MANTI—After four years, multiple playoff appearances, and one region title, Brennon Schweikart is saying farewell to Manti girls basketball.
The former head coach of the Lady Templars made his resignation public last week in a conversation with the Messenger, announcing that he has been named the next head boys basketball coach at Hurricane High School, a 4A program in southern Utah. Schweikart also resigned from his position as assistant athletic director at Manti.
“I think the timing is right,” Schweikart said. “Talking with my wife over the last little while really trying to figure out where we were going, I really wanted to get back to boys basketball. It was a really good opportunity. I feel like we really ended on a positive note with what we we’ve done over the last four years. I feel confident in how we left things as a program.”
Schweikart’s coaching career began as an assistant coach for Dixie State University men’s hoops, where he was a player before.
Schweikart, who took over the program prior to the 2018-19 season, revitalized the Lady Templar basketball program. After fighting through a tough first season to go 6-18, the Lady Templars had three consecutive winning seasons with an overall record of 40-25. Manti also claimed the 2019-2020 Region 14 title with a 16-8 regular season record and an appearance in the 3A quarterfinals.
“I could not be more proud [sic] of the young ladies that we were able to have over the last four years,” Schweikart said. “Building experiences and relationships over the last four years has been remarkable, and I’m not just going to let them pass by. They built me into the coach I am, and they’ve given me a plethora of experiences in highs and lows, learning who I am as a coach.”
Manti athletic director Steve Roberts confirmed last week that Eric Watson, brother of former Manti girls basketball head coach Roger Watson, has been named the successor to Schweikart in taking over the Lady Templar program. Schweikart said that Watson is “really excited and gung-ho to get things going.”
According to Schweikart, his wife, Jessica, who was the assistant coach and junior varsity coach, has also been fielding offers for assistant coaching positions in other sports at Hurricane as well.
