The Havre Youth Baseball Association (HYBA) made a significant announcement on Saturday morning regarding changes in their coaching staff. Head coach Patch Wirtzberger and assistant coach Jake Eldridge have decided to step away from their positions, effective immediately. This decision marks the end of an era for the Northstars organization, as both coaches have been instrumental in the team’s success over the past several seasons.
Wirtzberger, a former player on the Northstars and a 2005 graduate of Havre High School, has been with the organization for seven seasons in a coaching capacity. He started out as an assistant coach before taking over as head coach in the spring of 2019. Under his leadership, the team experienced a resurgence, achieving many successful seasons and memorable moments. The 2023 Northstars, in particular, won 44 games and made a third-straight appearance in the Legion ‚A‘ state tournament, as well as the Northwest Class ‚A‘ Regional American Legion Baseball Tournament.
Eldridge, who also coaches Havre High football and serves as a physical education instructor, has been Wirtzberger’s right-hand man for the past few summers. Whenever the head coach had to miss time due to work or family commitments, Eldridge seamlessly stepped in to ensure the team continued to operate smoothly. Both Wirtzberger and Eldridge have made significant contributions to the HYBA and will continue to serve on the board, maintaining their passion for baseball and local youth.
In light of these changes, assistant coach Ben Mader will step in as the interim coach for the time being. Mader, who joined the coaching staff before the start of last season, will oversee the transition between the current coaching staff and the new team that will take over next spring. The HYBA is currently in the process of hiring a new head coach and several assistants to lead the 2025 Havre Northstars.
For those interested in joining the coaching staff for the upcoming season, the HYBA has set a deadline of September 9 for submitting a letter of interest, detailing relevant coaching and baseball experience. Interested individuals can email havrebaseball@gmail.com to express their interest in being part of the next chapter of the Havre Northstars.
The HYBA expressed their deepest gratitude to Patch Wirtzberger and Jake Eldridge for their years of dedicated service and positive influence on the team and the community. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players, and their passion for baseball and local youth will continue to shine through their contributions to the HYBA Board.