Van Buren County announces new coaches for three sports in 2026

Van Buren County will have new leadership for its baseball, football and girls golf programs in 2026. The school announced the coaches for all three programs last Wednesday.

Former VBC assistant Ron Walker will step in to coach the baseball team this summer. Walker was part of the baseball staff in 2023 when the Warriors reached the state tournament.

Walker will take over the head coaching role after the Warriors went 9-15 last season. VBC finished 4-7 in Southeast Iowa Super Conference South play.

Walker played baseball at Southeastern Community College from 1996-98 before starting his coaching career at Danville. He took over the Ft. Madison baseball team in 2019 and achieved a 71-40 mark over four seasons, including a 25-9 campaign in 2021.

The VBC girls golf program will have a new leader this spring. Phil Ross is set to coach the squad, and takes over the program from long-time coach Randy Smith. VBC finished fifth in last season’s Southeast Iowa Super Conference tournament and fourth at the Class 1A Region 4C meet.

Van Buren will be lead on the gridiron this fall by Chad Cormier. Cormier has been the Warriors defensive coordinator for the last three seasons and takes over for coach Brian Johnson.

The Warriors went 4-4 last season. They logged a pair of forfeit wins as well as a 29-12 victory over Cardinal and a 45-32 win over Wapello.