Bailey named head coach of RHS girls golf

Dan Bailey has been appointed as the new head coach for the Rochester High School girls varsity golf team. 

Bailey is no stranger to the girls golf program, having served as assistant golf coach for the past three years under former head coach Chad Thomas. His appointment as head coach was made official at a school board meeting Monday. 

In recommending Bailey for the head coaching position, RHS Athletic Director Cal Stone noted it was the best move to continue on the success Thomas brought to the program over the last 24 seasons.

"The big thing we looked for, after Coach Thomas left us, is we've got four girls returning for our team that went to state," Stone said. "We're trying to keep everything as similar as possible moving forward, so we can try to go back. We're really excited to have Coach Bailey."

Bailey shared with the board that he appreciated the opportunity to step into the leadership role.

"I've been close with Chad for a long time, so when he made his announcement, that was difficult for me, but I appreciate the opportunity to keep going. Hopefully we end up back there," Bailey said, referring to state. 

"No pressure," Stone quipped.

Of those four girls returning is Bailey's daughter, Olivia, a defending regional champion. As she transitioned to high school, Bailey made the switch from coaching boys golf. 

"I didn't get into golf until probably my early adulthood, and then fell in love with it," he said. "I have played since then, but got involved with coaching originally with the boys program."

Switching over to help Thomas with the girls program was made easy, as the two were childhood friends, now with daughters who play the sport.

"Since I'm not a track runner, I decided to stick my hand in the golf realm," Bailey said, referring to his son Grant, Olivia's twin brother, who instead runs track and plays soccer. 

Thomas’ daughter, Ava, was the team's only senior last season. She is to continue playing golf at Grace College. 

"She was a solid scorer that we counted on every match," Bailey said of Ava, adding that she will be difficult to replace.

Fortunately, he added, returning players are far from new to the game, with varsity experience under their belts. The new season kicks off the first of August. 

"Our first invitational is a really important one because it's at Sandy Pines and that's our regional course," Bailey said. 

He was appreciative of the administration allowing the team to play in the Kankakee Valley Invitation, which takes place a day before students' first day of school.

"It's an advantage being able to play that early in the season, and then if we're fortunate enough to get there in regionals, it's not as intimidating," Bailey said. "The girls that we've got coming back have played there several times now, so that'll be a good way to start the season."

In stepping into the head coaching role, Bailey also emphasized a focus on getting elementary students interested in the sport. 

"Once they've entered 6th or 7th grade, they've likely already played another sport and found another love," he said. "That's great, but if we're not giving them an opportunity to find that in golf before middle school, it's going to be hard to keep a high school program going."

He's encouraged by the support the program's received in donations, which allowed for implementation of a golf simulator and indoor hitting area. He also noted the First Tee School Program has been integrated into physical education classes, giving students the opportunity to build self-confidence and leadership skills through the game of golf.

"I played other sports when I was in high school, and I loved what I played, but probably the biggest thing I love about golf is you get out of it whatever you put into it, and you never conquer it," Bailey said. "I don't know what else you could do that makes you so frustrated, but also makes you so happy, and when you're finished you want to go back out and do it again because you think you can do better. Just that constant drive of trying to conquer the unconquerable is pretty fun."

Students looking to take on that challenge are encouraged to keep an eye out for a callout meeting for girls golf, likely to occur in early May. In the meantime, Bailey hopes to find an assistant coach. 

In other sports news for the school district, Rob Malchow has retired as head coach of the boys varsity basketball team.

"After 25 unforgettable seasons on the sidelines, the time has come for me to officially announce my retirement as the head varsity basketball coach at Rochester High School," he shared in an April 17 letter to Superintendent Jana Vance. 

"This decision wasn't easy, because this program has been my passion, my purpose, and my second family for so many years," he continued. "I feel now is the right moment to step away and begin a new chapter in life – one that includes a bit more rest, a few less whistles, and probably still way too much basketball on TV.

"I'll never forget the long nights in the gym, the heartbreaks, the buzzer-beaters, the state championship run, and most of all, the incredible young men I've had the privilege to coach. Watching these players grow not just as athletes but as people has been the greatest honor of my career. Though I'm stepping away from the bench, I'll always be the program's biggest fan. I'll be cheering from the stands, proud of what we've built and excited for what's ahead."