The Central Plains Oiler boys’ basketball team begins its 2019-20 season with a new head coach, Ted Schmid.

He replaces Brett Rolfs who resigned in May after seven years at the helm.

Schmid comes to Central Plains with 40 plus years of coaching experience and has inherited a team with a 53- game winning streak.

“I am looking forward to coaching the Oilers and feel positive we will do well. Unfortunately, we are beginning the season with some injured players so it is too early to tell who the starters will be. My wish is for my players to heal and stay healthy,” Schmid said.

He has coached 5A down to 1A in basketball. Aside from that he is involved with AAU. He also enjoys having summer basketball camps.

“Teaching youngsters the basic basketball skills and values they can carry through life is important to me. It helps to build their confidence from within,” Schmid said.

He said the Oiler boys plan to offer basketball clinics after the first of the year for younger boys and girls to teach them ball handling skills.

Schmid’s background, coupled with his knowledge of basketball, gives him an edge to training and directing the Oilers.

He also is satisfied with his coaching style — at least for now.

“I see no immediate changes to the coaching style already in place at this time. If anything, there may be a change in offensive strategy in January. I am also going to make sure all of my players know that if they see a shot — take it. Not hand it off to a teammate, he said.

“A player builds confidence by ‘doing’. I want my players to learn to figure out solutions on their own and not rely on me.”

The Oilers are a member of the Central Prairie League, which also includes St. John, Victoria and Otis-Bison.

What teams will present the biggest challenge for the Oilers?

“All of them. One game of winning breeds winning,” Schmid said.

He will be assisted by Arron Gonzales.