For the fourth time this season, Shenendehowa High School will lose another veteran successful coach.

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Jim Carrese retired as varsity baseball coach after 22 illustrious seasons to spend more time with his family.

"What I am most proud of is the way we were able to change both the culture and the expectation level in the school program and the two community programs - Clifton Park and Halfmoon," said Carrese. "My retirement from the baseball program is simply about my desire to focus my attention on the greater priority iin my life which is my family and my 10-year old son's travel baseball team."

Brent Steuerwald was the first to announce his retirement as football coach and then soccer coach Mike Campisi and girls basketball mentor Ken Strube.

Carrese put together an unbelievable during his tenure including a 349-163 record, 16 Suburban Council division championships, a 237-95 league record, and Section II and regional titles in 1994 and 1996. The latter team reached the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A tournament finals in 1996.

"After 22 seasons, I believe the words 'Shenendehowa baseball' have a tremendous significance in New York State and Section 2 baseball. I am deeply indebted to all the families, players, athletic directors and coaches that I have had the opportunity to work with these past 34 years as a public high school coach," said Carrese.

The Plainsmen have also qualified for the playoffs in 17 of 22 years and played in five Section II championship games.

"All of us at Shen are very appreciative of Jim's efforts with the baseball program for the past 22 years. His commitment to develop true student-athletes has always been his first priority. All of us at Shenendehowa want to thank Jim for his years of service to the baseball program and understand his reasons for stepping away," said Shenendehowa athletic director Chris Culnan.

Carrese is recognized by the American Baseball Coaches Association for its Region I Large School top coaching award in 2005. He's won several Suburban Council titles.

"Obviously, the numbers involving the number of college players (83) and pro contracts (9), and all the performances on the field is what jumps out at you. Yet the reality of a high school coach's legacy is not the numbers but the relationships you build over the years with all the players, their families and the coaches in the game. That is what I will take away from 34 years as a high school coach," said Carrese.

A search for a new baseball coach will begin immediately.

 

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