Eric Sorenson
Rich Wellbrock decided it was time to make the move.
No, the well-established high school football coach is not leaving the Valley, just moving from one side to the other in the coming months.
It was officially announced Thursday morning Wellbrock will leave Desert Edge and take over the Basha Bears’ program, in the same same position.
Basha High names Rich Wellbrock as the new Head Football coach. Great success coming to Basha Football. @bashagridiron
— Basha HS Athletics (@BashaAthletics) December 8, 2016
Wellbrock went 74-16 in seven seasons, establishing the Scorpions as one of the dominant prep programs not only in the west Valley, but the entire state.
“It’s time for a new challenge,” Wellbrock told Sports360AZ.com Thursday morning. “I’m very excited for the new opportunity. I’m proud of what’s been built here at Desert Edge. We’ve done a very good job.”
The two sides officially agreed on a deal Wednesday. Wellbrock spoke to the Scorpions earlier this morning. He described it as a “difficult change for the current players” but was optimistic the new staff, whoever it is, will continue the success he’s built in Goodyear.
Wellbrock won’t be taking any of his DE staff with him to Basha. He told Sports360AZ.com he’s focused on putting together an east-Valley based staff which he hopes will be completed in the next couple weeks.
The Bears’ program was highly sought after as over 60 applicants applied, including a number of top prep head coaches and assistant coaches at the college level.
“We’re excited to have Coach Wellbrock bring his disciplined and winning traditions that he established at Desert Edge to Basha High School,” Chandler Schools District Athletic Director Marcus Williams told Sports360AZ.com.
Former coach Gerald Todd stepped down after the Bears finished 3-8 last season. Basha went 14-20 during Todd’s three-year tenure.
