Dolan Crolley has officially taken over as the baseball coach at Blythewood High School, stepping into a program that has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in recent years.
His appointment follows the departure of Travis Poole, who left Blythewood to accept the head‑coaching position at A.C. Flora High School.
A New Chapter for Blythewood Baseball
Crolley previously served as the interim coach for the Bengals and led that team to the Class 5A championship series, a feat that highlighted his ability to rally players under pressure.
During his two‑year tenure at White Knoll, he compiled a solid record and was credited with developing a competitive roster that consistently challenged regional opponents.
The transition comes at a time when Blythewood is poised to retain several standout players, including pitchers Bowman Rummel, Andrew and Caleb Blackwell, catcher Brandon Bolton, outfielder Navy Strickland and infielder Cooper Penfield.
Their return adds depth and experience to a squad that finished the season with a 25‑5 record and captured the Region 5‑5A championship.
Next season the team will compete in Region 4‑5A alongside Gray Collegiate Academy, Ridge View, Spring Valley and Sumter, promising fresh rivalries and a chance to defend its regional title.
Lou Bezjak, the High School Sports Prep Coordinator for The (Columbia) State and the Hilton Head Island Packet, brings a distinguished track record to the coverage, having earned two South Carolina Sports Writer of the Year awards from the National Sports Media Association.
With a blend of seasoned leadership and promising talent, Blythewood’s baseball program looks to build on its recent successes and aim for another deep run in the state playoffs.