Jeff Melcher has coached here at BHS for 10 years which is the longest out of any present day coach. Melcher currently is an assistant coach on the high school football team and is the head track coach and the Junior High. Melcher is one of the special education teachers here at BHS.
Q: How long have you been coaching at Baldwin and what sports?
“I have been coaching at BHS since 2015. I have coached at both the Junior High and High School levels in Football, either as the Head Coach or as an assistant (since 2015). Track, I have been either an assistant or the Head Coach since 2015, all at the Junior High level. I had a short stint as an assistant Basketball Coach during the 2016 through the 2019 seasons.”
Q: What sets Baldwin apart from any other places you have coached?
“It is a slower community where everybody knows each other. I made the move from Lawrence in 2015 (Lawrence High) in order for my kids (I have 3) to go to school in a smaller community. Athlete wise, it is just a numbers game. At a bigger school you will have more kids to choose from/ work with. You have kids that are willing to learn (coachable) and those who are not at any school you coach at.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about coaching?
“Seeing the successes of athletes who persevere through the good times and bad. Also, seeing the growth of individuals, not just as football players. There will be very few individuals who go on and play at the collegiate level. Sports can teach kids valuable life skills like work ethic, perseverance, teamwork and many more.”
Q: What is the toughest part about coaching?
“Time away from my family is one of the hardest parts of the season. I don’t get to be around my wife and kids as much as I would like to. Coaching is a big commitment, and in order to give athletes the best chance to succeed, football staffs dedicate long hours to planning, practice, and preparation. You have to make the best out of the time you have.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about football?
“The preparation in order to be successful. Being able to see how a team improves throughout a season is pretty cool. I love breaking down film and game planning for the next opponent. I love working with a group of coaches who share the same passion to meet kids where they are at and make them a better version of themselves.”
Q: What has been your best memory while coaching for Baldwin?
“When I first started coaching football at Baldwin in 2015, I joined a coaching staff that made every day enjoyable and memorable. Mr. Brittingham and I coached the 7th-grade team, and together we went undefeated, a very fun season. Meanwhile, Mr. Currie and Coach Peacock took charge of the 8th-grade team, and the four of us had an absolute blast working side-by-side. Those three individuals are still guys that I enjoy their company to this day.”
Q: What are your plans/dreams for coaching in the future?
“I have always wanted to be a head high school football coach and I like coaching track as well. Will continue coaching both here in Baldwin for the foreseeable future.”