EVANSVILLE — Adam Schiff has stepped down as the Mater Dei High School baseball coach following one highly successful season in charge.
The Mater Dei graduate guided the Wildcats to their best campaign in over a decade, which included a spot in the Class 2A state championship game. It was program’s the first trip to Victory Field since 2014. Mater Dei also earned a share of its first Southern Indiana Athletic Conference title in 15 years.
Schiff said his new role within Amcor, which completed a merger with Berry Global in April, underwent changes that wouldn’t allow him to coach the Wildcats next spring.
“It was a tremendous honor to be back at Mater Dei coaching the baseball team this year,” Schiff said in a press release Friday, July 18. “We accomplished a lot both on and off the field and enjoyed a season together that I will never forget. I believe that we have succeeded in building a foundation that future teams can build upon. I am extremely grateful for these players, coaches, and staff who allowed me to be their coach this year.”
Schiff was a three-sport athlete at Mater Dei, including an Indiana Mr. Football finalist as a senior and starting shortstop on the Class 2A state title team in 1999. He followed that success as a three-year starter on the diamond at Southern Indiana.
The Wildcats went 23-8 this past spring and lost to Boone Grove in the state championship. Mater Dei graduated eight seniors but returned a talented nucleus that should keep the program in contention for multiple years. Among the key returners include senior outfielder Nolan Schickel, senior pitcher Max Miller, sophomore catcher Spencer Schiff and sophomore pitcher Cole Breeden.
Schiff was chosen as the Courier & Press All-Metro Coach of the Year following the season. His oldest son, Palmer, graduated in the spring and will play at Vincennes University. His younger son, Spencer, will remain with the program. Mater Dei said a search for a new coach will begin immediately.
“Mater Dei coaches have a track record for leaving the program in a good position to continue to thrive,” Schiff said. “I hope that I have accomplished this.”
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: After IHSAA state finals trip, Adam Schiff steps down as Mater Dei baseball coach
Reporting by Kyle Sokeland, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
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