Jesse Dunham, Bonners Ferry High School graduate and 2017 Idaho Baseball Hall of Fame Player of the year, has been named Sandpoint High School’s head baseball coach for the 2026 season.
It is an accomplishment that someone of such a young age should be so fortunate to be awarded; from little league and high school to college and now coaching a group of young men in the lifestyle of the sport of baseball, Jesse Dunham is honored to receive the chance to make a difference in the lives of these young men.
In addition to being the 2017 Idaho Baseball Hall of Fame Player of the Year, he boasts a four-year all-league team achievement in high school, all-league co-MVP in the Intermountain League and First Team Golden Valley Conference at Lassen Community College.
“I’m super excited to get back into baseball and pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation.” Jesse says, “I am most excited to share and teach them the many life lessons that I have learned.”
Baseball is something that has formed and shaped Jesse into the man, husband, employee and the friend that he is today. The commitment level that he has had from little league on up, is next to none.
When asked if he thought he would get the job with Sandpoint High School, Jesse said, “I knew I was the right guy for the job, but I didn’t know if they knew it.”
But they did.
Sandpoint High School Athletic Director TJ Clary knew almost immediately that he had made the right decision.
When interviewing a coach, Mr. Clary asks the applicants, “You have an athlete that shows up without practice attire and a bad attitude, what do you do?” Nearly every applicant said, “Kick them off the team.” But not Jesse. Jesse said that he would bench the player and teach them just like he was taught. Dismissing the player does not help make them a better person or player, but keeping them can make a lifelong difference in their lives.
That made an impact on TJ and he has no doubt that Jesse will be just what the boys need on and off the field.
“I am about winning on and off the field and inspiring the next generation. I’m here trying to make a difference,” TJ goes on, “And Jesse will help with that. I have a level of expectation, and I know that he can help turn these boys into men.”
“I think it’s great that Jesse got the position as head baseball coach at Sandpoint High School.” Bonners Ferry High School varsity baseball coach Tom Turpin, Jesse’s coach for four years, said. “I am very excited for him and am looking forward to seeing him on the field next spring. He is very knowledgeable and has the energy to get Sandpoint to the next level. The only problem with Jesse being the Sandpoint coach is now I have to change my signs.”
Sorry Badgers…he’s now a Bulldog!
The Sandpoint Varsity Baseball team, the Bulldogs, will take the field for the first time with Coach Dunham at the helm at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at 410 South Division Street in Sandpoint against the Lewiston Senior High Bengals.
