Ryan Kelley was named head baseball coach at WSU.
FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
Ryan Kelley has been named the ninth head coach in the 68-year history of the Wayne State University baseball program. The announcement was made today by WSU Director of Athletics Rob Fournier.
“I look forward to Ryan building on our successes in baseball,” noted Fournier. “The committee considered some outstanding candidates and there is no doubt that our program has risen in stature. In the end, Ryan’s familiarity with our system, his strong work habits and active role in building our program the last six years, was a significant factor. I look forward to working with him to move our baseball team into an elite echelon.”
Kelley has been with the athletic department full-time as academic coordinator since February 2006.
After earning a bachelor of science degree from the University of Michigan, Kelley graduated with his master’s from Wayne State University in sports administration.
In the summer of 2004, Kelley became a community director within the WSU Office of Housing & Residential Life, a position he held until assuming his role as athletic academic coordinator.
Originally from Northville, Kelley was a four-year pitcher at Michigan (1996-1999). He would help the Wolverines win the 1997 Big Ten Championship and the 1999 Big Ten Tournament Championship. Following the 1997 season, Kelley was a pitcher in the Alaskan Central Collegiate baseball league for the Mat-Su Minors.
Kelley played high school ball at Dearborn Divine Child where he earned all-state and honorable mention preseason All-America honors.
He also completed a graduate assistant position with the Detroit Lions and has worked in Wayne State’s sports information department. In addition, he completed a graduate assistantship with Stanford University’s athletic department.
“I am very honored and humbled to be named the head baseball coach at Wayne State University,” said Kelley. “I would like to thank Rob (WSU Athletic Director Rob Fournier) and the search committee for their efforts during this selection process. In addition, I would like to thank our former head coach Jay Alexander for giving me the opportunity to join the baseball staff six seasons ago. I look forward to continuing to build on the successful momentum that Coach Alexander initiated.
“Moving into the next chapter of WSU baseball we are eager for continued success. With the current players in place, our fantastic new dugouts, and the resources available to our student-athletes we look forward to an exciting future. We will continue to prepare to win both on and off the field. It is my goal that our Warrior baseball student-athletes will continue to serve as leaders in our community efforts, achieve academic prosperity, learn how to strive for and accomplish our goals on the diamond, while also preparing for a successful life after graduation. Ultimately, our student-athletes will come to realize the importance of working together as a team in a family environment and be proud to wear the name of Wayne State University across the front of our jerseys.”
In his six seasons as an assistant coach at WSU, the Warriors compiled a 161-148 record (.521 winning percentage), won two GLIAC regular-season titles, made four GLIAC tournament appearances, and advanced to the NCAA Regional twice.
Last spring’s squad set the WSU record for wins (34), while coming within one win of advancing to the NCAA Division II Championship round.
Kelley will assume his new position effective October 1, 2008.
