Marc Bruner: A Career of Teaching and Coaching

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From Merrillville to Valparaiso University

Marc Bruner, a 1997 graduate of Merrillville High School, has built a career in education and athletics across Northwest Indiana. After earning his Bachelor’s (2001) and Master’s (2003) degrees from Valparaiso University, Bruner entered the classroom as an English teacher and the gym as a basketball coach, quickly establishing himself as a mentor dedicated to student growth.

On the Basketball Sidelines

Bruner’s greatest impact has been on the basketball court, where his journey spans more than two decades and multiple programs:

• Hammond Bishop Noll Institute (2002–2005): Guided the program through steady year-over-year improvement during its transition from 3A to 2A.

• Merrillville High School (2005–2007): Served as JV head coach, building a strong foundation in his alma mater’s program.

• Wheeler High School (2007–2011): Led the Bearcats to a Sectional Championship in his final season, finishing 13–10.

• Portage High School (2012–2020): First as an assistant and later as head coach, Bruner maintained competitiveness in Class 4A. Their 2019–20 squad went 20–6.

• Crown Point High School (2021–2022): As an Assistant Coach, helped guide the Bulldogs to a Regional Championship.

• Chesterton High School (2022–present): Led the JV program for two seasons before joining the varsity staff as assistant coach in 2024.

A Championship Beyond Basketball

Though basketball is his anchor, Bruner’s versatility as a coach is undeniable. At Wheeler High School, he briefly turned to softball and promptly delivered a Class 2A State Championship in 2010—just his second year as head coach. His steady leadership and player-first approach earned him The Times Softball Coach of the Year honor and proved his adaptability across sports.

Leading Chesterton Boys Golf

In 2025, Bruner added a new chapter to his coaching career when he was named Head Boys Golf Coach at Chesterton High School. Bruner stepped into a program with tradition, high expectations, and a culture of excellence.

Though golf represents a new competitive arena, Bruner’s philosophy remains the same: emphasize fundamentals, build trust, and focus on personal growth. His background as a multi-sport coach allows him to connect with athletes across disciplines, and his calm, steady approach has been welcomed by players and families alike.

As Head Coach, Bruner aims not only to keep Chesterton competitive in the Duneland Athletic Conference and state tournaments, but also to use the sport as a platform for teaching patience, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Teaching and Leading Today

In addition to coaching, Bruner is a respected educator. He teaches 7th/8th Grade English at Westchester Middle School, where he also serves as the Team Leader for 7th/8th Grade English, guiding curriculum, instruction, and collaboration across the department.

At Chesterton High School, Bruner now balances roles as assistant coach for girls basketball and head coach for boys golf—a combination that highlights his versatility, leadership, and lifelong dedication to helping students succeed.

For Bruner, whether in the classroom, on the court, or on the course, the mission is the same: to teach, to inspire, and to help young people grow.