Coach Spitz

**Coach Spitz** was a recurring character on *Raven's Home*. He began as a substitute gym teacher and ultimately becomes the Head Coach of both the Football and Basketball Teams of George Washington Carver Community School.

He was portrayed by **Anthony Alabi.**

## Personality

Coach Spitz is energetic as seen in how much energy and enthusiasm he puts into his P.E. lessons and during his investigation of the illicit snack ring.

## History

### Season 1

#### You're Gonna Get It

Coach Spitz is the new substitute coach at George Washington Carver Community School. During his first P.E. lesson in Levi's 4th grade class, he runs into Booker pretending to be a fourth grader to help save Levi from dodgeball. Coach Spitz notes that Booker is too tall for a fourth grader but he lets it slide. When Booker tells him his name, he mistakes it for "Booger." The coach is sorely disappointed that Booker turns out not to be the athletic prodigy he had assumed he was.

#### Vending the Rules

Coach Spitz complains that the school hasn't yet hired him as a full-time coach. In an attempt to impress the school, he goes after the secret snack ring that's being run by Levi, Booker, Nia and Tess. During his investigation, Coach Spitz manages to get a student to implicate the ringleaders. Unfortunately, they outsmart him, and the coach cannot collect any tangible evidence. The frustrated coach comes out with nothing.

### Season 2

#### Because

It is revealed that Coach Spitz has three rules: no yelling; no gum chewing; and no moonwalking. So, when Booker clams to get a vision of the coach moonwalking, the other kids don't believe him until they actually see Coach Spitz moon-walking in celebration, when he learns the upcoming opposing school's team quarterback has suffered a leg injury. Later, when Coach Spitz catches Booker telling the other kids that he's psychic, he calls Raven who comes over to bust Booker. Later Coach Spitz is seen riding with Raven in her Scüt vehicle, but as he appears quite cramped, he advises her to get a larger car.

