AURORA – When Paul Murphy retired at the end of the 2019, the race to fill the Waubonsie Valley football head coaching position was wide open. There were over 50 applicants in the hiring process. In the end, it turned out that the Warriors didn’t have to look any further than their own backyard, as they hired longtime assistant coach Tom Baumgartner as its new head coach on Tuesday.
“Our goal will be to produce high-character kids that are invested deeply in our school, in our community, in our program,” said Baumgartner to a room full of players. “Our staff will work on developing your character, your work ethic, and your commitment to your academics and to our community.”
Baumgartner, a 2000 Waubonsie alum, becomes only the fourth head coach in the football program’s 45 years. Previous coaches were Matt Laurich (13 years), BJ Luke (17 years) and Murphy (15 years).
The Warriors open their 2020 season at home against Oswego East on Friday, August 28.