For the third time in four years, Amherst boys basketball will be under new management as Phil Jagielo has resigned from his position as head coach.
“I have had the privilege of serving as the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach for five seasons, and during this time, I have witnessed tremendous growth and development among the players. It has been an honor to work with such dedicated and talented individuals, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together,” wrote Jagielo in a letter to the school board.
During his tenure, the team went 40-77 from 2018-2024.
When searching for Jagielo’s replacement, Amherst didn’t have to look outside the area to find their next leader as Jarrett Davidson was promoted to head coach on April 24. Davidson was the JV2 coach for the past two seasons, and has been around the coaching world for his whole life.
“From the time I remember, my dad was a varsity boys and girls coach at a school in the UP.” Davidson recalls, “He coached boys and girls until 2006, when the seasons got moved to the same time. He then stuck with the girls program until I was in high school in 2009.” He started his own coaching career back in 2015 with Waupaca basketball, and has experience with Thorp and Baraga High School in Michigan. Davidson currently coaches the 14u level for UTC Fire.
When it comes to him being a varsity coach, Davidson says that he has wanted the opportunity for a while.
“For about 3-4 years now, I’ve wanted to be a varsity coach for basketball, but it usually comes with time.” Davidson said, “I don’t think there’s ever a time to be ‘ready’ to jump into your first varsity coaching position, because you just don’t know the things you don’t know.”
Before Jagielo’s resignation went public, the coaching staff had a discussion about what was inevitable, and Davidson said that he still is close with the group, often asking them basketball related questions. When talking about his time working with Jagielo, Davidson said “I definitely came into the program and learned many new things, terminologies, and concepts to coaching basketball that I haven’t seen before. I enjoyed my time being a part of the staff with Coach Phil.”
For his vision of the program’s future with him at the wheel, it is going to be a lot more than just basketball.
“I think some service and giving back to the community is well within what we want to do as a team, as we are building not only athletes, but our future students to become leaders in our community and society,” said Davidson.
As for on the court, it will be about creating a family dynamic. “We will need to dictate the tempo of the game, with high-percentage scoring opportunities. Instilling a culture of working hard, accountability for all, and continuous improvement is a standard that we will have to have.”
Davidson plans to remain committed to the program for the foreseeable future, hoping to see his son (4th grade) through his varsity career, and beyond.
For his message to the community, Davidson feels optimistic and excited for the future.
“I’m excited and ready to lead the Amherst Boys’ Program to success throughout my years as a coach. I would love for all students, community members and staff to show up and support as we play, and I hope I can develop great student-athletes that will not just be good basketball players, but great future community and school leaders for Amherst.”
Davidson will kick off his Varsity coaching career on November 26, 2024 when the Amherst Falcons face the Port Edwards Blackhawks.