#### Raven's Home: Remix

After having been granted permission by Principal Kwan to stage his magnum opus, ***Spitz: The Musical!,*** a remembrance of his youth infused with rap lyrics of his own devising, at Carver, Coach Spitz posts an auditions sign-up in the main hallway. The Baxter-Carter twins and their friends witness this, and inquire what the sheet is for. The coach describes his play for them as "The story of a boy whose dreams of becoming a famous horse jockey are dashed when he has a growth spurt and winds up six-foot-five." He acts out a dramatic scene from his past, when Spitz confronted the Jockey Committee and declared that he was not too big, but rather the horses were too small, but was fired anyway. That setback caused him to take up Basketball and rapping instead, which is why his show centers on a basketball player that learns how to rap. Booker claims that he was born to play that character, and tries to get the coach to give him the part at that very moment, but Spitz just states that he will see him at the auditions, and walks away. The next day, Coach Spitz comes across Tess shooting hoops while rapping, and is impressed by her abilities, adding that she reminds him of a younger version of himself. He continues on, stating that it is unfortunate that Tess is not right for a part in his play. This causes Nia to confront the coach, on Tess not being allowed in the play because she wasn't a boy. Tess is willing to let the matter drop, but Nia is insistent. Coach Spitz explains that it is his life story, and at that time, boys and girls did not play on the same team. Nia thinks Tess should still get a chance. Spitz reveals that the only female roles in the play are cheerleaders or his mother, but as he already promised that part to his actual mother, that only leaves cheerleaders. Nia refuses that notion, declaring that it has to be ballplayer or nothing. Coach Spitz opts for nothing, ending the discussion. The next day, Coach Spitz officially begins the auditions for the younger version of himself. The first is an extremely nervous student that can barely sputter out the lines, whom Spitz quickly dismisses. Next is Booker Baxter wearing "old-school gear from the 70's." Booker displays adequate rapping ability, but cannot handle when Spitz passes him an actual basketball, as it knocks him down to his knees. That has the coach calling for the next candidate. At that point, Nia appears with a small group of girls. The coach informs them that cheerleader auditions are scheduled for the next day, but Nia states that they have not arrived to be cheerleaders, but to remind the coach of the opportunity he is passing up. Nia contends that no matter what an individual's race or gender, the best person suited for the role should play the lead. She adds that Coach Spitz has an important story to tell, and the best person to show the world that is her girl, Tess. The girls then commandeer the stage, as Nia asks the coach to open his mind and do the right thing and give Tess a chance. The girls then part to reveal Tess demonstrating her superior basketball skills. Nia proclaims that Tess could be "legendary" as young Spitz. As Tess sinks a jump shot onstage, Coach Spitz offers no reply, but does appear to be actually considering the possibility. The following afternoon, the casting complete, Coach Spitz announces the final member of the cast, the student he has selected to play Young Coach Spitz. He calls out Booker's name. Booker celebrates before the coach tells him to move out of the way, so he can look his real choice in the eyes, as he hands over the #3 Spitz jersey, signifying that Tess has won the lead role in **Spitz: The Musical!** The next day, in the Carver gym, Coach Spitz is confronted by an irate Raven, demanding to know why Booker did not get the lead role in the play. The coach claims that Booker can neither act, shoot hoops, or rap. Raven then bribes the coach with a pie she has baked to get Booker somehow involved in the play. Coach Spitz offers front row tickets, a backstage role, or even a brand new role for Booker as a tree, for just a piece of the pie, but Raven wants Booker to get a chance to shine. Ultimately, the coach offers the non-speaking role of Referee #1, but it is only after he agrees to have the character blow his whistle twice, that Raven finally lets Spitz have the pie. On Opening Night, just before curtain, Director Spitz calls for everyone to get to their places backstage, noting to himself, that he is living out his dream. As the curtains part, Spitz has a front row seat, and joins in the audience's opening applause. Yet when Tess freezes on stage, Coach Spitz sees that she has been overwhelmed, and calls "Time-out," despite Raven's objections, as he declares that he can because he is the director. After the curtains have closed, Spitz speaks with Tess, asking what happened to her, but an apologetic Tess can only confess that she choked. Feeling he has no choice, Spitz tells Tess that she is out of the play. After Tess has surrendered the jersey, Spitz tells Booker he is the only that knows the part, and reluctantly hands him the jersey. Even as Raven announces her happiness that her "Baby is going to be a star," a dubious Spitz clearly does not share her enthusiasm, as he turns away. Just before resuming the play, Director Spitz locates Booker, but is surprised to discover that it is Tess that has his jersey draped over her shoulder. Tess declares that she is now ready to play Young Spitz, and promises to make him proud. Smiling, Coach Spitz states that he knows she will, and assures Tess that she is the best version of himself he could ever have hoped for. With his star now finally ready to perform, Director Spitz, then calls "Time in." The plays proves to be quite entertaining, and by the time the final number begins, the crowd eagerly participates by calling out Coach Spitz's name.
In the last moments of the performance, the coach and the rest of the people seated in the front row, arise and dance in front of the stage. When Tess, as Spitz, ends the show by sinking the final shot, a tearful Coach Spitz, proclaims that "It was beautiful." The coach joins the rest of the crowd in calling out Booker's name, when his errant basketball shot ruins Chelsea's supply of turnip juice. The coach is also among the group that catches Booker, when he jumps into the audience, after having declared that an after party will be held at his house. Later at the party, Coach Spitz enjoys himself, while dancing with the rest of the guests on the 352 Hauser Avenue rooftop.

### Season 3

#### Crewed Up

Coach Spitz, is investigating strange pranks being pulled at Carver (such as strange lilac liquids from the water fountains, a spate of missing library books, and the case of the cricket crisis ) and suspects Alexandra and the rest of "The No-Good Nerds," are the culprits, but does not have the evidence to prove it. Meanwhile, the Coach also demotes Tess O'Malley from her starting point guard spot on the Carver team, as she had spent too much time with The Chi-Lective and let her Basketball skills slip as a result. Tess tries to prove the Coach wrong, but she fails badly during the practice drills. Coach Spitz officially names Olivia Olivinsky as the new starting point guard of the Carver Peanuts. However, Tess does manage to shortly get back in playing shape, and impresses Spitz enough to change his mind and restore her position. However, Tess points out that Olivia worked hard too, and Tess is willing to let her keep the spot, as she will still be on the team bench if needed. Coach Spitz approves of Tess' attitude, and welcomes her back to the team.

