Rob Stuart appears to be looking forward to his second stint as head coach of the Northwood High baseball team.

Stuart, who resigned after the 2006 season to spend more time with his family, will replace Shannon Blansette. Blansette announced last week that he is leaving the position after two years and moving with his family to Minnesota.

Stuart had a 92-72 record in seven years as Northwood's coach. This past season, he served as Northwood's pitching coach.

He talked about returning in an interview last week.

Why are you coming back?

Stuart:Not often do you get a second chance to be a head coach. I see this as a great opportunity to improve on the way I ran the program from 1999-2006. There were a lot of aspects to the structure and methods during that time period that were difficult to change, and being on the outside gave me insight as to how I'd like to try a different approach.

How have the last two years been?

Stuart:The last two years have been very much low key. I have enjoyed spending the time that normally was spent on the field with my son Ely, daughter Ruby, and wife Lori. My golf game got a little better, fly fishing became a real treat, and I was able to see my children participate in many different activities.

How much did you miss it?

Stuart:I missed it so much I had to sign up again. This isn't easy to explain and I'd guess that those that coach baseball understand the pull that baseball has on a person. I have been involved in baseball for a very long time and plan on having baseball be a part of my life for as long as I love it.

What are the prospects for Northwood?

Stuart: We have a lot of work to do in order to compete for a playoff spot. I know we have a realistic shot at getting back in the playoffs so if we are able to build a solid team philosophy, create a winning atmosphere, and play in the present we will have a great year. We have a very good group of returning players and the lower levels have several players that are close to being varsity ready. Our pitching looks promising but needs to develop. Our offense and defense will be are strong.