By: Neko Baker and Olivia McGuire

City Tournament began many years ago in 1949 with the Scheffler name. Herb Scheffler was one of the four original coaches who created this popular event and even won the first tournament. The Scheffler legacy continues today with his grandson, Brad Scheffer, and Brad’s children Emma and Brody Scheffler. 

Brad Scheffler’s basketball journey began in just the second grade and continued at every school he attended in his childhood. Coach Scheffler played for Glenwood in junior high, before he moved to play at Springfield High School. Throughout high school, Scheffler enjoyed coaching summer baseball, which he pursued out of college as well. This experience drove him to expand his horizons and coach both girls’ softball and basketball. He was an assistant coach for the girl’s team for two years and the boys’ team for three years. This pushed him to apply to be the boys’ head coach, but was denied the job. 

This did not stop him, though, as Scheffler became the girls’ head basketball coach in his late 20s– and has continued in this coveted position for 21 years. His early rejection was a blessing in disguise since he recently was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame. He explains this process, “They come and nominate different coaches throughout the state and it’s based on how you’ve done throughout your career and the program you’ve built and wins and losses.” 

The girls’ basketball team won 474 games before this year. As of Jan. 12, the Lady Senators have won 485 games. This success invokes excitement in Scheffler about City Tournament. He claims, “It’s always a fun time since you get to play and coach against some kids you know very well and even your own friends. It is also fun since it is a three-night event rather than just a one-night event.” He also states, “We always play to win, so that’s the expectation.” 

Scheffler explains his coaching method, “Well, first of all you try to develop your players to be good people and give them life situations to push them. Sports is kind of an example for your life later on. When you’re in tough times you kind of think back to when you struggled while playing.” He also believes that a team that plays together and works as one will be the most successful, especially at City Tournament. While his children were growing up they came to his games and watched all the time, which is why it is so exciting that he gets to watch his daughter and son play at the same time.

           Emma Scheffler, a senior,  has played basketball for as long as she can remember. This dedication has paid off through her achievements in the sport. Not only has she been a captain of the Lady Senators for the past two years, but she received a special mention for all-state basketball and even tied both the girls and boys All-city record for City Tournament. Emmaa attributes these achievements to her team, which is her favorite part about playing. When describing their team, Emma claims, “I feel like we all get along very well. This is especially important during rough practices because throughout it all, at least we still have each other.” 

Emma is excited to play in City Tournament this year, especially given her achievements in the previous tournament. She proudly claims the team is practicing extra hard in preparation. She explains her outlook on City: “Hopefully we will get some wins on both ends (boys and girls). We should be competitive with all the teams and hopefully, we smoke Lanphier.”

Brody Scheffler has been playing basketball ever since elementary school. He is currently a sophomore and has made the varsity team as both a freshman and sophomore and even got the opportunity to start this year. His little sister, Ava, inspires him and he dedicates his determination to her “doing it for Ava.” When asked how he feels about the new coach, Brody responded that “he brings a level of tenacity to the team.” He also feels the team has gotten better with the new coach because the athletes work harder and it is more serious than in past years. Brody believes the new coach will help their team succeed at City and play better. To prepare for City, Brody takes it day by day to get better. His teammates are a big part of what he does and he works on being more of a team player. 

From 1949 to now, the Scheffler family has continued the City Tournament tradition. Hoorah for Springfield… and hoorah for the Scheffler legacy!