Haskins leaves St. Charles East

Dave Haskins coached his final baseball game at St. Charles East Tuesday in the 2011 IHSBCA Phil Lawler Summer Classic, ending a successful two-year stint with the Saints before he takes a teaching and coaching position at a new school next fall.

Haskins couldn’t comment on the Romeoville job until it gets board approval, but he did reflect on his two years at St. Charles East that saw the Saints go 27-10 and 27-11 and win a pair of regional championships.

“Two great years,” Haskins said. “I appreciate everything (former athletic director) Jerry Krieg did for me and (athletic secretary) Nancy Palmeri. They made it feel like home. I can’t thank Jerry and Nancy enough.”

Haskins came to St. Charles East after winning a state title at Prairie Ridge.

He continued winning with the Saints including a pair of regional titles, a conference championship and a trip to the 2010 summer state tournament.

Haskins praised the senior class that just graduated and played for him two years with the Saints. Many of those players were at Batavia Tuesday watching St. Charles East’s 7-6 loss.

“It’s a sad day,” Haskins said. “Seniors have been great. Come out there today and support the program, bleed orange and black. It’s awesome. They are always going to be part of me. It’s about teaching life through the game of baseball.”

Haskins has two small children, ages 3 and 1 1/2. At his new job he’ll be able to teach and coach while at St. Charles East a teaching position did not open up.

“Offered a teaching and coaching job in the same building, that’s what I’ve always wanted and St. Charles East wasn’t able to do that at this time,” said Haskins.

“It’s going to be a great challenge,” Haskins said of his new job at a school without a baseball tradition like the Saints and Prairie Ridge. “Because of summer baseball I don’t get to get my feet wet. We’ll work hard and we’ll turn that program around.

“I love it (at St. Charles East). Two great years but I have to do what’s best for my family.”