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Brent Gerwert, the long-time Bellwood-Antis head basketball coach, resigned his position earlier this month after a decade on the job.

Gerwert’s main reason for leaving was to spend more time with his family.

“This takes more time than most think and with the addition of another child, it would have been extremely difficult for me,” Coach Gerwert said.

But Gerwert didn’t just leave; he stepped down with many titles and accomplishments while also creating an impact on his players.

Senior starter Ethan McGee said, “He made a very positive impact on me the past 4 years, teaching me more than just playing basketball.”

In his career Coach Gerwert had 156 wins and 92 losses at two different schools, and the choice to resign wasn’t easy.

“Stepping down was a very difficult decision for me because we are coming off a really good three-year stretch, and all the pieces are there for continued success,” said Coach Gerwert.

Coach Gerwert didn’t just make an impact on Bellwood, he made an impact on Penn Cambria, too. He started his career as the head coach there in 2007. He then came to Bellwood-Antis for the 2008-2009 season.

At Penn Cambria Coach Gerwert had 10 wins and 14 losses. While coaching at Bellwood, he got 146 wins and 78 losses.

In March, the team concluded another stellar season, finishing 18-8 with a third consecutive trip to the PIAA playoffs, something that had never happened before in program history.

“It has been awesome to accomplish everything with Coach Gerwert,” said senior Jarrett Taneyhill.

Coach Gerwert’s achievements are on par or beyond any coach at Bellwood-Antis.

He led the Devils to the ICC North Title in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. His team won an overall ICC championship in the 2015-2016 season.

“He was a great coach who always wanted to win,” said senior Joe Padula.

Coach Gerwert also led B-A to a District Championship in 2015-2016, and three of his players reached the 1,000-point mark.

“Being able to develop players that have come through the program has been a great joy to me,” says Coach Gerwert.

Coach Gerwert achieved the Altoona Mirror Coach of the Year in 2016.

Above all he built relationships.

“I honestly believe he made me a better person, and I am very thankful for that. He will definitely be missed,” Taneyhill said.

“All the players that I have coached have a special place in my heart,” said Gerwert.