February 16, 2018 at 12:41 p.m.
Rebels' Huhnstock named WBCA Amateur Coach of the Year
Rebels' Huhnstock named WBCA Amateur Coach of the Year
This past weekend, Huhnstock was recognized for his efforts.
Huhnstock was named amateur coach of the year by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association and received his award during a luncheon last Saturday in Middleton.
"It's kind of humbling to get an award like this because it's never something that I sought out," Huhnstock told the River News. "I think this award goes deeper than me getting it. It's sort of a reflection on the Rhinelander baseball community - from Little League, Babe Ruth on up - all the volunteers that put in all their time."
Rhinelander High School baseball coach Joe Waksmonski said Huhnstock was nominated for the state-wide award during a meeting of the District 2 members of the WBCA last fall. That came a year after the District 2 coaches nominated Huhnstock for a distinguished service award.
Huhnstock was one of two recipients of the amateur coach of the year award, along with Hayward's Tom Heinrich. In choosing Huhnstock, Waksmonski said the WBCA could not have picked a better winner.
"I think it's a great award for Dan and for our program," he said. "It's one of those awards that's more of a lifetime (achievement) awards. I think they picked a very deserving person in the way he's been dedicated to the community and Rhinelander baseball and what's transpired in his time here in Rhinelander."
Huhnstock got involved in the Rhinelander baseball program the way most volunteers do, he had a son in the program. But Huhnstock's son, Jeremy, graduated from RHS in 2004. Nearly 15 years later, Huhnstock is still going at it and shows no signs of slowing down.
"I like the kids and I like baseball," he said. "I feel that I can contribute something. I have enough knowledge of the game, playing it all my life - either baseball, softball at different levels. I just felt I know enough of the basics that I could help teach it to some kids."
Huhnstock has taken on several roles within the baseball program. He's involved in the Hodag Diamond Club, which helps support Rhinelander baseball from Little League through high school and Legion ball. He is also a volunteer assistant coach for the RHS baseball team, where he works with the junior varsity.
But Huhnstock's most prominent role is manager of the Rhinelander Post 7 Legion baseball team. Under his guidance, the Rebels won the 2010 Class AA state championship and made a return trip to state in 2012. Rhinelander was one run away from going to state again last year, falling to Antigo in the regional championship game.
The Rebels went 20-5 last summer and have won the first two Great Northern Legion Conference championships.
"I was fortunate to have earned the trust of some very good high school coaches that allowed me to work in the program, whether it be John Huebner, Scott Spencer or Justin Szews or coach Waksmonski that allowed me to remain part of it," Huhnstock said.
"He takes care of all the little things behind the scenes, especially on the Legion end of it, managing that program for us, the scheduling, (arranging the) umpiring, games," Waksmoski said, adding that he's very lucky to have Huhnstock around. "He's worked to help set up our concession stand, making sure that's good to go every night."
Not only were Huhnstock and Waksmonski on hand as Huhnstock received his award, a handful of members of the Rebels' 2010 state championship team were there as well, including Kyle Comer, Alex Henkel, Nate Schmidt and Joe Zuiker.
"That was very touching to me that they would take the time to help me come down there and celebrate it," Huhnstock said.
"I think that goes to show what Dan meant to a lot of those kids," Waksmonski added. "They grew up under Dan's watch. Dan meant a lot to them. He builds relationships with all the kids that come through our program, so it was nice to see those kids come, recognize Dan and show their appreciation for what he's meant to them and their lives."
In less than a month, the sound of balls hitting mitts will resonate through the Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium as pitchers and catchers report for the start of high school practice.
After that, the deep freeze of winter will give way to the smells of spring and the boys of summer and, once again, Huhnstock will be a staple at the ball field on the shores of Boom Lake.
"I'm looking forward to sticking around the program and helping out for a while yet, because I do think it's a very worthwhile endeavor," he said.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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