Chapman hires Gruver to lead girls basketball team

Chapman High School went 35 miles north to find its next girls head basketball coach. 

Drew Gruver will be the next head coach of the Chapman girls basketball team, according to athletic director Clint Merritt. Gruver has been the head coach of the Clay Center boys since 2016, but has experience coaching at the high school level in Kansas for over a decade. 

After years of coaching experience, Gruver knows what to look for in his players and in a team. 

“I am looking for girls that will be a good teammates, work hard, and have a positive attitude which will greatly improve our chances of success, and our chances of being a part of something special,” Gruver said. 

Gruver began his coaching career as an assistant for Liberal High School. Three years later he took over as head coach and led Liberal to the 5A state tournament in 2008, 2009, and 2012. 

In 2013, Gruver moved to Winfield and led the Vikings to the state tournament in his first season as head coach. 

In Gruver, Chapman is getting a coach that has a lot of respect for the game of basketball.

“My number one goal is to build a strong tradition with this program,” Gruver said. “We don’t just want to win, we want to win with honor and respect for the game. Win or lose we want to play the right way.  Playing the right way means playing hard, playing as a team, being disciplined, and having fun. We will pursue victory with honor and represent ourselves, our school, and our community with class.” 

Gruver is a graduate of Scott County Community High School. He played college basketball at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. 

Gruver comes to Chapman with his wife, Tara, and their four kids. 

A USD 473 Athletic Department press release contributed to this article.