Though his lengthy resume and inherent duties suggest he's an extrovert, Glendale boys basketball coach Brian McTague considers himself reserved.
In his 20 years of leading varsity programs in the Springfield area, McTague has been an effective communicator, not an outgoing figure.
Amare Witham, Glendale's prized guard and Division I recruit who died unexpectedly July 2, had a unique way of bringing out a different side of the 50-year-old.
“He was a very outgoing person, and I'm not,” McTague said. “But I found myself being more outgoing around him.
“We just clicked. From day one, we just got along.”
An excerpt from his obituary — Witham's celebration of life is slated for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church for friends and family — aligns with his coach's description.
Amare was known for his deep love and loyalty to his family and friends. His smile could light up any room, and he was always there to lend encouragement or a listening ear, embodying the true meaning of brotherhood. His family and friends will remember him as “1 of 1” — unique and irreplaceable.
McTague looked on through heartbreak Wednesday as devastated members of the Glendale boys basketball program proceeded to continue their summer workouts at the southeast Springfield school.
The sport that united them with the high-scoring 16-year-old was being used as a tool to get their minds off the tragedy, if only for moments at a time.
“I've cried more this week than the last 40 years,” said McTague, who first worked with Witham at a children's hoops camp a decade ago before forging a close relationship. “Kids aren't supposed to die. He was a very consistent figure in my life, and that's hard to deal with.”
Witham was starting to draw interest from DI schools
The news of the teen's death sent waves of shock throughout the Ozarks and the region's basketball scene, where the fiery, 6-foot-2 guard was known for his innate scoring ability and court vision.
Among the top recruits in Missouri's 2026 class, according to multiple recruiting services, Witham exceeded the career 1,000-point mark in his sophomore season helping him earn Class 6 All-State distinction.
On his high-level AAU program Michael Porter Junior Elite, Witham was beginning to cultivate the interest of several Division I programs, including offers from Missouri State and Austin Peay University.
MPJ Elite coach Jacob Derritt was among the hundreds of coaches, players and friends of Witham who took to social media to give their condolences and pay tribute to one of the more talented players in Springfield's rich high school basketball history.
“Amare, I'm sorry I didn't see the burdens you shouldered. I am sorry if at times the world didn't fully understand or appreciate your greatness,” Derritt said as part of a lengthy letter he posted to X. “Through it all, you continue to teach us. I promise I will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life. I know you are in heaven right now, probably searching for a ball, a hoop, and a big, but I rest easy knowing we got you with us.”
‘He had goals beyond high school, beyond college'
McTague carries fond memories of Witham, who often texted him videos of him dunking a basketball at the YMCA, or to talk about any particular hoops topic.
“Not a lot of kids want to hang out with a 50-year-old coach, but he did,” McTague said. “He knew so much about the game and what was going on around the country, not just here.”
Their respective competitive natures led to some disagreements, as well, but McTague said they wouldn't stay mad with each other for more than a day.
While his heart aches in the days following Witham's death, McTague said he felt fortunate to be a major part of his short life.
“To be that talented at 16, and to know that he wouldn't be in his prime until he was around 30. He had goals beyond high school, beyond college,” McTague said. “He isn't going to be forgotten, I can tell you that.”
Community rallies to support Witham's family
Hundreds of people throughout the Springfield area and beyond have donated money to Witham's family as they look to fund his celebration of life, funeral services and other unexpected expenses.
Nearly $18,500 has been raised on GoFundMe alone, just shy of the page's $20,000 goal.
