The Sprunger family is one of many great local football families that get to share their love and
knowledge of the game of football.
The notoriety of the Sprungers’ football careers can be traced back to Bryan Sprunger, who coached the Whitko Wildcats from 1982-2007 and amassed 140 wins, four Three Rivers Conference titles and the 1986 Class 2A state title.
Why is this relevant in 2023? Well, because Bryan coached his sons, Jeff and Brad Sprunger, when they were playing football at Whitko. Now, they’re giving back to what their father gave to them: the love for the game.
Today, the brothers are known for leading Southern Wells (Jeff) and Whitko (Brad) to not only Week 1 dubs, but their first win at their respective schools, with Jeff in his rookie campaign with the Raiders and Brad in Year 2 at Whitko.
Jeff coached at his alma mater (Whitko) from 2016-2018. He then took a teaching and coaching position at Southern Wells in June 2020, right at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He then stepped away from coaching for a year to focus on his health before rejoining last season.
Southern Wells did not have a 2020 season due to pandemic-related restrictions, but the program spent the next two seasons under Mike Roeder before he stepped down after last year. That’s when Jeff decided to become the Raiders’ next coach, choosing to take the job to show the players they have someone that is as “dedicated and committed to the cause” as they are.
Jeff said the program has went through a lot in the last few years, but that is what made last Friday that much sweeter. Senior Bryar Gearhart rushed for 131 yards and a pair of TDs as the Raiders snapped a 22-game losing streak with a 29-26 win at Elwood.
The team has had a fiery passion since Jefftook over as head coach, and the win Friday made them realize that the monkey had finally gotten off their backs. The bus ride felt a whole lot different as the team was greeted by hundreds of people at the school that rang the bell to celebrate.
“Since I took over in the spring, the team has dedicated itself to the weight room, showing up to summer workouts and challenging each other in the preseason,” Jeff said. “We needed to get this first win to prove that commitment like that will continue to bring us wins and make this program something special again.
“I shared a quote with them at the beginning of the season that was ‘This too shall pass.’ We are going to run into difficult times and we just have to keep working our way through it. But we are also going to have those good times and it’s okay to enjoy it. However, you must stay humble and continue to work because these moments will be fleeting.”
Meanwhile, located 124 miles northeast of Elwood, Jeff’s brother, Brad, coached the Whitko Wildcats to a 20-0 win at Prairie Heights to snap a 15-game losing streak.
Last fall, Whitko posted an 0-10 record that included a coaching change three games into the season. In that span, the Wildcats were outscored 169-0 and numbers within the program were growing alarmingly thin. Brad was given the interim tag shortly after the sudden coaching change and led the team through the conclusion of the season. He was later named the program’s 10th head coach all-time.
A year ago against Prairie Heights, the Wildcats were pummeled, 39-0. This time, Whitko recorded its first shutout win since Oct. 23, 2015, a 45-0 sectional opening home win over, yes, Prairie Heights. Last season, Whitko recorded three sacks the entire season. In Week 1, the Wildcats had four sacks.
The seniors contributed in a huge way in the victory as quarterback Jak Hill ran for 56 yards on 19 carries for two touchdowns, while Kaden Long ran seven times for 114 yards and another score. Both Hill and Long recorded an interception on defense.
Brad credits the seniors for showcasing great leadership and setting the tone for maintaining the
physicality throughout the game.
“Our mission for this year was to go 1-0 every day,” said Brad. “We want to be our best every day not only in football, but in the classroom and in the community.
“I have brought in players from past decades to talk to the kids and let them know what Whitko football used to be and how much it meant to them. My father (Bryan) – who comes out to help during the week – talked to the kids (last week) about playing the next play and not to worry about the last play.”
The program building and success trace back to the family connections between Jeff and Brad. Last Friday saw it come full circle. There is more to life than just winning and losing games. Yes, we all want to achieve our ultimate goals, but the memories built will last a lifetime.
While Jeff and Brad have forged new paths as men of character and football, they still manage to stay in touch along with their parents. When asked about each other’s accomplishments, they were quick their sibling.
“Not enough words describe how proud and happy I am for my brother and the Whitko community,” said Jeff. “I know the time and energy he (Brad) has put into that program not just this year, but for many years. It is exciting to see him finally get his chance and opportunity to be at the helm.”
“I am proud of my brother also for what he has done down there at Southern Wells,” said Brad. “We have had both schools together a couple of times and we have had a lot of fun with it.”
Today, we reflect on a moment these two football coaches will never forget. But the job is not done as both teams focus on their next quest for win No. 2 this week. Southern Wells’ early-season road trips continue to Madison-Grant, while Whitko opens TRC play at Peru.
As we conclude the newest chapter of the Sprunger family legacy in northeast Indiana, the brotherhood they share together has exemplified what it means to share the love of the game.
That next Sprunger family dinner will share stories about life and football, the same way it’s been for many years.
“The main thing he (Brad) will have to remember, which may be difficult for him to deal with, is that I am still mom’s favorite!” said Jeff.
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