Researching Orange County football history is a passion for author Dennis Bateman. But his latest book touched a bit closer to his heart.

Bateman co-authored “Coach Van: The Life of Clare Van Hoorebeke” with noted CIF Southern Section historian and former Orange County principal and coach John Dahlem before Dahlem died in November.

“It has taken on a special resonance since my co-author Dr. John Dahlem passed away,” Bateman said of Dahlem, 81, who died after battling cancer.

“This project simply would never have been completed without the hard work and support he provided through his research, encouragement, and generosity. The last time we spoke, it was his heartfelt wish that Coach Van’s story would reach the wider audience that he felt it deserved.”

Dahlem authors the foreword to the book that takes a deep dive into the legendary football at Anaheim High.

Dahlem shared how he first encountered Van Hoorebeke while serving as an assistant football coach at Loara in 1970.

Nicknamed the “Dutch Master”, Van Hoorebeke was not only was a successful coach at Anaheim from 1950 through 1972, he was an innovator and a mentor who helped shape Orange County football for decades. Van Hoorebeke died in 1978.

“Coach Van: The Life of Clare Van Hoorebeke” is available on Amazon for purchase.