The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

Sports

Related Photos

  • Bismarck-Henning coach Terry French, shown here talking with senior golfer Austin Toler, was named the 2011-12 IHSA golf coach of the year. French, who played golf at Bismarck-Henning in the 1970s, helped resurrect the program in 2001. The Blue Devils have won more than 200 duals, six conference titles, five regional titles, two sectional crowns and a second-place finish in the 2011 IHSA State Meet. Bismarck-Henning High School

    French 29.jpg

Facebook

November 29, 2012

French earns top coaching honor

BY CHAD DARE Commercial-News

BISMARCK —  When Bismarck-Henning decided to restart its golf program, the Blue Devils turned to one of its own.

Terry French, who played golf at Bismarck-Henning in the 1970s, has built the program into one of the area’s premier teams.

Right after this past year’s state tournament, French discovered that he was named the 2011 IHSA Golf Coach of the Year, and he is in the running for National Coach of the Year that will be announced later this month.

“I was extremely shocked when I opened the letter,’’ French said. “I had my wife, Bobbette, also read it to make sure that I was reading it right.

“Never did I imagine that I would be nominated for that kind of honor, let alone win it.’’

In his 11 years at Bismarck-Henning, the Blue Devils have had 11 winning seasons, six conference titles, five regional championships, a pair of sectional crowns and the only state tournament trophy in Bismarck-Henning school history — a second-place finish a year ago.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have some very talented players,’’ said French, stating this award was a team honor. “I’ve always believed that best players make the best coaches. This is a credit to all the players that have played for me over the years — past and present.’’

But, how did French, who works at Danville Metal Stamping, get into coaching high school golf?

“My name came up when they were thinking about reviving the program because I had played there and I was helping some people with their games,’’ French said. “I then had an interview with Tom Johnson and decided to give it a try. I leaned on (former Westville coach) Mike Langston quite a bit and we were 9-8 in our first year.’’

But, it wasn’t quite what French expected when he got started.

“There is a lot more to it than just coaching golf,’’ he said. “I’ve always tried to teach my kids about respect, handling themselves with class both on the golf course and off, and working hard. If I’m able to get them to do those things, good things will happen.’’

It’s something that junior David Warren has learned in his three seasons with coach French.

“Terry is a really cool guy,’’ Warren said. “He is always there for you, whether it’s golf or just life in general.’’

French also pointed out that he couldn’t be the Bismarck-Henning coach without support from his family, his employer along with the players and their families.

“There are a lot of great people that have always been there for me,’’ French said. “I just want to be there for the kids.’’

Text Only
Sports
E-edition
AP Video
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
NDN Video
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life The all-new Xbox One RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you Reporter Cries Over Devastation Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school Robert Pattinson Moves Out RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone" Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Must Read