Wolves Girls Basketball Coach Eimer Taking Over West Auora Football Program

After turning to legendary coach Buck Drach to try to turn its football program around in 2006, West Aurora is heading in a different direction in Drach’s retirement.

The Blackhawks named former 2001 West Aurora graduate Nate Eimer their new head coach Monday. Eimer was a member of the school's 2000 state championship boys basketball team, in addition to his work on the gridiron.

Now Eimer, who spent the last three seasons as Oswego East’s varsity girls basketball coach, is coming back home.

“It’s a dream come true,” Eimer said. “I had some great times at Oswego East, but West is my home. West Aurora did so much for me growing up and it’s really exciting to give that opportunity back to a group of young men.”

Probably best known for being on Aurora’s lone state championship basketball team, Eimer excelled on the football field, as well. He later played for four years at Edinboro University and was an assistant coach at Oswego East.

He served as the Wolves’ varsity offensive coordinator last year, and he said he will be closely working on the offensive side of the ball at West, as well. He is still undecided about who will be on his staff, but Eimer said he anticipates most of the current staff will be brought back.

“My plan is to be with the offense, but I think I know a little bit about both,” Eimer said. “I still have to meet some of the guys. I think there’s a great staff in place. I don’t plan on there being too many changes. I’m excited to have that staff come along with me.”

The challenges of trying to compete in the DuPage Valley Conference every week is something that Eimer is in tune with. The Blackhawks’ last trip to the playoffs came in 1994 and they’ve only had two seasons above .500, both 5-4, since then.

Add in the fact that four DVC teams have won state titles, with Wheaton Warrenville South capturing seven since 1992 alone, and the challenge is a daunting one. Glenbard North, Naperville Central, Naperville North, Wheaton North and WWS have each either won a title or been a runner-up at some point in their histories.

“When we do make the playoffs, we’ll know that we’re for real,” Eimer said. “For me, that’s exciting. It’s going to be hard, but the challenge should excite all of us.”

Eimer will also teach special education at West, though he says that his days of coaching girls basketball are over for the time being. He led Oswego East to the regional title game for the first time in school history this winter.

But for now, he knows the work that lies ahead with the football program.

“They showed some confidence in me, which is exciting,” Eimer said. “It all starts with the varsity program. That creates excitement and it trickles down. It’s a full-time job. We have a lot of work to do. Our weightlifting program needs to go to another level. We need to get as many kids playing football on the west side of Aurora as we possibly can, especially when they’re younger.”

The administration at West is ready to see that happen, as well.

“Nate has had success as a high school player, college player and high school coach,” West Principal Dan Bridges said in a press release. “And, because of his Aurora roots, I believe he is someone our current players can look up to as a role model.

"He has worked hard for the success he has had and understands the values of discipline, dedication and determination. I am excited to have a Blackhawk leading our football program.”