Matt Badgley is aware of the success of several sports programs at Mundelein.
And he’s ready to do his part as the Mustangs’ new boys basketball coach.
Badgley was one of three coaches Mundelein hired Thursday. Greg Dorgan will coach the girls basketball team, while Craig Stocker is the new wrestling coach.
“The community is itching,” Badgley said. “They have the kids in the building. They have a strong baseball program. They have the strong swimming programs. I was really impressed with (athletic director) Troy Parola’s approach to the process and the details he went into.
“I’m excited about the coaches that are currently there. And I’m excited about the coaches that were named (Thursday). I knew both of them prior to this process and think of both of them as good friends. The opportunity to have such a strong winter culture amongst us three, and everybody else, and be able to be blended in with that culture that exists there and keep it moving forward, I like the direction that everything is headed there.”
Badgley, 43, is the assistant principal and dean of students at Wauconda. He has been at Wauconda since 2009. His basketball head coaching experience includes four years at Trico (1997-2001) and one year at Lebanon (2001-02). He was an assistant coach in Missouri for five years and an athletic director at Collinsville before moving to the area for a family opportunity. After 15 years, he’s looking forward to returning to the head basketball coaching position.
“My network of coaches is down in that Metro East and southern Illinois region of the state, so I’m in new territory for myself, but it’s not something I was ever able to completely get away from,” Badgley said. “Life headed me down a different path.
“For the opportunity to re-engage to what I have always felt like is my purpose, I’m ecstatic and excited for that opportunity. I feel very fortunate.”
The Mustangs went 4-26 last season and were 11-106 in four years under former coach Corey Knigge, who resigned after the season. Mundelein did win three straight regional titles from 2011 to ’13 under Knigge’s predecessor, current Grant athletic director Richard Knar.
Badgley will be stressing fundamentals.
“I like to limit mistakes,” he said. “You have to limit turnovers, you’ve got to try to minimize second-chance opportunities for the opposing team. You have to try to make sure that every trip you’ve got down, you’ve got a chance to score and you’re not turning the ball over earlier in that possession.”
Dorgan’s experience includes time as an interim girls basketball coach at Wauconda. He’s also coached Wauconda’s boys freshman and sophomore teams. Stocker has coached at Lakes since 2012. He also coached at Fremd and Stevenson.
“During the interview process, our final candidates rose to the top because of their personal integrity and the culture and climate that they hope to bring to our athletic programs,” Parola said in a statement. “I’m excited to bring these three individuals to key leadership roles within our coaching positions at Mundelein. I’m confident that they will teach, coach and mentor our many fine student-athletes.”
Twitter @lamondpope
