By RICHIE HALL
The word used to describe the coaching changes at Westfield High School this week is “bittersweet.”
The Shamrocks are saying goodbye to a veteran coach who transformed their football program into a state powerhouse. Jake Gilbert has stepped down as Westfield’s head coach, as he received the opportunity to coach for his alma mater, Wabash College.
Gilbert will join the Little Giants staff as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the 2024 season, then transition into the program’s head coach beginning with the 2025 season. Gilbert, a 1998 graduate of Wabash, will take over for the retiring Don Morel, who has been the Little Giants’ head coach since 2016.
Gilbert said he is “excited about the opportunity,” but called the situation “really bittersweet.” He began coaching Westfield in 2010, noting that for many players, he’s been “the only coach they’ve known. It’s hard to leave them.”
The legacy Gilbert leaves behind is an amazing one. In 13 years as head coach of the ‘Rocks, Gilbert guided the program to 103 wins, eight sectional titles, six regional championships and three Hoosier Crossroads Conference championships. Westfield also won four semi-state titles, sending the Shamrocks into the state finals. The ‘Rocks won the Class 5A state championship in 2016 and were the 2013 5A runners-up. Westfield also had back-to-back state runner-up finishes in 2020 and 2021.
“Jake has built one of the top high school programs in the state,” said WHS athletic director Andy Tebbe. “What he has accomplished on the field has only been out done by what he has accomplished in our building and in the community. He helped build a culture that permeates throughout all of our students and staff, as well as the city of Westfield. Jake will always be a Rock and we are excited to see him excel in his new role at Wabash College.”
This will be Gilbert’s second time as a coach for the Little Giants. He was an assistant coach from 2006 to 2010, supervising the offensive line for the first two seasons, then taking over defensive coordinator duties for the next three years.
“To be a player, assistant coach and a head coach there, there’s not many people who can say something like that,” said Gilbert.
Miracle takes over
As for the Westfield football team, its head coach will be someone well-known (and well-loved) by Shamrocks fans.
Josh Miracle, an assistant coach for Westfield for the past 13 years, is now the head coach. Miracle graduated from Wabash College in 2011, so he played there during Gilbert’s first coaching stint.
Miracle echoed the bittersweet sentiment, calling Gilbert a friend and mentor, but he also said he was “super excited for Wabash. They’re getting the best.”
Miracle graduated from Hobart High School in 2007 before heading to Wabash College. He has been Westfield football’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the past 10 years. This past season, Miracle was named the top assistant coach in Indiana, receiving the nationally acclaimed Frank Broyles Award.
Miracle has also been the boys track and field head coach for the past 12 seasons. Miracle said he would continue to coach track this season.
“Everybody’s been extremely supportive, and it’s been a pretty good transition so far,” said Miracle.
“Hiring a new football coach is probably one of the more daunting tasks an athletic director has to take on. But in this case, recommending to hire Josh Miracle to lead the Rocks was a very easy decision,” said Tebbe. “His pedigree of playing at Wabash College and helping build our football program as an assistant coach has prepared him well to be our varsity football coach. Josh is a great leader and excels both as a teacher and a coach. We have known for several years that we had the next head coach of Westfield Football in our stable if that time presented itself. That time is now and we are excited to see Josh continue the excellence of Westfield Football.”
“It’s been an honor to coach alongside Josh Miracle for the past 13 years,” said Gilbert. “We have done it together! Josh is a huge part of the success we’ve had. He’s beyond ready to be the Head Coach of our program. Josh is a natural leader. He was named the top assistant coach in Indiana last season. He has called the defense in three State Championship games. Josh’s time is now and he’ll do an amazing job.”
“Jake Gilbert has built a legacy here at WHS with our football program,” said WHS principal Alicia Denniston. “Not only have our teams achieved excellence on the field and been extremely successful, but Coach Gilbert has fostered a family atmosphere and one that exemplifies leadership, character, and service. He will be missed, but we are thrilled to see Coach Miracle step into this role. Josh Miracle has been an instrumental leader in our football program and is ready to continue this legacy of excellence. We fully support him and know the players and the program are in very capable hands.”