BAINBRIDGE – A new batch of seniors won’t be the only thing different on the field this spring when the Bainbridge High varsity boys soccer season begins. There will also be a new head coach.
Ian McCallum, the current director of coaching at the Bainbridge Island Football Club, said he has officially accepted the position and will replace George Vukic as head coach for the upcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to it,” McCallum said.
“The old coach, I’ve known him for a number of years. George used to coach for us [BIFC] and toward the end of the season last year he approached me and said that ‘I’m going to be standing down and I’d love for you to take over the program.’”
McCallum takes over a team that’s had a great bit of success in recent years, advancing into the playoffs last year and winning the state 3A title the year before.
McCallum said that he will continue his work with the BIFC, but because of his new position and due to certain high school rules, he will be unable to coach certain age groups.
He said his position with the club, however, will benefit him and the varsity team in the coming season.
“Through my involvement with the club I know all these kids,” he said of his new team. “I know all these families. I’ve spoken with some of the seniors already and they’re looking forward to a great year.”
McCallum said he does not expect much to change on the field as far as style of play is concerned.
“I really believe in playing attractive soccer,” he said. “Attack-minded soccer. Really moving the ball up the field through possession rather than long-kick ball. I know these kids, and most of them are playing that way already. I don’t see much changing there.”
“For me, the game’s going to be played the right way,” he said.
McCallum described his coaching philosophy as the emphasis of individual responsibility.
“It’s a player’s game,” McCallum said. “I’m kind of guiding the ship a little bit, but I believe a lot in individual player responsibility and putting players in positions where they are going to succeed.”
