VSDCA: Spotswood locks in coach Dan Schuppan for another season
Dan Schuppan travels a couple of hours from his home in Maryborough to coach Spotswood — and the journey is set to continue.
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“He’s just a fantastic coach, that’s what it comes down to.”
The words are from Spotswood Cricket Club president John Wheeler, talking about Dan Schuppan after he agreed to extend his coaching tenure into next season.
That will make it four seasons at the helm at Spotty for 36-year-old Schuppan, the former Carlton and Geelong Premier Cricket paceman.
“He’s certainly been a great get for us, a really perfect fit, actually,” Wheeler said.
Schuppan lives in Maryborough and makes the 170km commute to Spotswood.
Just like his car, he’s got Spotty motoring along nicely.
Spotswood has made a smooth transition to the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association this season after 92 years in the VTCA.
Winning seven of their first eight games, Spotty, sitting in fourth spot in the south-west section, is marching towards a finals berth.
Spotty skipper Jakson Knight has led from the front, churning out 378 runs, at 94.50, including a hand of 103 not out against Moorabbin in Round 6.
Riley Vernon, with 294 runs, at 36.75, has also been in mint form.
And Schuppan, according to Wheeler, has been at the heart of the club’s rise.
Apart from taking bags of wickets, he’s galvanised the club.
“Him coming on board has been good timing for us with young blokes coming through the system,” Wheeler said.
“It’s just the way he’s coached them, he’s really galvanised the club. We’ve got a one club policy.
“The young players coming between our juniors and our seniors…he really strengthened that.”
Last month, Schuppan and Spotswood young player Declan O’Brien coached the club’s John Craig Shield side.
The side won four of its six games, with Harvey Redpath, Oscar Gillespie, Ged Gibney, Xavier Healey and Elijah Stowe among the exciting talent to emerge.
Spotswood hosts Elsternwick in the First XI on Saturday.
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