Former Roncalli football players returning to be assistant coaches at their alma mater is almost as much of a tradition as the school colors.
Five former Rebels are part of head coach Bruce Scifres’ staff this season.
On Friday, each will be deeply engrossed with every snap from center when the unbeaten and top-ranked Rebels face No. 2 NorthWood for the Class 4A state championship at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“In addition to the five varsity assistants we have from Roncalli, six of our seven freshman coaches are former players,” Scifres said. “It’s the family atmosphere at Roncalli, but it becomes more pronounced in the football program.
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“Those who have the opportunity to come back and coach have been through the system and know what our priorities are.”
In order of importance, these priorities are, according to Scifres, faith development, character development, a quality education and being good athletes.
Some seasons there have been more than five one-time Rebels on Scifres’ staff. Other years, fewer.
It often comes down to a person’s ability to juggle coaching responsibilities with family and/or job requirements.
No one knows this better than Chris Belch, the longest-tenured of Roncalli alums on the current staff.
Belch, a 1985 graduate, is concluding his 20th season as a Rebels assistant coach.
Already facing a demanding work schedule as an attorney for Lynch & Belch Law Firm on the southside of Indianapolis, Belch, a former defensive end/tight end for Bill Kuntz’s Roncalli teams, dedicates 25 to 30 hours per week to the football program during the season.
“As any coach will tell you, your family has to be on board or it doesn’t work,” said Belch, 49, who with wife, Amber, is raising three children ranging in age from three months to 8 years. “I feel lucky to be part of a program that puts such a high premium on faith.
“The main thing is getting to see this generation of Rebels experience what I did.”
Belch began the 2016 season as the Rebels’ linebackers coach. His role expanded with the recent passing of Vince Guerrini, a 1975 Roncalli graduate who had coached the defensive line.
Second-year Rebels assistant coach Luke Scifres fulfilled one of his childhood dreams by playing for his father during the 2007-09 seasons at Roncalli.
Now 25, he’s one victory away from helping his old man secure his seventh championship ring and the program’s ninth state football title overall.
“I really enjoyed my time at Roncalli, and it’s nice to be able to spend time with my dad,” Luke Scifres said. “Coaching with him is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life. My dad treats me like an assistant, but being a young guy I get a lot of the young guy work.
“Winning a state championship with my dad would probably be one of the best events of my life. There’s just something about Roncalli football. There’s nothing else like it.”
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Here are the current Roncalli assistant coaches who once played for the Rebels football program:
Name;Graduated;Responsibility
Chris Belch;1985;Linebackers/defensive line
Dan Lauck;2010;Safeties
Luke Scifres;2010;Special teams
Sam Otley;2011;Running backs
Justin Hornek;2016;Offensive line
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