Catching Up with Coach Kevin Hallberg
Photo Credit: Kenny Ritz
It was a little over a year and a half ago when interviewed my good friend Kevin Hallberg. At the time he had just graduated Grand Valley State University with a degree in Sports Management. He had a stellar career at GVSU as a pitcher and there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he still wanted to be involved with baseball. He was hired as an intern at Wayland Union School’s Athletic Department and became the Junior Varsity Baseball Coach. This year he joined the Varsity Baseball Team as an Assistant Coach where he has made an impact. With his new experiences and his continued love for the game I knew I had to get his thoughts and feeling on what the last year has been like for him. In his own words, I give you Kevin Hallberg
Last time we talked you were just hired as the Junior Varsity Baseball Coach for Wayland Union. How was your first year coaching?
First year coaching was an awesome experience, I have to say thanks to Travis Wilcox for giving me the opportunity to coach here in Wayland. I think the boys progressed and learned just how good they can be.
How was the transition from being a player to now coaching?
It was a smooth transition honestly, I just wanted to make sure I pass on my competitive nature to the boys. It’s still the same game I’ve played all my life it’s just weird calling all the shots and not being able to be out there playing.
What were some of the key lessons you learned in you first year?
Making sure to keep an open dialogue with the players to hear what they think we could be doing better. Communication is the key honestly to making sure nothing gets lost in translation between us coaches and the players
What do you think your biggest strength is as a Coach?
Being able to relate to he players and teach the game so easily. Having just got done playing two years ago I’m able to relate to the kids easy.
What kind of things would you like to improve on as a Coach?
As a coach there are always things to improve on. Learning new philosophies and drills from college and pro coaches is something I try to do. As well as do research on the internet for re ways to improve our fundamentals
How would you describe your overall experience in your first year of coaching?
It was a great first year. We strung together some key wins and the main thing was the kids got better!
In 2017, you made the transition from JV Head Coach to Varsity Assistant Coach. What has it been like being an assistant compared to a Head Coach?
Being an assistant and working with Coach Wilcox and Coach Miller has been amazing. I’m able to focus on my specialty which is pitching while Coach Wilcox and Miller can work more on hitting and fielding. I truly enjoy coaching the kids and we are all trying to instill good values and habits both on and off the baseball field.
What are your overall impressions of the Wayland Community and more specifically Wayland Union High School?
I was lucky enough to intern with Justin Wilson who is the AD and he helped me learn a lot about high school athletics as well as what it takes to be a great leader. I am fortunate to have found a coaching spot here with Travis who has given me every opportunity to succeed!
For a break in the baseball talk, any places you like to eat in Wayland or recommend to anyone passing through?
I’m a big fan of the burgers at Wayland Hotel. Those things are massive and would recommend that to anyone passing through Wayland. I have yet to try the Ice Cream place but that’s next on my list.
What are your future goals in terms of being a coach in the Wayland Union School District?
We are trying to change a culture to get these kids to believe they can win every time they step on the field. So I guess just continue to teach these kids the game of baseball and be the best assistant I can to Coach Wilcox and Coach Miller.
What is your message to those kids playing baseball in 6th, 7th and 8th grade and have aspirations to play baseball when they get to high school?
Continue to have fun playing the game!!! Baseball is meant to be fun so enjoy the time with your buddies and continue to get better. Also make sure to take your coaches seriously as they are only there to help you.
When your time is done in Wayland what would you like to be remembered for considering it was your first coaching job?
A coach who gave it all to his players and tried to change a culture here at Wayland.
Any Final Thoughts?
Thanks for interviewing me Joey, always a pleasure to talk sports with you. I hope you all get a chance to come watch the us play at our brand new field. GO CATS!
Kevin is making tremendous impact on and off the field. The community of Wayland has made Kevin their own. They love the job he is doing and hope he is a part of the baseball program for a long time to come. Speaking from personal experience Kevin is role model, a positive influence and someone that kids can look up to. His love for baseball is going to take him a long way whether it is in coaching, administrative or management position. I personally want to thank Kevin for taking time out of his busy schedule to share his thoughts and feelings with me.
Photo Credit: Kenny Ritz
Photo Credit: Kenny Ritz
