By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON— Cody Kater was introduced as the next head football coach at Reeths-Puffer High school during a “Meet and Greet” program on Monday.

This was a brief opportunity for players, families and community members to meet the new head coach. He also laid out his vision for the Rocket football program.

Athletic Director Cliff Sandee talked briefly about the hiring process and what led him to Kater.

“After an exhaustive search and conversations with an incredibly deep and an outstanding candidate pool it became clear that Coach Kater was our guy,” said Sandee in a recent press release.

“Coach Kater loves to compete, loves to prepare, and loves his athletes. We are so excited to have Coach Kater lead our young men and our football program. Coach has a well-articulated plan for a comprehensive program with articulated checkpoints for the development of our athletes’ youth through varsity. This vertical alignment will surely lead to sustainable success and growth for our football program. There is no doubt that he will continue to grow our program, serve athletes, and foster excitement throughout all of our community,” said Sandee.

“I am excited to join the athletic staff at Reeths-Puffer High School,” said Kater. “I look forward to building relationships with student-athletes and getting to work to set the new standard. I firmly believe in the administration and Cliff Sandee’s vision for the football program as we work to restore pride within Rocket City.” On Monday, Kater referred to R-P as “a sleeping giant.”

Cody Kater (far right) and Reeths-Puffer Athletic Director Cliff Sandee hold a brief meeting on Monday afternoon with parents about Kater’s vision for the Rocket football program as the new head coach (Photo/Leo Valdez)

Kater, also discussed with parents that sports was a vehicle to group character.

“Too many times people are concerned about the results,” said Kater.

The Montague graduate makes his return to West Michigan, from Tift County High School, in Tifton, Ga., where he was the quarterbacks coach and director of offensive implementation for grades 6-12.

Prior to his time at Tift County, Kater helped lead his alma mater, Montague High School. While at Montague, Kater served in several capacities. He was the head girls basketball coach, leading the Wildcats to two district championships, two conference championships and an undefeated regular season. Kater also served as the strength and conditioning coordinator for all athletes at Montague and associate head football coach, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach.

“We couldn’t be happier than to welcome Coach Cody Kater to lead our football program,” said Sandee.

According to Sandee, Kater will be employed with the R-P school district as the Freshman Success Coordinator.