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The basketball family at Bellwood-Antis is losing one of its members because the Brent Gerwert family is getting an additional member.
Earlier this week, Gerwert, who has been the head coach for the Blue Devils boys basketball team the past 10 years, turned in his resignation. But it wasn't for anything negative.
"It really kicked in at the beginning of last season when we found out we were expecting our fourth child," said Gerwert of he and his wife, Tina, who already have three daughters ages 9, 5 and 3.
"Throughout the course of the season, my oldest daughter made the comment that she wanted me to come to her games, and I missed some of them, and there were other things with my other girls like Christmas shows and pre-school things. It kind of tears at you when you can't go."
Gerwert's record at Bellwood-Antis was 146-79. The Blue Devils won a district title during the 2015-2016 season. As a player, Gerwert led Bellwood-Antis to a district championship in 1995-1996. School superintendent Thomas R. McInroy said it will be tough to replace Gerwert.
"He is extremely happy with the athletes, parents and school personnel," McInroy said. "He has worked hard to develop a strong program. We at school will miss him, and we wish him the best. His replacement will have big shoes to fill."
Gerwert, who spent a year coaching at Penn Cambria before taking over at Bellwood-Antis, is not sure how he will handle not coaching when the 2017-2018 season rolls around.
"My wife might kick me back into coaching," he laughed. "For the last 10 years I have been watching film, breaking down film, coaching …. I am not used to not having something to do between November and March."
Gerwert, who was assisted this year by Dave Rizzo and Kevin Steiner, doesn't rule out a return to coaching someday. But with four children under the age of 10, he knows his time will not be wasted.
"I think we had a good run at Bellwood," he said. "I want to see the program be successful, and it's time to let someone else experience the joy of coaching it.