RCHS honors John Varland

Former Reed-Custer softball coach John Varland returned to Comet Park Monday to be honored for his 24 years of leading the Lady Comets to over 452 wins.
Coach Varland became the head coach of the Comet softball program in the 1984-1985 season. Over the course of 24 seasons under Varland’s tutelage, the Comets had 12 seasons of over 20 wins and two seasons of over 30 wins.
Coach Varland’s career 452 wins ranks him in the TOP 50 in IHSA history for coaching wins. It also puts him in the top 25 in IHSA history for wins at one school.
Coach Varland led the Comets to Regional titles in 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2003. He also secured Sectional titles in 1991, 2003 and finally two State placing in 1991 (2nd place) and 2003 (3rd place).
“Coach Varland has made an incredible impact on countless players and coaches. Many of those players have gone on to play at the collegiate levels,” noted RCHS Athletic Director Athletic Nick Klein.
“His impact can be felt today when you talk to former players who are now coaches in the area. All credit their love of the game to coach Varland.”
To recognize the achievements of Coach Varland the Reed-Custer School District purchased a bronze home plate that will be mounted on the home dugout for all future players, coaches and fans to pay tribute to a legendary coaching career.
The home plate will read:
“John Varland - RCHS Head Coach from 1985-2008
452 Wins
2nd Place 1991
3rd Place 2003
In appreciation for 24 years of exceptional contributions to the Reed-Custer Softball Program You will always be part of the Comet Family.”
Klein presented Varland a replica of the bronze home plate on Monday when the Lady Comets hosted Lisle.