Kinder brings along a history of winning

Delta's new coach knows what it feels like to win in a Bobcat uniform.

Shawn Kinder was a senior point guard for Delta's last district champion team in 1998. Now after serving as an assistant at Notre Dame last season, Kinder is coming home to take on his first head coaching position.

"Me coming back to Delta and having success when I was in school, that gives me an edge as far as having respect from the kids," Kinder said.

The Bobcats are coming off a six-win season, but with several key players back along -- with Advance transfer Zack Kelley in the fold -- Kinder's first year at the helm could be a return to success.

Kinder said he's stressing a return to basics. While creating a new playing philosophy, Kinder is trying not only to teach the players a new style of play, but teach them about the game in general.

"The one thing they like is learning the game," he said.

No matter who makes up Delta's starting five this season, nearly all of Delta's players have played with the varsity in their careers.

Derek Heldermann and Daniel Cook return from last year's starting lineup, and juniors Brent Menz and Kevin Bartels saw significant minutes last season. Kelley was an Advance starter last year.

"The kids are pretty talented for a little 1A school," Kinder said.

Juniors Tanner Baggett, Cody Crowden and Amon Seabaugh will add depth along with sophomore Aaron Kinder.

One thing Kinder will try to draw from is the success of his Delta years. Kinder experienced three consecutive winning seasons in his four years, a first for the program since a three-year span from 1981 to '83.

Kinder said by tasting that success when he was playing and learning from coach Nate Crowden -- now Kinder's assistant -- he hopes he can establish that kind of success again at Delta.

"I was coached well by Nate Crowden," Kinder said. "He did a good job with us. I think playing under him and with the guys I played with should help me."

Along with teaching his players the fundamentals, Kinder will try to establish a more controlled style of play this season.

"It's a different style," Kinder said. "We're going to slow it down and move it and control the tempo of the game."