FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – There will be a day when José Vázquez might succumb to that itch and take an opportunity to run his own collegiate baseball program
That day is not this one.
After much consideration, the Bethune-Cookman University Associate Head Baseball Coach announced he has turned down the head coaching position at Florida A&M, and remain in the Wildcat program he played for during its most successful season in 2002 and has help developed into a respected post-season Division I contender.
“There will be a time when it is right for me to be a head coach,” Vázquez said. “Let’s see what happens in the future, but at this time, remaining at Bethune-Cookman is the right decision for myself and my family.”
B-CU Athletic Director Lynn W. Thompson appreciates the tough process Vázquez went through in making the decision to stay.
“It took a lot of prayer and a lot of research on his part,” Thompson said. “As the B-CU Athletic Director, there’s a certain pride in knowing that other programs recognize the success we’re having and want our coaching talent to match that level of success. As a colleague, I want to see José do right by his family and reach his maximum potential. I’m thrilled he’s staying in Daytona Beach.”
Vázquez has established himself as one of the state’s top recruiters, able to compete with larger programs in bringing the best talent to B-CU.
“We consider ourselves pretty good coaches, but we need the talent,” said B-CU Head Baseball Coach Mervyl Melendez. “Every year José goes out and lands quality players that make my job a little bit easier. Jose’s a big reason we’ve maintained a high quality of play throughout the years.”
Vázquez has been a part of some of B-CU’s crowing moments; ten NCAA regional appearances, taking two out of three games from Miami in Coral Gables, and a high profile victory over Ohio State, but takes just as much satisfaction in recruiting..
Announce the signing of three pitchers? Just as good as a series sweep. A home visit with a lefty with a wicked curve? Beating out a bunt. Land the shortstop that was considering an SEC or ACC program as well as B-CU? That’s going yard at Fenway.
Vázquez and the Wildcats have had more than their share of highlights between the foul lines, but as Vázquez advances in his career, the off-the-field essentials have become highlights as well..
“I’ve developed a passion for recruiting,” said Vázquez, “I’m taking a lot of pride in our effort and hope to move the program forward.”
It’s all about being competitive, and the Wildcats’ achievements open a lot of doors. Throw in playing your home games at one of one of the historic ballparks in the nation (Jackie Robinson Ballpark was the site of Robinson’s first spring training game in 1946) as well as living in Daytona Beach and matriculating at B-CU also aid the cause of Vázquez.
The bottom line? The quality of baseball.
“The biggest sell is to play at the highest level against nationally respected programs,” Vázquez said. “Lots of aspects do make this a sellable program, and I’ve come to appreciate the support of the university administration, which has given us the resources we need.”
“We’re able to go up to players who have expressed interest in attended a Florida or a Florida State and have them listen,” Vázquez added. “That means a lot.”
