Kegan Wirtz has been named the new head coach of the West De Pere Phantoms, taking the reins for the 2026 season after a long tenure within the program that includes three state championship teams.
The Phantoms, fresh off a Division II title, are now stepping up to Division I, a move that has generated excitement and a clear ambition: a state championship in the higher class.
Key players such as Braylon Stegall and junior quarterback Andrew Greisen are already feeling the pressure and the opportunity, with Greisen looking to follow in the footsteps of his brother Patrick and cement his own legacy.
The coaching staff emphasizes a week‑by‑week approach, reminding the squad that each game is a building block toward the ultimate goal of a championship.
Championship Mindset
Wirtz brings a championship pedigree that stretches across three divisions, and his familiarity with the program means the transition has been seamless. The team’s culture of competition is already evident in the way Greisen’s drive pushes teammates to elevate their performance.
The season opener against Sun Prairie East will serve as the first test of this new chapter, but the focus remains on incremental progress rather than immediate triumph.
If the Phantoms can translate their proven resilience and the competitive spark within the locker room into consistent performances, a Division I title would not only add another chapter to the school’s storied football history but also underscore the impact of a coach who has grown with the program.