Van Buren County head boys track coach Mike Bainbridge has been named one of the Iowa Association of Track Coaches’ Class 1A At-Large Track Coaches of the Year, the organization announced on July 2nd, following a historic spring season for the Warriors program.
The IATC Track Coach of the Year awards recognize coaches based on the best overall coaching job during that season rather than simply the team with the highest finish at state. For each class and gender, the IATC selects one State Coach of the Year and five At-Large Coaches of the Year, with winners voted on by IATC members at the spring meeting following nominations and discussion. Being selected means other Iowa track coaches across the state nominated and voted for Bainbridge as one of the top coaches in Class 1A — a peer recognition that carries significant weight in the coaching community.
Bainbridge was one of five At-Large honorees in the Class 1A boys category, joining State Coach of the Year Alex Oliver of Riverside and At-Large recipients Austin Burns of New London, Lonnie Speidel of Lisbon, Kelli Helgeson of Lake Mills, and Ryan Coenen of Woodbine.
The honor comes on the heels of one of the most remarkable state meet performances in Van Buren County track history. Despite fielding only five competing athletes, the Warriors finished second in the Class 1A team standings in Des Moines in May with 43 points, just behind Oakland Riverside. Four of those athletes combined to win four state championships — including a pair of individual titles from Lincoln Bainbridge, the coach’s son, in the 400 and 800 meter races. The same quartet of Lincoln Bainbridge, Kayden Simmons, Jaren Troxel, and Jace Duncan then teamed up to win both the 4×400 relay and the distance medley relay, setting a Class 1A state meet record in the latter with a time of 3:30.11. The fifth and final point contributor was Simmons, who added a sixth-place finish in the 400 meter hurdles with a personal best time of 55.16 to round out the Warriors’ scoring.
Bainbridge expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and credited those around him for the season’s success.
“To be considered one of the top track and field coaches in the state of Iowa is incredibly humbling,” Bainbridge said. “While it’s a tremendous honor, it’s one that is shared with so many people. This type of season doesn’t happen without an outstanding group of athletes, the best assistant coach anyone could ask for, Gene Pratt, who has such a positive impact on the team, and all the parents and community that supported us along the way. This was a season I’ll never forget. I feel incredibly fortunate to coach such a special group of athletes, and I’m grateful to everyone who played a part in making this year so special.”
Simmons, a senior and member of both state championship relay teams who has committed to continue his track and field career at the University of Dubuque, spoke highly of his coach.
“Mike is a great person and a great coach,” Simmons said. “Mike would always make it a whole team sport, and would not leave anybody out. He is also very supportive and always rooting everyone on and cheering for everybody no matter who it is or what they’re doing. Mike made the sport fun and helped to keep everybody intrigued and loving what they are doing. I knew along with also the whole team, that when we came to practice that we were going to put in the work and get things done. We all knew though that it was all with a purpose and we all had 100 percent trust and faith in what we were given. Mike only has the best interest in all his athletes in mind and makes everybody better.”
Simmons added that Bainbridge’s influence extended well beyond the track. “Along with making it fun, there were many jokes and good times that were to be had. Mike to me was a big help, a huge supporter and inspiration. Mike and I have had many conversations that have helped me out a tremendous amount. I would not have been able to accomplish anything that I have, without the help of Mike. I truly believe that this award is an accurate representation of Mike and all the hard work he puts into all of the kids that he coaches, and I could not think of a better coach than Mike to receive this award.”
Senior Marion Yoder also shared his thoughts on what Bainbridge has meant to him as an athlete.
“Mike is a wonderful coach and just overall an amazing person to be around,” Yoder said. “Mike always made sure to include all of us athletes and gives anyone a chance who wants a chance at trying something new. Over the years he has made sure to guide and coach me to become a better athlete and whenever we needed help he was always there to help. Mike knew how to push us hard in practice because he knew we could handle the pressure. Mike is an amazing and wonderful coach, I wouldn’t want any other coach to guide and teach me to be the athlete I am today.”
