Dan Callahan, the head baseball coach at Southern Illinois University, died Monday at his home after a long battle with cancer. Callahan was 52 years old.

In 2006, Callahan was diagnosed with neurotropic melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer. In the fall before the 2010 season, after undergoing several procedures, Callahan had received the Missouri Valley Conference  ?Most Courageous? Award for his incredible ability to persevere through the illness while coaching the team.

Callahan had been the coach at SIU-Carbondale since 1995, and has amassed the second-most wins in program history with a 442-447-1 record. Before coaching at SIU, Callahan coached five seasons at Eastern Illinois University.

Affectionately known as Coach Cal, anyone who had the pleasure of knowing the Springfield native immediately was drawn to his vibrant personality, humor and his uncanny ability to connect with people. Coach Cal will be sorely missed.

Funeral arrangements are pending.