McKendree University Athletics

Van graduated from Galesburg Senior High School in Galesburg, Ill., and from the University of Houston, Tex. Coach Harry Statham hired Van in 1971 as the head baseball coach at McKendree College, on a part-time basis to last only one year. That one-year appointment turned into 18 successful years as Van chased his coaching dream.

His teams, challenged by the strong NAIA program in Illinois, competed in District 20 championships where many of the players received NAIA District 20 regional and national recognition. Several were also chosen as Academic All-Americans. Five of Van’s players were selected in the Major League Baseball draft and went on to successful minor league careers.

Van was named the NAIA District 20 Coach of the Year in 1978, 1982, and 1983. After leaving McKendree College he joined the San Diego Padres as a scout where he was named the San Diego Padres Scout of the Year in 2001. In 2003, he was selected to the Greater Midwest Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame. His achievement was recently honored on the field before the September 11, 2003 Cardinal’s game against the Colorado Rockies.