By Mark Blentlinger
Schoolcraft Schools has hired three new coaches to lead varsity volleyball, baseball, and football.
Lucas Smith, varsity volleyball head coach
Smith started last season coaching JV volleyball, but with the resignation of the previous coach, he moved to interim varsity coach. Smith has spent 26 years coaching volleyball at middle school, JV and varsity levels. With his expertise and commitment, he plans to grow and expand Schoolcraft’s program. His plan is to work with up-and-coming Eagle athletes from the 3rd grade level up with skill camps. Smith said he looks forward to contributing to the success of the entire volleyball program while making a positive impact within the Schoolcraft Community.
Dale Beeney, varsity baseball head coach
Dan DeVries was hired as varsity Head coach after Coach Nathan Ferency decided to step away from coaching for now to focus on family. DeVries is a Schoolcraft graduate and played in the 1990’s as a tight end for Hall of Fame coach Larry Ledlow. DeVries began his coaching by scouting for the Eagles. He then became part of the staff for incoming head coach Ferency in 2019 and also coached as an assistant on the JV squad at that time. In 2021, DeVries was named the JV head coach. In 2023 he led his JV team to an undefeated season with players that have now made it to the varsity level, and he will be coaching them again. He takes over a program that made a deep run into the post season in 2024, winning a Division 3 district championship, a Division 3 regional championship, and a state semi-final appearance. DeVries does not plan on any major changes in the game plan, but he does plan on digging into the old playbook and give some of that old a new flare. He has returning talent from last season, including his son Jack and nephew Landon who has been a target of many of Jack’s passes. He hopes to continue the success that Schoolcraft has been known for on the gridiron. Expectations are always high in Schoolcraft, especially when following in the footsteps of the successful coaches. DeVries looks forward to taking it on.
Dan DeVries, varsity football head coach
Dale Beeney was selected as the new varsity baseball head coach after the departure of previous head coach Scott Muffley. Beeney brings 20 years of baseball experience: 12 years of head coaching experience and 8 as assistant coach. His overall career record is 256 wins with 117 losses. As Bridgeman head coach from 2005-2013, he was able to lead them to their first division 3 district championship in school history. In 2011 his team made it to the state championship game but fell short to winner Bishop Verot. In 2013 he relocated to Fort Meyers, Florida to accept a coaching position, but after 2 seasons returned to Michigan. He then became the head coach at Lake Michigan Catholic in 2015 where he led his team back to the post season with back-to-back regional championships. Five years ago, he stepped away from coaching to focus on watching his daughter play softball. Beeney teaches in South Haven and says he is very excited to have been selected as the Eagles new head coach. He has been impressed with how the players and parents have been so accepting. He loves the senior leadership on the team with Ethan Goddard, Ryley Brunner, and Gavin Hart and will work hard to positively represent the Schoolcraft Community.
