BRIDGEWATER — Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan football coach Jeff VanLeur joined an exclusive club on Friday.

The long-time Seahawk football coach recorded his 300th career coaching win, becoming just the second coach in state history to reach the milestone. Sioux Falls Roosevelt’s Kim Nelson is the only other coach in state history with more than 300 wins. 

VanLeur reached the milestone with a 50-6 victory over McCook Central/Montrose. VanLeur is now 300-133.

VanLeur has coached for 44 years, and all for Emery or its football co-ops. In his years of coaching, VanLeur has coached Emery and football co-ops that included Spencer-Emery, Spencer-Emery-Ethan, Emery-Ethan and Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan. 

Jeff VanLeur's grandchildren hold up signs to honor his 300th career coaching win on Friday in Bridgewater. (Trey Kaul / 605 Sports)

VanLeur’s teams have won 11 Cornbelt Conference titles and two Big East Conference titles. VanLeur has guided his teams to seven state championships in 13 title game appearances. 

He’s received a number of coaching awards and honors during his tenure. He was inducted into the South Dakota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and was named the Football Coach of the Year in 2007. He received the Region 6 Football Coach of the Year for five years and was a National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year finalist in 2019. 

VanLeur also serves as the Bridgewater-Emery High School athletic director. He’s also been an assistant boys basketball coach and track and field coach.