High school baseball: Crystal Lake South's Brian Bogda is coach of the year

Crystal Lake South coach Brian Bogda figured heading into the season that the Gators could do quite well.

They had five players returning in the lineup, two of their top pitchers back and Venezuelan move-in Brian Fuentes, a prodigious hitter who fit nicely into the No. 3 spot.

“I said, ‘We’ll be all right,’ ” Bogda said.

South was more than all right; it was the best.

The Gators rolled through the Class 4A State Tournament series, winning seven of their games by at least four runs. In the semifinals they beat New Trier, 9-3. Then, they beat Edwardsville, 8-3, for the state championship.

For their dominance, Bogda was selected as Northwest Herald Baseball Coach of the Year by the sports staff.

Bogda wanted the credit to be shared with his assistant coaches (Mark Tschappat, Ryan Kelley, David Loupee, Steve Theil and John Carroll), along with players past and present.

“This is a season I will never forget, and I thank each and every one of you for helping us win a state championship,” Bogda said. Northwest Herald sports writer Joe Stevenson offers these questions to the coach of the state champs.

What would be your walk-up music?

Bogda: "The Time is Now (You Can't See Me)" by John Cena and Tha Trademarc.

How many postgame dog piles was your 6-year-old son Wes in during the postseason?

Bogda: Wes is a diehard fan, and he was involved in three of the celebrations this spring. He watched most of the sectional championship game but had to leave to get to one of his Crystal Lake Baseball games. He somehow managed to get past the security worker at the supersectional and got onto the field. He really enjoyed the bus ride home from state and being a part of the police escort. It makes me feel really good to see him interact with the guys on the team. Having our sons, Wes and Will, and my wife Katie on the field with me to celebrate these victories is very special to me, a memory I'll never forget.

Who is the best speaker you have ever heard at a coaching clinic?

Bogda: Gordie Gillespie. He was an awesome coach and an even better person. The guy is a legend; he was inducted into numerous halls of fame in multiple sports. I always enjoyed listening to him speak. At the end of his talks, you were motivated to go to battle with anyone. The biggest thing I learned from Gordie was his ability to interact and create meaningful relationships with his players.

What are three sports movies you can watch over and over?

Bogda: "Moneyball." I really like sabremetrics and the little things that go into creating a team and a lineup on a daily basis. "The Sandlot," I can't wait to sit down and watch this one with my boys. I loved playing pick-up games as a kid, and it brings back memories from my childhood. "The Long Green Line." This one will shock some people, since it has nothing to do with baseball, it's a documentary about cross country and the ins and outs of putting together a season from multiple perspectives. While at Elmhurst College, I had the opportunity to witness the Long Green Line in action under York's legendary coach Joe Newton. It was unbelievable how many guys and girls participated in their programs. This documentary showed his passion for all the athletes in his program. And "Captain Underpants" isn't really a sports movie, but we watched it before the state championship game.

What pregame rituals or superstitions do you have?

Bogda: I have a few, probably too many. Much of the spring is played in cold weather, so I wear long johns underneath my uniform. Since we were on such a roll this season, I wore them the whole year, including the days when it reached 90 degrees.

What are some good words to live by?

Bogda: "When you believe, the impossible becomes possible. What you believe will become what is true. Your optimism today will determine your level of success tomorrow. Don't look at your challenges; look up and look out into your future. Don't focus on your circumstances. Focus on the right beliefs that will help you build your success." – From Jon Gordon's "The Carpenter."

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, who would it be?

Bogda: Abraham Lincoln.

Is there any significance to your uniform No. 6?

Bogda: Not really. It was the number I wore when I played at Elmhurst College. When I got into coaching, I just decided to continue wearing it.

Who was the best comedian on this year’s team?

Bogda: Luke Dunham and Michael Swiatly are pretty funny. They kept guys loose in the dugout and locker room with their humor. Noah Tyrrell has the most sarcastic and dry humor on the team, to the point where some guys don't get it. I would say Brian Fuentes has the ability to get me to smile. He has that ability to give you a big handshake, a hug and tell you, "We got this, coach." I enjoyed his funny comments on a daily basis.

What was going through your mind after Ryan Parquette and Noah Tyrrell each hit two-run homers in the fifth inning of the state championship game, putting you up 8-2?

Bogda: I was so happy for them, for the team, for our school. I was so proud of them, it was great to see them extend our lead. I knew those runs would allow Andrew Engelking and the rest of the team to relax a bit more.