Meet the Coaches: Scott Johson - Swimming & Diving

How long have you been coaching swimming and diving, including your time at Plainfield?

I am in my 7th season as Head Coach at Plainfield, and 20th season overall including assistant coach years... all at PHS.

Why do you coach swimming and diving?

I truly enjoy having a role in the development of young people towards becoming high achievers in sport and more importantly in life after sport. I came from a swimming background and fell in love with coaching from my first day on the pool deck in such a role back in 2002.

What has been your proudest or most memorable coaching moment?

As a head coach, definitely getting those first sectional titles with the girls and the boys in 2019. PHS had not won a sectional championship in many years before that, and we came very close the year previous with the girls. It was a validation of the hard work and resiliency of our athletes.

What has support from the Red Pride Booster Club meant to your program?

Our sport takes a large network of parent and community support to be as successful as we aspire to be... the backing of athletics at PHS by the booster club is greatly appreciated. 

What does success look like for the boys basketball team this season?

Our top goal is always improving and solidifying our team culture. Competitively, we are striving to continue our streak of sectional titles (this would be 5 consecutive for the girls and the boys if we can pull those off). Additionally, we hope to place some of our top individuals in the top 16 at the state finals.

Meet the Coaches: Andy Weaver - Boys Basketball

How long have you been coaching boys basketball, including your time at Plainfield?

This is my 34th year coaching boys basketball. 1 year as a freshman coach, 4 years at junior varsity and this is my 29th year as a varsity coach. This is my 11th season at Plainfield.

Why do you coach boys basketball?

I coach basketball because I really like working with a team (players and assistant coaches) on trying to accomplish common goals. Building relationships with the players is very satisfying and watching them develop and mold into men. I've always loved Indiana High School basketball and Hoosier Hysteria.  The state tournament is my favorite time of the year.

What has been your proudest or most memorable coaching moment?

Proudest moment: Winning the 2021 sectional at Plainfield and winning the 2004 regional at Western

What has support from the Red Pride Booster Club meant to your program?

The Red Pride Booster support has been tremendous. They support all athletic programs at Plainfield financially and also provide scholarship opportunities for our players. 

What does success look like for the boys basketball team this season?

Success looks like a team that plays hard, plays together, and plays smart. Our goals are to win the Mid State Conference, Hendricks County Tournament, and our sectional.

Meet the Coaches: Curt Benge - Girls Basketball

How long have you been coaching girls basketball, including your time at Plainfield?

This is my 28th year as the head girls basketball coach and my 29th year of coaching girls basketball at Plainfield.

Why do you coach girls basketball?

Basketball has always been a passion of mine.  My family has always had a love for the sport.  My brother Stan has been the head girls coach at Ben Davis for many years.  The rest of my family has been involved with basketball on various levels.

What has been your proudest or most memorable coaching moment?

There have been so many great moments.  From seeing individual players make the junior all star and all star teams to being asked to coach the all star team in 2017.  Knowing how many players, parents, and coaches that have contributed to our program over the years.  I think winning the Regional 1998 still has to be one of the greatest achievements.

What has support from the Red Pride Booster Club meant to your program?

The support of the Booster Club at Plainfield is outstanding.  We have never had to want for anything around here.  Our administration and booster club has always made sure we have outstanding equipment, uniforms, and awards.  They have always treated our basketball program as one of the cornerstones of the school athletic program. 

What does success look like for the girls basketball team this season?

We are young and inexperienced, but the girls seem up for the challenge and eager to improve.  Getting to start from ground level and build something is a challenge I think they have embraced.