News Summary

Bunker Hill has welcomed Brendan Magruder, a former star athlete from Edwardsville, as the head coach of its baseball team. With four years of coaching experience, he emphasizes personal growth and resilience. Magruder also leads the Bunker Hill/Staunton bass fishing team, fostering a passion for the sport among students. As he prepares to coach his first senior class in 2025, Magruder is committed to instilling strong work ethics and life lessons in his players, promising a bright future for Bunker Hill sports.

Bunker Hill Welcomes Former Edwardsville Star Athlete as Coach

If you’re strolling through Bunker Hill and catch a glimpse of the local baseball field buzzing with excitement, it might be a good time to talk about the man behind the magic—Brendan Magruder. This former Edwardsville star athlete has traded in his jersey for a whistle and is now making waves as the head coach of the Bunker Hill baseball team, a role he has passionately held for four years.

A Star Athlete’s Journey

Brendan Magruder, who graduated from Edwardsville High School in 2014, didn’t have the typical glow of a star on the baseball diamond. He played three years of varsity baseball during his time at Edwardsville but had to grapple with the disappointment of limited playing time. Instead of letting this hold him back, he chose to focus on personal improvement and developing his skills on the field. This dedication didn’t go unnoticed and shaped the coaching philosophy he employs at Bunker Hill today.

Building the Future of Bunker Hill Baseball

As the head baseball coach at Bunker Hill, Magruder is not just about wins and losses; he emphasizes the importance of practice and improvement. His experiences from high school sports have taught him that the purpose of each practice goes beyond conditioning—it is all about building character and resilience. Having coached multiple teams that qualified for the IHSA state tournament and the ICASSTT state championships, Magruder has laid down a solid foundation for his athletes.

Going for Gold: Achievements on the Water

Magruder isn’t just hanging his hat on baseball; he also leads the combined Bunker Hill/Staunton bass fishing team. Under his guidance, students have found a passion for fishing that extends well beyond the classroom. It’s not just about catching fish, either. Brendan has fostered a love for the sport that will last a lifetime. With recent successes, including a fourth-place finish at the 2025 IHSA sectional on Lake Springfield and a fifth-place finish at the IHSA regional on Coffeen Lake, it’s safe to say that the fishing team is reeling in some impressive results.

A Lesson in Resilience

One of the core values Magruder teaches is resilience—the ability to handle failure gracefully. He believes that the lessons learned through sports can be applied to life beyond the field. A standout moment for him was when one of his athletes hooked a five-pound fish, marking a significant achievement and a memory they will cherish forever. These experiences bring the team closer and highlight the vital lessons his coaching imparts.

A Family Man with Deep Roots

Outside the baseball diamonds and fishing lines, Brendan lives in Holiday Shores with his wife Torie and their adorable five-month-old daughter, Harper. With his family happily settled, there is another layer to Brendan’s story. He has a master’s degree in education, making education another passion he pursues alongside coaching. His wife Torie also holds a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and works as a professional counselor, creating quite the academically accomplished household.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, Brendan will be coaching his first group of seniors who have been with him since their freshman year. It’s a big milestone, not just for the players but for him as a coach. He reflects on his time spent with them and thinks about how he can help shape their futures much like his own experiences shaped his. As he gets ready for this pivotal year, he is committed to instilling the work ethic and life lessons he learned through sports in his players, encouraging them to aim high.

In a world where sports can often feel high-pressure, Brendan Magruder is paving a new path—one filled with growth, learning, and a dash of fun. As Bunker Hill continues to watch this star shine, you can bet that the future of its sports teams is looking bright!

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