FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
July 30, 2015 Alison Dirstine, Director of Outreach & PR
Bellarmine-Jefferson High School
465 E. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91501
(818) 972-1400 ● www.bell-jeff.net
BELLARMINE-JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL APPOINTS NEW BOYS BASKETBALL COACH
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, JULY 6, 2015 — Bellarmine-Jefferson High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Ray Witt as the new coach for its Boys Basketball program.
Coach Witt brings strong experience at the high school level with stronger ties to college programs as well. Formerly the head boys basketball coach at Heritage Christian School, Witt also served as the assistant track and field coach from 2013 to 2014. While at Heritage, in his first year, he achieved the school’s then-best record in the past 10+ year history, garnering a third place league (Olympic) finish with an automatic bid to the CIF playoffs.
"We've hired the best basketball coach for the job," said Athletic Director Fred Martinez. "He has experience at the high school level and we're excited with his circle of influence that will help in developing our boys basketball program and help our school grow overall. He understands the importance of developing student athletes. He has a great ability to communicate. He's the perfect fit for what we're trying to accomplish here."
Before coaching, Witt played basketball at the Division 1 level at the University of San Diego. Professionally, Ray is the Chief Operating Officer and Owner of RainMaker Management Consultants, a management (professional athletes, entertainers, and products) consulting firm. Ray has respectfully established himself in the financial, sports and entertainment communities as a professional in the areas of business and personal finance, TV/film production, and brand management. Throughout his business practices, Ray has built a reputation as an ethical, visionary leader who applies integrity and dedication to the representation of his clients and execution of his practices.
Witt is a Bellarmine-Jefferson High School alumnus (Class of '89). He is a product of the 1980s boys basketball program that competed in CIF Division 1A under the mentorship of Coach Joe Dunn. He was considered one of the top 20 athletes in the San Fernando Valley playing on the Guards '88 team that lost in the CIF Championship and competed in the State tournament. Witt was ASB president ('89) and an outstanding student-athlete who made lasting contributions in the history of Bell-Jeff.
"Ray can help our students get to the next level,” Martinez explained. “Because he's been there, he has a deep appreciation for the balances that are required for student athletes." We are very happy to have Ray join the Bellarmine-Jefferson High School family."
-MORE-
"I'm excited about this opportunity to bring back the glory of my beloved Alma Mater," Witt said. “My coaching philosophy is centered on helping young men develop Godly character and integrity with extraordinary basketball skills."
Ray has already begun to make plans to meet with identified members of the Burbank business community to galvanize support for rebuilding Bellarmine-Jefferson High School's basketball program back to a state competitive program.
"Being successful is the end product achieved by doing the right things on a daily basis,” Witt explained. “There are no shortcuts."
Witt and his wife, Angela (Class of '88), of 16 years live in the San Fernando Valley with their four children Rameon Jr. (14), Bella (12), Amia (10) and Jett (6).
For more information about Bellarmine-Jefferson High School athletic program, please contact Athletic Director Fred Martinez at (818) 972-1401.
Bellarmine-Jefferson High School is a Catholic, archdiocesan, co-educational, four-year, secondary school providing a balanced college preparatory program and serving a diverse student population from the San Fernando Valley and surrounding area. Through the integration of Gospel values and emphasis on each person, the faculty, staff, and students work to create a just and caring community that enriches the learning process for all. Bellarmine-Jefferson High School is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and is co-accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
For more information, please contact Alison Dirstine, Director of Outreach & Public Relations at Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, at (818) 972-1400 or .
###