By Mike Ramczyk
Even though the high school baseball season is over, it doesn’t mean the postseason awards have stopped piling up for the Burlington Demons.
Head coach Scott Staude, who led the Southern Lakes Conference champion Demons to the school’s first WIAA state baseball championship, has been selected by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association as the National Federation of State High School Association’s (NFHS) Baseball Coach of the Year for Wisconsin.
Staude, a teacher, was surprised in his classroom recently, as Burlington High School Athletic Director Eric Plitzuweit made the announcement to the classroom.
“It is a neat honor, and I am humbled by the recognitiion,” Staude said Tuesday.
Annually, the NFHS identifies and recognizes a coach from each state for significant achievement in their sport.
The Demons wrapped up a historic season June 16 at Fox Cities Stadium with a come-from-behind, 6-4 victory over Arrowhead in the WIAA Division 1 state championship game.
Burlington finished with a 25-5 overall record.
Staude will now be considered for NFHS Sectional recognition, and then National coaches of the year are chosen.
Award recipients are selected based upon a variety of criteria including their coaching record, background, coaching honors and involvement in community and school organizations.
“There are some excellent coaches throughout the Midwest and the country,” Staude said. “I am not too concerned about the thought of winning at the next level. Just to be mentioned with them is exciting.”
Each year approximately 1,000 coaches are recognized at the state level, 168 at sectionals and 21 nationally.
Wisconsin coaches are members of Section 4, which represents Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Does Staude think the extra attention from the state title season will help the program?
Absolutely.
What’s more important to the 18-year Demon head coach are the unforgettable moments from one of the most fun and successful sports seasons in school history.
“I think any positive recognition for our program is a good thing,” Staude said. “Most importantly, it brings back great memories of a special team and season.”
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