Dale hired as new B-T football coach

Citing the desire for continuity, the Blair-Taylor School District has hired Seth Dale as its next head football coach.

Dale was the offensive coordinator for former coach Andy Nehring, who resigned earlier this year. After going winless the year before Nehring took over the program — with Dale as a top assistant — B-T made the playoffs in each of his six years. B-T Superintendent Lynn Halverson said the culture of the program was “in shambles” before Nehring took over. 

“I think Andy Nehring built a very successful culture at Blair-Taylor,” Halverson said. “It was kind of in shambles and he got it to the point where it is at now. (Dale) has been a part of that chemistry, he has been able to see Andy and what he does to motivate kids.” 

After finishing sixth in the Dairyland Conference in scoring in his first year as the offensive play caller, the Wildcats led the conference the next year. The team was second in points scored two other years, third once and fifth with a rebuilding team in 2021. 

Dale ran a spread attack that still featured the running game — Matthew Brandenburg became the school’s all-time leading rusher with Dale calling plays. The team also saw Cain Fremstad throw for 46 touchdowns as a three-year starter.

Tavian Shramek is expected to return as the team’s quarterback as a senior next year. He led the team in passing and rushing last year and scored 21 total touchdowns. The team also is expected to have Ethan Kniseley, who started at quarterback in 2022 before switching to a skill position roll last year, rushing for 465 yards and leading the team in receiving with 37 catches for 537 yards. 

Dale is a B-T graduate who quarterbacked the team in the early 2000s. 

“I was grateful to coach with Seth. I wish him all the best in this new endeavor,” Nehring said. 

The district also hired Andrew Scheller as the new track and field coach, replacing Brad Becker who resigned after last season.

Scheller also serves as the district’s cross country coach and is a teacher in the school. 

“He has a passion for coaching,” Halverson said. “I like the fact that he has a high school level relationship with the kids, easy communication.”