Good Crowd Turns Out to Meet New Altamont Hoops Coaches

Katie Lurkins had no trouble finding the site of Tuesday morning's reception welcoming her and John Niebrugge as the girls and boys varsity basketball coaches at Altamont.  Lurkins lives in Altamont.

Meanwhile, Niebrugge didn't have any difficulties finding Altamont; he's been there many times as an athlete for Teutopolis and as an assistant coach for several successful programs.

Lurkins and her husband and children have lived in Altamont as it was a halfway point for her previous duties as teacher and coach in Newton and her husband's work in Fayette County.  Now, she has a very short commute.

(A LOOK AT THOSE WHO ATTENDED TUESDAY'S BREAKFAST RECEPTION FOR NEW ALTAMONT BASKETBALL COACHES KATIE LURKINS AND JOHN NIEBRUGGE)

Lurkins was hired as a teacher and coach at Altamont after Nikki Bloemer resigned to make more time for her family.  Niebrugge succeeds Doug Hill, the all-time leader in tenure and in wins for the Altamont boys' program.  Hill is taking over as principal at Altamont Grade School.

Both coaches promised aggressive defensive teams and fast-paced offensive squads.

(AN ALTAMONT FAN VISITS WITH NEW BOYS COACH JOHN NIEBRUGGE {center} AND EMCEE KURT BECKER {right} AT TUESDAY'S RECEPTION)

We had the opportunity to talk with the new Altamont coaches at the conclusion of Tuesday's reception. Below are video interviews with both.

Katie Lurkins, Altamont Girls Basketball Coach

John Niebrugge, Altamont Boys Basketball Coach