This story was written by Bay College SID Mike Pankow

ESCANBA, MI – Bay College Athletic Director Matt Johnson announced on Friday that Dan Porath has been selected to be the first ever Head Volleyball Coach in the history of Norse Athletics.  He is set to begin his duties with Bay College on November 14.

"We are elated to welcome Coach Porath as our head volleyball coach," Johnson said. "To attract a coach of Dan's championship pedigree speaks of the excitement and culture of success within Norse athletic department. His work ethic, attention to detail, and history of creating a winning culture makes him the perfect choice to lead us in our inaugural season. Dan will not only bring invaluable experience to the team but to our department and campus. He is a seasoned leader who I know will lead our student-athletes to the highest levels on the court and in the classroom."

Porath, an Escanaba native, and Bay College graduate, brings a wealth of experience to the position.  He has served as the Head Coach at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay – Marinette campus since 2003.  During that time he led the Buccaneers to Wisconsin Junior College Athletic Association (WJCAA) Region II Championships in 2004, 2007, and 2008.

His team also one the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference (WCC) Tournament in 2019, a year after finishing as the runner-up in the same event.

Coach Porath served as the Assistant Coach at UWGB – Marinette from 2000-2003.  The program rose to new heights with his aid, claiming their first WJCAA Region II Championship in over a decade in 2001.  The Buccaneers also were the WJCAA State Runner-Up that year. 

They also claimed the WCC Tournament Championship in 2002, while falling just short and taking runner-up honors in 2001.

Coach Porath got his coaching start in the area, serving as the JV Coach at Rapid River High School in 1997-1998, and as an Assistant Coach at Gladstone High School in 1995-1996.

Dan also currently serves as the Co-Club Director of the Northwoods Volleyball Club (based in Marinette WI).  The NWVBC is a non-profit organization with the goal of teaching skills to improve teamwork, sportsmanship, and volleyball techniques to players of all ages.

"I graduated from Escanaba and went to school at Bay College so the idea of being the first head volleyball coach at Bay is very exciting," said Porath.  "I am excited for the opportunity to build a volleyball program in my hometown.  With that I am also very motivated to build a great program."

"Dan Porath is a great guy and an outstanding volleyball coach," said former UW Green Bay – Marinette Athletic Director George Hayes.  "In the ten years I worked with him he was an excellent representative of the school.  He builds great relationships with his players, he does a really good job and runs effective and practices, and is outstanding in games.  He really knows the game inside and out.  Bay College made a really good choice in hiring Dan Porath."

Norse Athletics competes independently as a Division 2 member of the NJCAA Region 13.  Bay College will join eight other teams in the region that spans the U.P. of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Montana. 

"Volleyball and coaching volleyball is a passion of mine.  Hopefully that shows in the product we are able to put on the court," added Porath.  "I would also like to thank Dr. Coleman, Matt  Johnson, the administration at Bay College and the hiring panel for this great opportunity. Go Norse!"

Norse Volleyball is scheduled to begin competition in the fall of 2022.  It will be the seventh sport being supported by the Norse Athletic Department, joining Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, and Softball. 

For more information and updated news, schedules, and roster additions, follow Norse Athletics at www.baynorse.com.