Two Roosevelt Coaches Inducted into the SDHSBA Hall of Fame

2021 is a big year for Roosevelt Baseball as two coaches, Erik DeJong and Joel Sage, join the SDHSBA Hall of Fame! After contributing their baseball knowledge to RHS for many years, it’s clear that they are very deserving. “Coaching baseball at Roosevelt High School has been one of the most fun and most memorable chapters of my life. I am so grateful for the relationships I built with players and coaches from 2003-2018,” says Sage. One player who benefited from Sage’s guidance was Erik DeJong.

After playing for RHS from 2004-2007, DeJong joined the coaching staff in 2013. Looking back on his transition from player to coach, Erik DeJong recalls, “I had so much fun coaching with him [Joel Sage] and felt like we really fed off each other. Now I get to pick his brain when I need some clarity and advice. People know him as a hall of fame coach, but he is also a family man and someone I frequently go to for advice on baseball or life. He leaves his office door open for me and I am happy to call him my good friend and mentor.” 

Being inducted into the SDHSBA Hall of Fame is a major accomplishment that takes many years of hard work and dedication. Sage states, “I’ve been fortunate to have coached so many hardworking, dedicated players over the years. My assistant coaches have been instrumental in developing our student-athletes. I’ve had incredible support from our administrators and my colleagues at Roosevelt High School. My wife and my entire family have been extremely helpful by supporting my passion for coaching baseball.”

Reflecting back on his time as a student at Roosevelt High School, DeJong says, “I would just like to say how much I appreciate the experience I had at RHS as a student. The teachers and administrators worked hard to make our time here memorable. That energy rubbed off on me and has led me to roam these same halls as teacher and coach over 10 years later! I still get energized walking into this place and believe we are doing something special! Thanks to all my former teachers and coaches for the impact you made! Go Riders!”