Coach Jeff Schertz is the seventh head coach in Ballard High School history. The 2023-2024 season marks his fifth year as the head coach of the Bombers. The Bombers finished fourth and second place at the state tournament in his first two seasons. Following a three peat as Racoon River Conference championships, the team finished the 2022-2023 campaign with a loss in the district final. The Bombers hope to regain past success as its young roster gets a little older.

Jeff began his teaching and coaching career at his alma mater Grissom High School in Huntsville, Alabama.  During his two years as the varsity coach at Grissom, his teams sent multiple players to the next level.  In his final season at Grissom, the team spent the entire year ranked in the top 10 in Class 7A, the largest of the state’s classifications.

Coach Schertz continued his head coaching career at Harpeth High School, outside of Nashville, Tennessee and was named 2018 District and County Coach of the Year.  During his two years at Harpeth, the teams enjoyed a runner-up and district championship finish during regular season play.  As a head coach his overall record is 137-62.

In Jeff's first year in Iowa he worked with the Iowa State University men’s basketball program as a student manager while updating his teaching certificate for the state of Iowa.  The team enjoyed success winning the Big 12 tournament at the end of the season.  His duties included video breakdown, assisting with player development, and various practice and gameday responsibilities.

After high school, Coach Schertz chose to end his formal playing days and attend Auburn University where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics Education.  He later earned a master’s degree from Samford University.  He holds Iowa teaching certificates in math and physical education.

Jeff and his wife Joy live in Ames with their twin one year old boys Jay and Jordan along with their dog Aubie.