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For the third time in five seasons, the Hilgard senior legion team will have a new manager. Greg Eschman has stepped down after leading the Hilgards for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Zach Rakowski will return to bench after previously occupying the manager seat from 2011 – 2015. Rakowski, the youngest ever Hilgard manager, followed Hilgard Hall of Famer Mike Harres whose teams amassed a recorded of 272 – 94 in nine seasons from 2002 – 2010 which included three trips to the state tournament. Those trips resulted in a third place finish in 2003, a first place finish in 2008, and a second place finish in 2009. The 2008 team finished third at the Great Lakes regional tournament.

During his tenure, Rakowski’s teams posted a 151 – 53 record over the five seasons. Prior to being named senior legion manager, Rakowski served as a senior legion assistant in 2010 and as a junior legion assistant from 2005 - 2009. In addition, both Kevin Muendlein and Max Harres will be returning to the Hilgard coaching staff. Both were members for the senior legion coaching staff from 2011 – 2015. Both Muendlein from 1976 – 1978 and Harres from 2003 - 2004 suited up for the senior Hilgards. Both also had coaching stints at the junior legion level with Muendlein serving as an assistant coach and Harres managing from 2005 – 2009 which included a second place finish at the 2006 junior legion state tournament.

Rakowski’s past experiences as manager led him to the decision to return. “I am excited to have the opportunity to return as manager for the Hilgards. My prior experience leading the team was fantastic. We had a lot of success on the field, and the relationships that I was able to build and have been able to maintain have been very rewarding. It’s all about the people, the experiences you have with them, and the memories and stories that you carry forward. There’s a special feeling when I see a former player, and we get to catch up and often relive some part of our shared Hilgard experience.”

Acknowledging the changing landscape, Rakowski believes the future is still bright for the Hilgards. “Belleville’s first team was in 1938, and the program has endured for 80 plus years. Like anything else, things go in cycles and things change. You have to adjust your approach and put yourself in as good a position as possible. This program offers a storied tradition, a vast alumni network, and the support of both Belleville and the surrounding area. If we are proactive in assessing the landscape and continue to adapt our approach, Belleville will continue its tradition of success.”