Jacobs turns to new coach

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:06PM

Jacobs is turning to an experienced coach and one familiar with the area to fill its head baseball opening.

The Golden Eagles have tabbed former Streamwood coach Erik Kehoe to lead the program.

"Just being from the area, the familiarity, and having coached against Jacobs in the past, I thought this could be a good fit for me," said Kehoe, who brings 15 years of coaching experience, including two as the head coach at Streamwood.

"I was really attracted by the quality of baseball in the Fox Valley Conference. As we went through the process, I got more comfortable. Fortunately for me it was offered and I accepted."

Kehoe takes over for Eric Sanders, who coached three seasons with the Golden Eagles. Last spring Jacobs wrapped up its only winning season with Sanders at the helm, and with a strong crop of underclass pitchers, Kehoe expects to build that recent success into a tradition.

"That was another thing I thought was appealing," Kehoe said. "I'm a big believer in fundamentals, pitching and defense. With some good young guys coming on, that right there will be a big part of whatever success we hope for."

Kehoe also expects to be even more prepared during his second stint as a head coach.

"Experiences is something you can't buy," he said. "You just have to go through it. Just having done it before, I've seen the ins and outs and behind-the-scenes things a head coach has to do and the responsibilities that go into it. That picture is much clearer."

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