Josh Krumwiede has stepped into the dual role of boys basketball coach and athletic director at Jacksonville Routt, taking over from the departing Will Whalen and Barry Creviston. The school announced his appointment this week, highlighting his previous stints at South County and Athens as evidence of his readiness for the challenge. Krumwiede expressed excitement about the program’s trajectory and the opportunity to build on the recent success that has put Routt on the regional map.
Whalen’s Tenure and the Sectional Breakthrough
Will Whalen spent eleven seasons at the helm of Routt, guiding the team to its first-ever sectional championship and compiling a career record of 238‑93. His stewardship transformed a modest program into a consistent contender, a legacy that Whalen reflected on as he announced his departure. The achievement remains a milestone for the school and a benchmark for the coaches who follow.
Rashawn Jones, formerly the head coach at Edinburg for three seasons, is set to relocate to Nokomis to assume the same coaching responsibilities. Jones arrives with a 24‑4 record from the 2024‑25 campaign and a reputation for employing a 1‑2‑2 pressure defense that has defined Edinburg’s style. He plans to weave that aggressive scheme into Routt’s system, aiming to elevate the team’s competitiveness in the coming season.
Mentorship and Defensive Vision
Jones credited longtime mentors Steve Dilley, Bryon Graven and Blake Turner for shaping his coaching philosophy. Their guidance, he says, has equipped him with the tools to implement a defense that pressures opponents from the outset. The new staff hopes that the borrowed tactics will translate into more forced turnovers and faster transition opportunities for Routt.
The connection between Krumwiede and his father, Jeff Krumwiede, adds a personal layer to the transition. Jeff, a longtime Carrollton boys basketball coach, watched his son’s career progress from South County to Athens before the move to Routt. The younger Krumwiede’s appointment is seen as a continuation of a family commitment to the sport within the community.
Both coaches bring distinct experiences and a shared ambition to sustain the momentum built over the past decade. As the new season approaches, players and fans alike are watching closely to see how the fresh leadership will blend tradition with innovation on the court.