Norfolk tabs Norris coach Matt Shelsta to lead boys basketball program

NORFOLK, NE — A coach fresh off of a state tournament appearance is poised to be the next head basketball coach at Norfolk High School.

Athletic Director Ben Ries announced Thursday that Norris head coach Matt Shelsta will lead the Panthers’ boys basketball program, pending approval from the School Board.  Shelsta takes over for Tony Siske, who announced two weeks ago he was leaving to coach boys basketball at Crete High School.  Siske spent four seasons in Norfolk and won one state title.

“We are excited to have Coach Shelsta join the Norfolk High teaching and coaching staff. His passion for young people and love for the game became evident through the search process,” Ries said in a news release.

Shelsta spent the last two seasons at Norris, a Class B school in Firth just south of Lincoln.  He guided the Titans to an 18-5 record and an appearance in the state tournament.

Before Norris, Shelsta was the head man at Elmwood-Murdock for four seasons.  The Knights qualified for state three times and were runners up in 2016.  His career head coaching record is 110-48.

Ries says Shelsta will teach Physical Education and be an assistant coach for the Junior High football team.

He is a competitive spirit that embraces the purpose of high school athletics. He has learned under great coaches and programs,” Ries said. “I look forward to watching him lead the Panther basketball program.”

Shelsta graduated from Omaha Benson High School in 1999 and played on the state runner-up team in 1998. He is the son of longtime Omaha Benson head basketball coach, Terry Shelsta.

His family includes his wife, Mandy, and four children (Samantha, Mitchell, Tyler, Benjamin).

Norfolk was 8-17 last season.  Siske led the Panthers to a state championship in 2017, his first season leading the program.