attitudes and respect for their teammates, coaches, officials and opponents."
He adds this is "only a portion" of what he will bring to the boys basketball program.
Kravets concludes by saying, "It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. On that note, I hope that all of you interested in seeing the boys basketball program succeed will be able to attend this meeting."
Kravets says he will be happy to answer any questions following his presentation. Round Lake athletic director Spencer Byrd also will be present, as well as members of Kravets' staff.
Kravets, 36, began his coaching career at his high school alma mater, Deerfield, in 1996 under the late Steve Pappas. Kravets served as freshman boys basketball coach and then a varsity assistant for both Pappas and Greg Kapsimalis.
Kravets coached the last four years at Grayslake Central as an assistant varsity, head sophomore and head freshman coach. He was also the head varsity boys lacrosse coach.
This will be Kravets' first head-coaching position in boys basketball.
"I am very excited for this opportunity," Kravets said. "It has been a goal of mine to become a high school varsity coach, and I am happy to be at Round Lake."