Long-time North College Hill teacher and coach Bruce Baarendse passed away on December 3, 2015 as the result of an extended illness. He was a wonderful teacher and coach loved by all his students and the staff. His commitment to students and ability to encourage and uplift others touched young people as well as adults.
Bruce grew up in North College Hill graduating from North College Hill High School in 1978. In high school he was an excellent athlete earning eleven varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He was inducted into the North College Hill High School Hall of Fame in 1986.
Bruce attended the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship and was a member of the Bearcat football team for four years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1982.
In 1983 Bruce returned to his alma mater to teach. His entire 32 year teaching career was with North College Hill City School District. Most of his time was teaching health and physical education in grades 7-12, however, for several years he enjoyed teaching elementary students at Goodman School.
Bruce was fondly known as “Coach B” because of his commitment to the NCH athletic program. At one time or another he coached football, basketball, baseball, track, and softball. In recent years he also served as co-athletic director. In 1986 he was named the head football coach, a position he held for 29 years. He had a record of 170-119 and in 2001 he was the first NCH football coach to lead his team into the Ohio High School Athletic Association football playoffs. In total, he coached six NCH football teams into the playoffs.
Bruce Baarendse is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Christine, and son Steven. Visitation and funeral services are pending.
Bruce grew up in North College Hill graduating from North College Hill High School in 1978. In high school he was an excellent athlete earning eleven varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He was inducted into the North College Hill High School Hall of Fame in 1986.
Bruce attended the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship and was a member of the Bearcat football team for four years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1982.
In 1983 Bruce returned to his alma mater to teach. His entire 32 year teaching career was with North College Hill City School District. Most of his time was teaching health and physical education in grades 7-12, however, for several years he enjoyed teaching elementary students at Goodman School.
Bruce was fondly known as “Coach B” because of his commitment to the NCH athletic program. At one time or another he coached football, basketball, baseball, track, and softball. In recent years he also served as co-athletic director. In 1986 he was named the head football coach, a position he held for 29 years. He had a record of 170-119 and in 2001 he was the first NCH football coach to lead his team into the Ohio High School Athletic Association football playoffs. In total, he coached six NCH football teams into the playoffs.
Bruce Baarendse is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Christine, and son Steven. Visitation and funeral services are pending.