Fieldcrest hires Jeremy Hahn to replace Matt Winkler as boys basketball coach

Fieldcrest athletic director Jason Chaplin had big shoes to fill when replacing long-time boys basketball coach Matt Winkler.

So, Chaplin sought input from Winkler, the only coach the Knights have had since the school formed in 1992-93.

With Winkler’s recommendation, Chaplin tabbed Fieldcrest assistant Jeremy Hahn as Winkler’s successor.

Winkler has led the Knights to more than 600 victories along with 14 regional titles and two sectional titles.

“I definitely feel like (Winkler) had a lot to say about the decision himself from what he’s seen over the last five years from coach Hahn,” Chaplin said. “Coach Winkler has been the only coach Fieldcrest has ever had. That’s rare to say. Being Jeremy is the second, we obviously wanted Matt’s input and wanted to make sure that we brought in someone who can carry on that tradition that Matt did for 30 years.”

Chaplin said he had interest from four other coaches for the position.

“We knew we would have (interest),” Chaplin said. “Coach Winkler made it clear a few years ago when his retirement date was. I think a lot of people were looking at the position. For us, we feel like in those years since coach Winkler announced he was retiring, we had our eye on Jeremy. We knew what he was all about. Things just fell into place.”

Chaplin said he liked Hahn’s leadership, passion for the game and relationship with players.

“He built a very strong bond in those five years with his players,” Chaplin said.