BATTLE CREEK — Even though he isn’t from this area or has been a part of the school system, Battle Creek Central is getting a new boys basketball coach that understands the history of the program and is excited to be a part of it.
Al Hamilton has been named as the new head boys varsity basketball coach at Battle Creek Central.
“I’m extremely excited. I think this is a fresh start for myself, and Battle Creek and this community and I’m ready to get to work,” Hamilton said. “I am ready to bring back the glory days.
“When I walked into the Fieldhouse, you can feel the history of the program. You think of those kinds of programs, like at the college level, the Michigan States of the world, the Dukes of the world, those are places you want to be part of, part of those legacies. And, this is like that. It’s somewhere, you want to leave your mark at, because of the kind of place it is.”
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Hamilton takes over for Durant Crum, who stepped down after 11 seasons with Battle Creek Central, going 10-11 last year.
Hamilton, 40, last coached on the staff at Redford Thurston High School. He has also coached at various levels of basketball, including at Ferris State University, Madonna University and worked with some elite club teams throughout the state.
That kind of experience was exciting to Battle Creek Central Athletic Director Lorin Granger.
“Coach Hamilton brings next-level experience and we saw a lot of value in that,” Granger said. “His knowledge of the process with regards to creating opportunities for players at the next level was a big plus for us, And, he has a great plan for the development of our younger players.”
BCC had a wide range of candidates for the job, both internally and externally.
“It was a tough decision. We were trying to be respectful to the guys who have invested in the program while balancing the need to look at the future of the program,” Granger said. “We think Coach Hamilton brings a unique and fresh perspective that we thought our kids could benefit from.”
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: BC Central hires new boys basketball coach who wants to ‘bring back the glory days’
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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By Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
