Leader Publications

Former Cassopolis and Edwardsburg assistant softball coach Ryan Frontczak has been hired to replace Gary Collins as the Niles varsity coach.

Athletic Director Jeff Upton announced the hiring Thursday afternoon.

Collins resigned for personal reasons earlier this year.

Frontczak spent three years as an assistant at Cassopolis and three years as an assistant at Edwardsburg. The Rangers reached the state final four his last season at Cassopolis.

The Rangers captured two district championships and a regional title during his tenure at Cassopolis and established a pair of school records.

He was also Dowagiac’s varsity volleyball coach for a couple of seasons and most recently was Brandywine’s defensive coordinator.

“This is a great opportunity to work for a class organization with outstanding coaches and players,” Frontzcak said. “I couldn’t ask for anything better and I’m excited to get to work. My No. 1 goal is to carry on our Academic All-State standing and build on the state softball championship from 2009.

“Niles-Brandywine Girls Softball Association (NBGSA) and Nitro travel ball help benefit the team and help the players get better. The Lady Vikes have set a high standard and it’s my job to uphold that standard and continue the winning tradition, with constant evaluation and helping the players be at their best on the field as well as supporting their academic success and beyond in their future careers. I’m excited to enter a situation with great players who play in a great scheme, knowing they take a lot of pride in what they are doing.”

Frontczak is a graduate of Western Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education. He currently teaches fifth grade for South Bend Schools at the Dickinson Fine Art Academy.

A Dowagiac native, he and his wife Emily have one son, Mason. They reside in Niles.