Andreassi

JEFFERSON TWP — Former Knoch High School boys basketball coach Chris Andreassi was approved as the Knights’ new head girls basketball coach Wednesday night.

Andreassi, a teacher at Knoch since 1990, replaces Dave Peters, who was 11-33 in two years.

“I’m excited about this opportunity, but I wasn’t anticipating it,” Andreassi said. “I feel bad for the way the opportunity came about.

“Dave asked me to come on board (as a girls assistant coach) last summer. I was loyal to him and he treated me well. Our win-loss record was disappointing. That was not anticipated by anyone, including Coach Peters and myself.”

Knoch’s varsity girls finished 3-19 last season and are 5-21 in section play over the past two years. Peters’ position was opened up by the South Butler School District after the 2015-16 season.

“The program is not in dire condition,” Andreassi said. “It’s in much better shape than people think it is.

“Dave did a good job of enhancing the elementary program and our junior high team has experienced success. I’ve gotten to know these girls from coaching them last season and in school.

“They’re a committed group, ready to work hard. That’s a common goal. I wouldn’t have taken this job if I didn’t believe that,” Andreassi added.

Andreassi was 39-49 in four years as Knoch’s boys basketball coach from 2006-07 to 2009-10. He is an assistant coach on Mike King’s football staff.

King and Andreassi coached freshman football together in 1992.

“Chris is a dedicated educator and coach,” King said. “He’s coached different sports at different levels and works well with kids.

“He’s a good basketball guy who can move this program forward.”

Andreassi is not concerned about becoming a head girls basketball coach after formerly coaching boys.

“There’s some subtle differences and you have to change your approach emotionally,” he said. “But basketball is basketball. I’m signing up to coach basketball, not boys or girls.”