Jacobs coach Sanders resigns

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Eric Sanders believed he accomplished many of the objectives set forth when he took the Jacobs head baseball coaching job three years ago.

Sanders now is stepping aside, saying he will pursue other opportunities, after sending his letter of resignation to athletic director Tom Ross on Thursday.

Sanders’ teams were 47-52 in his three seasons, with this year’s 18-16 record the best of the three.

“The last day has been overwhelming with the amount of communication I’ve gotten from former players and parents,” Sanders said. “That told me we were doing things the right way.”

Sanders graduated from Crystal Lake Central and played at the University of Michigan.

“When I first started three years ago, we had two specific goals – to establish a respectable baseball program and, more importantly, to instill character and leadership in the student-athletes,” Sanders said. “Overall, these were realized with flying colors. Through expectations and encouragement, our students developed into some of the most respected young men in the school and have represented our program at the highest level.”

Sanders came in as one of the first hires by Ross, who also has been at Jacobs for three years.

“We support Eric in his decision and thank him for the dedication he put into the program,” Ross said.

Ross said the position probably would not be posted until August, which will give him a chance to see assistants on Sanders’ staff work with the players over the summer. Jamie Murray, the Golden Eagles’ pitching coach, will run the program for the summer.

“We’d like to have a replacement in by the start of school,” Ross said.

At that point, he also will know if there are other teaching positions available for potential candidates.