FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
On the heels of a Southland Conference Tournament championship and a run to the NCAA Regionals, Lamar University baseball coach Jim Gilligan has announced that longtime assistant Jim Ricklefsen has been promoted to associate head coach.
Ricklefsen just completed his 13th season with the Cardinals baseball program, helping Lamar to four NCAA Regional appearances. Lamar has won at least 35 games in nine of Ricklefsen’s 13 seasons.
"Very seldom in our profession do you see good assistants stay in one spot for so long" said Gilligan, "but Jim has been very loyal to me and the program and I felt an obligation to elevate his status. I’m having too much fun to retire, but I felt that Jim deserved to be recognized for his work."
Ricklefsen came to Lamar after spending 11 seasons at McNeese State, the final three as head coach. The Houston native posted an 81-79 record with the Cowboys, including tying the school record for wins in a season with a 41-16 campaign in 1995.
"I was honored that Coach Gilligan would think about me along those lines," noted Ricklefsen on the title change. "I owe a lot to Lamar and Coach Gilligan and I consider this my home. One of our biggest strengths is the continuity of our coaching staff and the administration has really taken care of us so we could stay together."
Ricklefsen serves as the recruiting coordinator for the Cardinals, in addition to coaching third base, working with the infielders, defensive alignment and working with the hitters.
