600 Wins

Reported by: Rob Coons - WMBD/WYZZ TV

Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 @10:47pm CST

WMBD/WYZZ TV - CHILLICOTHE --  IVC baseball coach Jerry Rashid says there's no mystery behind how he was able to record his 600th career win last week in a game against Kewanee.

"It's a longevity deal," Rashid said.  "But as long as you're in it, if you don't have great players and assistant coaches, guys who want to work, than you're not going to get to that win total."

Now in his 30th season coaching high school baseball, Rashid spent 19 years at Peoria Bergan and Notre Dame, before being forced out in 2004.  In '05 he took a job in Chillicothe, where he's been embraced by the players and the town.

"There's been a lot of rejuvination here.  I've been given a great opportunity and want to make the best of it.   I've had a great love of baseball, great love for these kids that play.  Hopefully I teach them and they're learning beyond baseball."

"He deserves it," junior Chris Razo said of the accolades for Rashid.  "He comes out here and teaches us kids life lessons and it's great to play here.  I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here."

"Even when he got 600 wins he said, 'it's not about me,'" said senior Josh Parr.  "It's remarkable to see a coach that's had success like him and is still so humble about it.  He's a great role model."

With a state championship two years ago and the wins continuing to pile up for the Grey Ghosts, another milestone might not be too far down the road.  Not that Rashid is looking.

"Oh golly, 700?" Rashid laughed when asked about the prospect.  "I hope I get 602 and 603.  But I've never counted them and I'm sure not going to start now."