Four years ago, Mike Bazin interviewed for the boys soccer head coaching position at Crown Point.
Bazin didn't get the job then, but he stuck around the program, and on Monday, he was approved as the Bulldogs new head coach.
Bazin served as an assistant coach with the program the last three years, and he's pretty pleased with how the situation panned out.
"I came in a tad naive and I didn't realize what I was getting into; this is a big deal and being a coach here is a big deal," Bazin said. "They wanted to know if I would like to work as an assistant, and I was also lucky that a teaching job popped open.
"This time around, I was able to think realistically about things. I've been able to gain relationships with the players, learn the administrative aspects of things. I think that has helped put miles ahead of where I might have been."
Athletic director Bill Dorulla holds Bazin in high regard as his new head coach.
"Mike is an outstanding teacher and coach here at Crown Point High School," Dorulla said in a press release. "With his experience as a player and coach, he has the qualities necessary to continue the success of our boys soccer program."
That success includes the 2011 Class 2A boys state title. Bazin is appreciative of what former coach J.R. Rosenbaum has left behind.
"He's left things in extremely good health," Bazin said of Rosenbaum, who resigned after two years at the post. "I want to mimic some things he did and also institute what other coaches have taught me."
Bazin was a goalie at Valparaiso High School, and he was named the Duneland Athletic Conference's MVP in 2003. He's already admitted that next year's game against his high school coach — Danny Jeftich — has been circled on the schedule.
Bazin said that he is just pleased to have this opportunity to become a head coach.
"I'm just extremely honored that Bill placed that confidence in me," Bazin said. "Just knowing I have this type of support really helps me."
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