#### What About Your Friends?

Coach Spitz catches a group of boys with a vape pen, with Booker Baxter-Carter actually holding the illicit item in his hand. Booker denies having anything to do with the object, but the others boys, William, Jordan, and Curtis, all pin the blame on Booker. Dismissing them, Coach Spitz reluctantly informs Booker that his mother will be called to the school, and that he is automatically suspended from school. A day later Booker's sister, Nia points out to the Coach that Booker has a right to have a hearing before his peers, and Spitz agrees to make arrangements for the proceeding. At the hearing, Coach Spitz takes the lead, accepting that Booker is basically a good person, the fact remains that the vape pen was discovered in his possession by the Coach personally. At this point, Curtis stands up and claims that Booker is innocent, and the pen actually belonged to William, causing the other boy to deny the charge. Spitz reasons that Curtis originally accused Booker, so how can it be certain that he is telling the truth now. Curtis simply suggests that William empty his pockets as he ls likely to still be carrying vape equipment. Spitz orders the accused student to do just that, as the other boy smugly displays an empty pocket. Spitz then demands William to empty the other pocket in his pants, producing what he claims is merely an ordinary pen Noting that he could use a pen, Coach Spitz rises from his spot to inspect the item in William's hand. Just before the Coach takes it, William admits that it might not be a pen after all. Having taken possession of the object, Coach Spitz confirms that it is a vape pen, and warns the assembled students of the dangers of vaping, particularly pointing out the noxious chemicals that can collect in a user's lungs. William tries to claim that just because he has a vape pen now, doesn't prove that Booker did not have a vape pen then. William further states that he saw Booker vaping, and challenges if anyone present has ever seen him do the same. Practically every student in the room, save Nia, raise their hands, including his own crony, Jordan. Having resumed his spot, Spitz concludes that he has seen enough, and calls for a vote on the matter. Only William and Jordan vote against Booker, and Spitz decrees that they don't get to vote, thus giving a unanimous vote for Booker, and the Coach ruling that Booker has been acquitted, and his record cleared. After the Baxter twins celebrate their victory, Coach Spitz orders Curtis, William and Jordan to his office, encouraging the latter pair to run. Nia stops the Coach to suggest a recount of the last Student Body President Election, to let the voice of the people be heard. Spitz notes that the people have been heard, and Nia lost, and advises her to just accept the results. Nia says she will consider it, but Spitz states that she won't, and giving her rival, Student Body President Danisha, an evil glare, the driven Nia agrees.

#### Hoop Streams

Coach Spitz leads the Carver Fighting Peanuts Basketball Team to the Illinois Middle school State Championship. However, even as the kids celebrate their victory, the Coach gives them sobering news, as due to the strain on the school budget caused by weatherizing the main building, there are no funds available to cover the team's travel costs for the trip to the Middle School National Basketball Championship Tournament in Miami the next week. In order for them to go, they have mere days to raise $5,000 on their own. Later that evening, night Coach Spitz is contacted by team captain Tess O'Malley, who suggests organizing a fund raising livestream. Coach Spitz approves of the idea, and spends the rest of the night making the necessary arrangements to hold the event at the school as soon as possible. The night of the livestream, before showtime, Spitz speaks with a confident Tess who assures him, not to worry as she sees the show as her baby. Picking up on her metaphor, Coach Spitz advises her to feed and nurture that child, because if the show does not succeed, the Carver Peanuts will be roasted. The Coach then turns his attention to backstage matters, as he organizes the volunteers primarily consisting of Carver parental figures, to man the phone lines to receive the incoming donation calls. At this point, Raven Baxter and Chelsea Grayson make their presence known. The mothers are eager to help out, and insist they can handle the mere task of answering phone calls. Coach Spitz tries to give them a sample script to work from, but Raven just crumples it up. Spitz has them answer phone calls, but the women appear more concerned with their own personal issues instead of helping the Fighting Peanuts reach their goal. Spitz can only shake his head and turn away.

## Appearances

### Season 1

* You're Gonna Get It
* Vending the Rules

### Season 2

* Because
* Raven's Home: Remix

### Season 3

* Crewed Up
* What About Your Friends?
* Hoop Streams
* Close Shave (mentioned)

## Trivia

* Coach Spitz has three rules:
	1. No yelling.
	2. No gum chewing.
	3. No moonwalking.
* He is an aspiring playwright, having written a musical on his life story, ***Spitz: The Musical!***.
* In his youth he wanted to be a horse jockey, but a growth spurt forced him to take up basketball instead.
* He wrote the role of "Spitz' Mother," in ***Spitz: The Musical!*** for his own mother.
* He considers himself a good rapper.
* He is ‘6.5’
* Coach Spitz is currently the Head Coach of both the Carver Peanuts Football and Basketball teams.
* According to Tess, he led the Carver Peanuts to the Middle School National Championship.
* It may be possible that Coach Spitz's first name is actually "Chester," as a character by that name (also played by Alabi) was depicted as living in Chicago, working as a bodyguard for Steve Moops Jr. in the "*Stevie Likes Lindy*" episode of ***I Didn't Do It.***
* **Anthony Alabi** portrays Moz McKellan from the Netflix Original Series, *Family Reunion*