(Avoca) Tony Santisteban’s hire as head boys basketball coach was approved by the Exira-EHK school board last week.
Santisteban made the state tournament with the Spartans as a player. He’s spent the past ten years as an assistant under longtime head coach Doug Newton, who resigned following the 2022-23 season. “It’s going to be awesome. I’m excited. I think the guys with what I’ve gotten from support and messages it seems other people are excited too. I’m ready to get it going and see where we can go.”
At least six key varsity contributors are back on paper. He’s been waiting patiently for this opportunity. “I knew I wanted to be a head coach at some point.” Santisteban says, “When coach Newton made his decision I decided to put my name in the hat.”
Coach Santisteban comments on his expectations. “We have to be smart, play with one another. We have to be smart and understand what each individual is doing on the court. That makes all the five work better. Play to our strengths and get after it.”
The Spartans are anticipating a few team shootouts along with the Harlan league this summer.
Exira-EHK coach Tony Santisteban:
