Wyomissing assistant expected to be elevated to head boys basketball coach

Former Gov. Mifflin and Alvernia standout Garrett Etzel is in line to be named head boys basketball coach at Wyomissing when the school board convenes Monday.

Etzel was on staff with Ryan Ludwig, who resigned as head coach in March following six seasons leading the Spartans.

Etzel was an All-Berks pick with the Mustangs as a senior in 2003 when he averaged 19.8 points and led the team to a 22-7 finish. He set a program record by scoring 42 points against Conestoga Valley in the season opener that season.

He went on to an outstanding career at Alvernia where he averaged 17.4 points a game as a senior and was named PAC Player of the Year. He led the then Crusaders to back-to-back league championships.

Wyomissing made both the county and district playoffs three times during Ludwig’s tenure but weren’t close this season, finishing 5-6 and tied for third in Berks III and 8-14 overall

The Spartans’ best season under Ludwig came in 2019-20 when they finished 17-8 and knocked off Berks Catholic in the opening round of the league playoffs to advance to Santander Arena.

Wyomissing hasn’t qualified for the PIAA Tournament since 2011, when it finished third in districts. The Spartans last reached a district final in 2009.

Ludwig spent eight years in the program, the first two years as JV coach for Toph Miller.