Bevacqua steps down as Lake City baseball coach

After three years leading the Lake City High baseball program, Timberwolves coach Al Bevacqua has stepped down to take care of his family.

Bevacqua, 34, was promoted to a sales position with Nestle USA, and due to travel requirements related to his new job will be unable to dedicate his time to the program.

"It was tough and a very, very difficult decision," Bevacqua said. "However, I had to make a decision revolving around my home team. A chance like this doesn't come around too often."

Bevacqua added that with the new position, his hours won't be as flexible.

"There's a lot of time constraints involved," said Bevacqua, who said his previous job in retail sales with the company allowed him time to coach baseball. "But I'm also giving up something that was certain to turn around and a great group of kids."

His nephew Mitch - who verbally committed to the University of Washington in the spring - will be a senior at Lake City next year.

"It was a little tough to leave, but Mitch can handle himself," Bevacqua said. "But he's my nephew and it's tough to lose something I love and not get to be around him every day during the baseball season."

Bevacqua, a Lakeland High graduate who played at North Idaho College, was 29-39 at Lake City. He was also a former T-Wolf assistant coach.

"I really appreciate Al and the patience he had with a young team this year," athletic director Jim Winger said. "He was dealt some young kids and worked well with them. We appreciate everything he did for our program. He had some new opportunities professionally and had to take them."

"It has been great," said Bevacqua of coaching at Lake City. "I want to thank coach Winger for the opportunity. I plan on being at as many games as I can as a spectator this year."

His wife, Colleen, will remain the girls softball coach at Lakeland High. Bevacqua hasn't ruled out a return to the coaching ranks.

"Right now, my No. 1 priority is taking care of my family and the job I received," Bevacqua said. "I enjoy working with kids. That's what keeps me young. We've got one coach in the house now, and it's been a blast."