Benet tabs Heidkamp as new coach

Gene Heidkamp is sticking to his East Suburban Catholic Conference roots.

Playing or coaching, the league always has been home for the 38-year-old St. Patrick High School graduate.

On Monday he added another level of ESCC commitment by being named Benet's new varsity boys basketball coach.

"I really enjoy the East Suburban Catholic Conference," he said. "At a school like Benet, with the strong tradition of academics and athletics, it's a great situation for me."

Heidkamp, a varsity assistant at St. Patrick the last three years, replaces Marty Gaughan, who retired after finishing his 19th season at the helm.

"One of the things that attracted me to Benet was the great coaches they've had here," Heidkamp said. "This really is a destination job."

After playing for Hall of Fame coach Max Kurland at St. Patrick, Heidkamp played two years at St. Norbert College in Wisconsin. He then spent nine years coaching at St. Patrick before being the head coach at Nazareth from 2002 to 2005.

His 15-year coaching tenure in the ESCC will now continue with the Redwings, who graduate much of their lineup from last season. Among the top returners will be 6-foot-8 junior Joe Meyerhoff, who averaged 8 points.

Heidkamp said motion offense and man-to-man defense are staples of his coaching philosophy, but he also expects to pick up right where Gaughan left off with the program.

"I'm honored and excited to be here," Heidkamp said. "Every time out we're going to give ourselves the best chance to win."