Upon Matthew Rawlik taking the job as Athletic Director, the BHS Varsity Baseball team was in need of a new head coach. Following a round of interviews, the Berkley athletic department hired Todd Dunfield as the head coach of the varsity baseball team.
Dunfield comes to BHS from Roeper High School where he previously coached baseball, cross country, and elementary boys’ basketball. A graduate of Seaholm High School, Dunfield holds a Bachelors in Sports Science from Albion College and a Masters in Physical Education from Wayne State University. In addition to coaching, Dunfield is a Physical Education teacher at Roeper and a member of the Detroit Tigers grounds crew.
“The opportunity to coach Varsity Baseball at Berkley High School is very exciting,” said Coach Dunfield. “I love the city of Berkley. I purchased my first home in Berkley and lived there for seven years. To be coaching at a larger school, getting to know my team, sharing my knowledge of the game, and playing a more competitive schedule are just a few of the reasons why I want to be here.”
Mr. Rawlik, who was the 2023 Michigan High School Baseball Coaching Associating (MHSBCA) District baseball coach of the year, won 100 games during his nine years as Varsity Baseball coach including the 2023 District Championship. Dunfield knows that he has big shoes to fill, but is excited that his AD is so familiar with the baseball program.“Having Mr. Rawlik as my new Athletic Director is a tremendous asset to both the team and me,” said Coach Dunfield, “I plan on building a relationship with him and using him as a resource to keep the program strong. His commitment and dedication to the program has left me in good hands and in a great starting position.”
The hire comes after a round of interviews held with a committee that included Mr. Meloche, Mr. Rawlik, Joe Sermo, the Varsity Baseball Coach, Berkley High School parent Dave Schmidt, and three baseball players including Dylan Field, Ethan Roth, and Spencer Bajcz. Members of the baseball team expressed relief now that the search to replace Coach Rawlik is over. “I am excited because it’s hard waiting to know who the coach will be,” said Sam Sermo, a sophomore who played varsity baseball last season as a freshman. “I want a coach who is helpful, trustworthy, honest, and knows what they’re doing. Having a new coach brings up a lot of new and great opportunities allowing us to improve.”
With Coach Dunfield on board, the baseball team is looking to the future, although they will miss Coach Rawlik in the dugout. “I do think the future of the program is bright. I know that the new coach will be a great fit for the program, and carry along success for the long run,” said Sermo. “Coach Rawlik was a great coach that will be hard to replace. He was so important to the program.” Mr. Rawlik agrees, saying, “The hardest part about taking this job (AD) was leaving the Varsity Baseball job.” Rawlik has a passion for Berkley Bears sports and wants all Bears teams to succeed. Coach Dunfield will have big shoes to fill in the dugout, but an Athletic Director who will be rooting him on.
