By Mike Mattson
Local Sports Journal
Fans in Muskegon Heights should expect to see a common brand of basketball when Dalrecus Stewart takes over as boys’ varsity coach this season.
“We’ll play up-tempo basketball and pressure defense,” the 41-year-old Stewart said. “I learned it at Muskegon Heights and I will teach it at Muskegon Heights.”
Muskegon Heights Academy athletic director Glen Metcalf recently hired Stewart for the position. Stewart is a 1989 Heights graduate who played and coached for the Tigers.
Stewart, who also was hired as the behavior intervention specialist at Heights, recently served as the boys’ varsity coach at Reeths-Puffer for the past four seasons.
“I think he’s a good fit for the program we have here,” Metcalf said. “I like the way he handles the students. He has experience and he’s worked in this district for a while.”
In addition, Metcalf hired Tanjalyn Jackson for the girls’ varsity basketball job. She has prior coaching experience at Western Michigan Christian, Muskegon Catholic Central and Muskegon.
Financial difficulties forced Muskegon Heights to change this year from a public school to a charter-approved system. Former Heights athletic director and varsity basketball coach Keith Guy is now serving in those duties at Muskegon.
Many key Heights athletes, including basketball players, have transferred to other area school districts.
Stewart knows there will be some big changes and challenges facing the Tigers during basketball season.
“It feels real good to have a chance to coach at my alma mater,” he said. “Even though there will be changes, there are still a lot of kids looking for the winning ways they once had here. I’m proud to be a part of the resurrection of the program and the school district.”
