Holland Christian hires varsity head football coach

Holland Christian has hired Kurt Phelps as varsity head football coach.

Phelps takes over for Dave Abberger, who stepped down after four years with the Maroons, three as head coach.

“Coach Phelps distinguished himself through his ability to positively influence student-athletes, both in how the game is taught and executed and in the high standards he sets for character on and off the field ” Holland Christian Athletic Director Dave Engbers said. “He understands the challenges of football and the meaningful growth it can foster in student-athletes. As he steps into this next chapter of his coaching career, he brings a proven track record of using the game as a powerful, positive educational experience.”

More: Dave Abberger steps down as Holland Christian football coach

Phelps began his high school coaching career in 1995 as an assistant coach at Mattawan High School and later took over as head coach.

In 2001, he became the head coach at Vicksburg High School for three years.

He was an assistant coach at Schoolcraft from 2005-17 before returning to Vicksburg as an assistant from 2018-2024.

“I was drawn to Holland Christian because I wanted the opportunity to be a head coach again,” Phelps said. “I always had that itch. I am a man of faith, so a Christian school was a big draw.”

Holland Christian was 5-5 last year, making the playoffs in Division 4. The Maroons were 15-14 under Abberger and made the playoffs twice.

“I feel extraordinarily privileged to be given the task of leading the Holland Christian football program,” Phelps said in a prepared statement. “It is an honor to become part of the Holland Christian family. This is an opportunity I have dreamed of for a long time. My goal is not only to develop outstanding football players, but more importantly, mature young men to have a heart for serving others and transforming the world in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as  Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.   

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland Christian hires Kurt Phelps as varsity head football coach