Meet The Coaches

Boys Head Coach - Jumps and Sprints: Jake Balchs

Coach Balch is in his first year with the Blue Blazers and will be coaching boys and girls high jump, long jump, and assisting in sprints.  Balch is new to Indiana and just started teaching at Elkhart Central at the beginning of February.  His courses of instruction are Business Foundations and Personal Financial Management / Introduction to Technology.  He currently lives with his girlfriend and 7-month-old son in White Pigeon.

Coach Balch ran under Michigan Hall of Fame Coach Tim Baker in Constantine for four years, graduating in 1999.  He specialized in the 400 and 800, but also excelled in the long jump and high jump.  After one year of classes at Southwestern Michigan College, Balch transferred to Western Michigan University.  He graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education.

Coach Balch then spent three years teaching and coaching track at Maurice J. McDonough High School in Charles County, Maryland (just outside Washington, D.C.).  He was head coach of the boys and girls track teams, leading the Lady Rams to a State Runner-up overall finish in 2006 and a 4th Place finish for the boys in 2008.  In all, there were 49 state qualifiers during Balch’s tenure, including 8 Maryland State Champions.  Balch then moved to Louisville, KY to teach and coach at Pleasure Ridge Park High School.  He served as the boys sprints and jumps coach for the boys track team.

Balch’s comments on the 2011 season: “I am very excited to back out on the track this spring.  From what I can tell, our athletes are not only ready to work, but eager to learn as well.  It is going to take an abundance of effort and focus to accomplish our individual and team goals this year.  I look forward to seeing the Blazers go head-to-head with the best in the state this May and June.”