Brian Blades, a special education teacher and junior high softball coach at Benton Jr. High, wears many hats, but his primary focus is on developing not just skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals. With a long history of coaching multiple sports and a philosophy centered on character and teamwork, Brian has made a lasting impact on his players and students.

Brian’s coaching career began in Harrisburg, where he was an assistant baseball coach. After spending years coaching football and softball in various schools, he found his home at Benton Jr. High and began coaching softball here four years ago. His journey into softball coaching was serendipitous.

“I had just stepped away from coaching football to take a break and spend more time with my family,” Brian recalls. “Then the athletic director asked me to step in as the head softball coach. At first, I wasn’t sure, but the opportunity to coach my daughter and give back to the program convinced me.”

Since then, Brian has coached both junior high and high school softball, often juggling responsibilities with passion and dedication.

For Brian and his assistant coach Kailee McCollum, coaching is about much more than winning games. Their focus is on teaching their players the importance of being good teammates, handling challenges, and becoming positive contributors to their community.

“I want my players to be successful, not just on the field but in life,” Brian explains. “Success doesn’t always mean being the best player. It means showing up, working hard, and being someone your teammates can rely on.”

Brian emphasizes skills like sportsmanship, communication, and perseverance during practices and games. He also encourages players to pursue multiple sports and activities to become well-rounded individuals.

“Sports today can push kids to specialize too early,” he says. “I believe in the value of being a multi-sport athlete. It teaches kids to adapt, manage their time, and work with different teams.”

Managing a junior high softball team is no small feat. With only one team for sixth through eighth grades, Brian must make difficult decisions during tryouts, typically keeping 15 to 18 players out of 25 to 28 who try out.

“It’s tough because we want to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to play,” Brian says. “But with only one team and limited practice time, we have to focus on ensuring everyone gets the reps they need to improve.”

The team practices and plays at Benton City Park, and a bus service ensures all players can get to the field on time. Despite these logistical challenges, Brian creates a supportive and structured environment where players can thrive.

“Our practices are about preparation and growth,” Brian explains. “We focus on fundamentals, but we also talk about things like being resilient and staying positive, even when things don’t go your way.”

Based on his experience of being intimidated by a powerful coach, Brian tells young people, “Don’t let your feelings about a coach’s personality deter you from doing something that you love to do.”  This is just one of many life lessons that Brian seeks to teach beyond the basic skills.

Brian takes pride in seeing his former players succeed. “One of my first players at Benton Jr. High is now a junior in high school and a leader on her team,” he says. “Watching her growth, both as a player and as a person, is incredibly rewarding.”

He also emphasizes the importance of fun and enjoyment in sports. “If kids aren’t having fun, they’re less likely to stick with it,” he says. “That’s why I focus on creating a positive atmosphere where they feel supported and motivated.”

As Brian looks ahead, his goal is to continue building a strong program that instills confidence, discipline, and teamwork in his players. He dreams of taking the team to state competitions and believes in the potential of his athletes to achieve great things.

“Every year, we get a little closer,” Brian says. “But the real measure of success is seeing these kids grow into responsible, hardworking adults who contribute to their communities.”

Brian’s coaching philosophy is rooted in humility and a genuine desire to help others. “I’m not a loud or flashy coach,” he says. “I lead by example and focus on building relationships with my players. It’s about making a difference in their lives, not just teaching them how to play a game.”