BHS welcomes new head coaches

By Macey Pohlmeier

BHS Journalism

There are four new head coaches that have joined the coaching staff for the 2024-25 season Eric Toot for golf, Thomas Broxterman for cross country and track, Laney Overman for volleyball, Kara Roland for basketball, Grant Bachura for baseball, Kaci Kesinger for cheer, Jessica Allen, and Stephanie Howarter for dance.

“My favorite thing about being head cross country coach is getting to be outside and enjoy the nice weather, while interacting with the kids. Cross country is a very social sport,” Broxterman said. “I competed in cross country in high school and college and really love running. Baldwin has a rich tradition of good cross country teams, so it was a dream job for me.” 

The girls cross country team placed 1st at league and the boys placed 4th.

Head golf coach Toot is transitioning from being head basketball coach to taking over the golf program.

“It’s been an easy transition,” Toot said. “We only have six girls on the team so the management of the overall program has been much easier.”

“The girls approached me and asked if I’d be willing to coach the team and help the newly created program move forward,” Toot said.

Toot’s hopes are to grow the team and help them achieve their goals.

“I hope to continue to improve as a team and grow as a program. Qualifying for state as a team would be a great accomplishment for our team in only the 2nd year of existence as a program,” Toot said 

“I wanted to be the head coach because I really care about our program and the players,” Roland said. “After a few years as an assistant coach for a great mentor coach, I felt ready to take on a bigger role and continue building on the strong foundation that we already have.”

Roland played basketball in college and her team got 2nd in the nation.

“There is nothing better than being in the gym sharing my passion for the game with others,” Roland said. 

 Overman hopes to help the girls love the sport like she does and tech them new things

“I wanted to be the head coach to hopefully help the girls love the sport as much as I do and to teach them new things or learn on to what they already knew,” Overman said.

Overman loves seeing the girl succeed throughout the season. 

“My favorite thing about being the head coach is seeing the girls succeed,” Overman siad. “It makes it even better when I know they are having fun while doing so.”

Bachura has coached high school baseball since he started teaching seven years ago.

“I have coached high school baseball since I finished my playing career and started coaching seven years ago,” Bachura said.

Bachura played baseball till his collegiate career ended.

“I started playing T-Ball at age four and played until my collegiate career ended when I was 21,” Bachura said.

Kesinger loves getting to know all of the girls and seeing all of their hard work.

“My favorite thing about being one of the head coaches of the cheer team is getting to know all of the girls on the squad,” Kesinger said. “It is so great to watch them work hard and accomplish their goals together.”