Coach Dave Rodgers was inducted in the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Coach Rodgers has served as an assistant coach at Normal West for the past six seasons, working with the pitching staff. During that time, the Wildcats have an overall record of 166-55 and have won 4 conference championships and 3 regional crowns. The 2012 pitching staff compiled a school record 1.87 ERA with seven different pitchers winning more than 2 games.
Coach Rodgers was recognized for over 25 years of coaching baseball at East Peoria High school, as well as many years of summer baseball there. The high school baseball field at East Side Centre in East Peoria is named in honor of Coach Rodgers as well.