The Hauser Jets have a new boys varsity basketball coach. 2014 South Ripley graduate Trent Moorhead now heads the program replacing Brent Keck.
Trent is a third generation Moorhead to coach an Indiana high school varsity basketball team. He joins grandfather Gus and his dad Rob with that distinction.
Moorhead’s coaching background prior to his new gig in Hope was a seventh grade coach at Edgewood and later a varsity assistant for the Mustangs. He became the Franklin Community JV coach where he also got his first math teaching job. He stayed at Franklin for three seasons before taking the JV boys position at Hauser last year.
Moorhead thought about becoming a high school coach during his senior year at South Ripley.
“I always enjoyed hearing stories about my grandfather’s teams at Versailles and South Ripley and all the success they had, as well as my dad’s teams at South Dearborn and the sectional they won in 1995,” Moorhead recalled. “Hearing those stories, combined with my passion for the game, made it a dream of mine to be a head basketball coach in Indiana. I’d say I got serious about it my senior year of high school. When I made the decision to go to IU, I knew I wanted to get involved with coaching basketball right away. I was fortunate to do that and get started on my own coaching path.”
There is a difference between assisting a program and running one.
“I understand you’re under a spotlight as the head coach, but that is not something that scares me,” stated Moorhead. “As an assistant coach, you’re making suggestions. As the head coach, you’re making decisions. I’ll always try to do what is in the best interest of our players and our team and make sure we are representing Hauser the right way.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to come in and build a highly competitive and positive culture for our team,” Moorhead added. “I’m a high energy guy, and I want my players to reflect that as well. I want our guys to not only be great on the basketball court, but also be great students, school and community members. I really want to emphasize focusing on core values like accountability, respect and competitiveness as well as encourage our players to always have great attitudes and give maximum effort. I think if you focus on those things every day, you’re setting yourself up for success on and off the court.”
The thought of being a third generation Moorhead to lead a varsity program has not been lost on the 26-year-old.
“It means the world to me,” said the new boss of the Jets. “I’m so proud of the history my family has in coaching. I’m so lucky to have such a great support system within my family. I’m not the only coach Moorhead, and that is something that I think is special. Being ‘CM4’ has become a part of who I am, and I’m proud to be carrying on the family legacy here at Hauser.”
“CM3” is Trent’s brother Brad who coaches JV at Edgewood.
Part of Moorhead’s support system he referenced is a young lady from Switzerland County who will soon officially become part of the family.
“I’m also lucky to have a wonderful woman by my side just like my grandfather and dad have had,” said Moorhead. “My fiancé, Bre Ricketts, is the most supportive person. She understands how much this means to me. I really couldn’t do it without her.”
The former Raider is both thankful and excited for the opportunity at Hauser.
“This school and community is such a special place, and the people are amazing,” exclaimed Moorhead. “The way the community rallies around and supports the school and basketball program is so great. It’s a dream scenario as a head coach. The future is bright for our program, and I can’t wait to get to work.”