Schaumburg picks Seely to lead program
One of Cal Seely’s most memorable moments as a high school baseball player was not forgotten when he came to Schaumburg eight years later to teach and coach.
After all, it helped delay Schaumburg coach Paul Groot’s eventual drive to 600 career victories. Seely played a pivotal role in 2003 when Hoffman Estates won only its second regional title with a stunning extra-inning upset of the top-seeded Saxons.
“They weren’t too happy,” Seely said with a laugh. “The first thing Paul said when I came over (last) summer was, ‘all right, you’re the guy.’”
Now, Seely will be the guy to try to keep the tradition going for one of the state’s top programs. The 27-year-old Schaumburg sophomore coach was named Wednesday as the successor to Groot, who is retiring at the end of this season.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and I have big shoes to fill,” Seely said. “Paul has done a tremendous job the last 28 years building this program and continuing to win year after year. The plan is to continue that — new face, winning ways.”
Seely was a varsity pitcher-outfielder in 2002-03 at Hoffman for Todd Meador, who was also an assistant to Groot at Schaumburg, and went to Illinois State to concentrate on becoming a teacher and coach. Seely coached at every level during a five-year stint at his alma mater before coming to Schaumburg before this school year.
“Cal seems to have a coaching maturity beyond his age,” said Schaumburg athletic director Tim Kirby. “With his knowledge, manner with kids and ability to communicate, he has a tremendous upside in terms of leadership and ability.
“We’ve been blessed to have such a successful program and Paul had a tremendous amount to do with that. I view it as one of the premier opportunities in the area to coach the Schaumburg baseball team and lead the program.”
Seely, who teaches social studies, didn’t expect the opportunity this soon. But he believes his variety of coaching experience has prepared him for this next big step.
“It’s been a great experience working with Paul and to sit down and listen, watch and talk to him has been the most beneficial aspect of the whole process,” Seely said. “It’s nice to see the different perspective of someone who has so much experience coaching. I’ve just been soaking it all in and enjoyed that time.”
And Seely understands the little details have added up to Groot’s win total that is now 603 with a state title in 1997, a runner-up finish in 1989 and an Elite Eight trip in 2005.
“Right now we’re playing smart ball because we don’t have guys who hit 350-foot bombs,” said Seely, whose sophomores were 18-8 going into Wednesday. “We’ll play our game and play the right way and emphasize the things that have always been emphasized here at Schaumburg.
“We’ll work hard during the season and offseason to do the little things right to win ballgames. That has proven to be true and we’ll continue to play the game the right way.”