Baerlocher earns national honor as top state girls hoop coach

The national spotlight has landed on Colfax girl’s basketball coach Corey Baerlocher, who made the list for the top 50 high school girls basketball coaches for the 2009 school year.

Baerlocher was nominated by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for the 2009 school year. Each state association selects one coach per sport for a state award. The 50 nominees from 50 states are placed on the top 50 list for the National Federation of State High School Associations

Baerlocher has led the Colfax High School girl’s basketball team to the state title for five of his seven years as head coach.

“Corey is an extremely hard worker. That’s the thing that has always impressed me,” said Colfax Athletic Director Mike Morgan. “He’ll give you the shirt off his back.”

Morgan said Baerlocher’s success on the court comes from his dogged attention to detail.

“He’s very detail-oriented. He’s a perfectionist. No detail is insignificant for Corey,” Morgan said.

Barb Waldsmith, a spokesman for NFHS, pointed out many factors are involved in the selection.

“It’s not just winning record. It’s everything. It’s usually a favorable record but there are other things too,” she explained.

Baerlocher told the Gazette he was pleased with the recognition, but pointed out the success derives from the hard work and will of the students he coaches.

Colfax senior Emily Shaw has played on the Bulldog varsity for the past three years, including the team that won the state title in the first Colfax appearance in the state 2B championship last March at the Spokane Arena.

Shaw, who has sweated through many a Baerlocher practice, said the coach will work the team as hard as he thinks they can go.

“He pushes you, makes you do what he knows you can do,” Shaw said.

During the close game Saturday with Almira/Coulee/Hartline, Shaw said Baerlocher gave them a pep talk at half-time.

“We came out strong on the second half and we just kept pushing. He does not let us quit. We worked really hard for that game,” she said.

Shaw said Baerlocher is also helpful outside of sports.

“He’s more than just a coach to me, he’s a friend,” she commented.