Story courtesy of The Advance:
By DOUG DONNELLY
Advance Editor
OTTAWA LAKE – Jordan Bollin, who won two district titles in 10 seasons at Bedford and Dundee, will be the next boys varsity coach at Whiteford.
Bollin’s hiring was confirmed by the Whiteford school board Monday.
“It’s reinvigorating,” Bollin said. “It was tough to leave Bedford, but I feel like if I’m ever going to do it, now is the right time.”
Bollin went 68-41 at Dundee and 45-67 at Bedford, for a varsity career total of 113-108.
“I’ve always been impressed by Whiteford and the type of athletes they have year-in and year-out,” he said. “It’s a lot like Dundee, a small-school feel. The kids grow up playing together from the fourth-grade on. I feel like by the time they get to high school there already is some cohesion.”
Bollin is a basketball junkie. He played varsity basketball at Bedford and began coaching right after high school. His first stop was at his alma mater, where he coached the freshman boys basketball team. He would go on to coach the JV and varsity before moving to Blissfield, where he coached with John Vandecaveye for three seasons.
When Vandecaveye retired, Bollin went to Dundee for one season as an assistant under Doug Hand. The next year, he got the Viking head coaching job.
Dundee won 10, 17, 16, 11 and 14 games in his five seasons. He started at Bedford in 2020-21. The 2022-23 team won 18 games. Last season Bedford went 13-13, winning a district title.
Bollin said he wants his teams to focus on defense.
“We’ll play full court defense,” he said. “I like to put a lot of pressure on teams, to get them out of their comfort zones. I think we will be able to do that at Whiteford.”
Whiteford went 16-7 last year, reaching the district championship game. Head coach Nick Abalos resigned after seven seasons coaching the Bobcats.
Whiteford’s last league title was in 2017-18 and last district title was 2023-24.
Whiteford Athletic Director Marcus Luzier said the district was excited to hire a coach with the background and experience that Bollin brings to Whiteford.
“He prides himself on his work ethic and game preparation,” Luzier said. “I know he will bring a passion that will resonate with our student athletes.”
JORDAN BOLLIN HEAD COACHING CAREER
WHITEFORD BOBCAT SPORTS 