MONROE — Coach Tom Witt is no stranger to Cheesemaker football with 27 years as part of the program’s coaching staff and 30 years coaching experience overall. Witt will take over the head coaching role this season on an interim basis replacing previous leader Toby Golembiewski, who died last month following a battle with cancer.

The decision to promote Witt was announced by Monroe High School principal Jeriamy Jackson on July 10. Shawn Paulson will retain his major coaching role on the field, as he has for the past 20-plus years. Coaches Eric Losenegger, Mike Figi, Rob Schilt, Ryan Paulson and Gerry Herbst will all continue in their roles as well and all play a vital role in the Cheesemakers success, Jackson said. 

“Coach G was a huge loss for the Monroe Football family and his personality is not replaceable. However, Coach G entrusted this same coaching staff to coach with him every day for the past several years and it was very important to us that we consider what would be the best situation for our student-athletes and their success,” Jackson said. “I am very confident in this coaching staff and know that every one of them will do well; I also know that Coach G thought the same thing. At the end of this season, we will re-evaluate the coaching situation and make our decisions for the future.” 

“What’s most important to all of us is the kids and what they need to be successful,” Witt said. “As far as how this season will go, they really won’t see differences in how practices, preparation and games go, and we feel that will set them up for the most success this year. As a coaching staff, we all do our parts, as we always have and we are very excited about the upcoming season.”

Due to the WIAA’s new competitive balance rule, Monroe football will move up a division for playoffs this season. The Cheesemakers remain in the Rock Valley Conference.