Sports - May 2003

End of an era at East Lincoln

Bruce Bolick closes out distinguished 33-year run as Mustang baseball coach

By JOHN MARK BROOKS, LTN Staff Writer

Humble, passionate and driven — all words which embody coach Bruce Bolick.

Bolick announced his retirement on Monday after serving as the Mustangs’ baseball coach for 33 years.

Bolick made his decision two years ago, but kept it quiet.

“When I retired from teaching in 2001 I said I’ll see this senior class through,” he said.

As the this season was coming to a close his decision was reaffirmed.

“As it got closer to the end— I just felt like this would be a good time,” he said.

Bolick said that he is going to miss practice the most more than any other area.

“I loved going to practice and teaching the game. Of course, winning is important, but I really enjoy practicing,” he said.

Although it’s been a couple of weeks, Bolick still has not reflected on his accomplishments.

Instead, he has switched his focus to legion baseball.

“We’re jumping into legion ball so maybe later on I will,” he said.

With the free time that retirement allows Bolick has many plans.

“I love to go to the fitness center and I love to go watch baseball,” he said. He also plans to travel with his wife Karen. They have been married for 30 years on June 3.

However, before he gets to any of that he has one important task to do.

“I have to clean up the house. My wife wants me to; you could imagine the junk I have in 30 some years,” he said.

Although he is officially now retired, he doesn’t plan on it taking time away from the game he loves.

“I don’t think I will spend any less time on baseball,” he said.

Bolick feels that his former baseball program is in good hands with Matt Neville.

“I am sure Matt will do a good job. He did a good job with the JV team this year,” he said.

Neville is aware of the impact Bolick has had on the East Lincoln community.

“He’s been such a stabilizing force in the community for 33 years. When my time is done at East Lincoln— I hope I can share in his shoes,” he said.

In his final year, Bolick’s team finished the year and his career on a high note with an 18-7 record.

He also reached a career milestone in his final season when he picked up his 400th coaching victory.

In an era when loyalty is a dying breed, Bolick was an exception. He started as a teacher at East Lincoln in 1970 and spent his entire career in Mustang green.

He served as athletic director at the school for many years, retiring from that job and the school system in 2001. He continued to coach the Mustang baseball team for two more seasons.

During his long stint at East Lincoln, he also served as varsity football coach from 1972-85.

Before Bolick ever had a thought of coaching he was a standout player at Chapel Hill. Bolick is up front about those three years.

“I was a captain, but I had no bat and a good glove,” he said.

He may not have had a good bat, but he had one of the most important things in his life — baseball. He still does.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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