Western Michigan Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Brent Alwine was seriously injured in a Friday evening around 6:15pm. He is currently in critical but stable condition in the hospital. The school has started to raise funds for his recovery which are detailed below in the WMU Media Relations press release.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan assistant baseball coach Brent Alwine was seriously injured in a traffic accident on I-94 Friday, Aug. 25, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Brent sustained multiple head and facial wounds and lacerations and is currently in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Coach Alwine, nicknamed Seabiscuit, is the recruiting coordinator and infield coach for the Broncos and was instrumental in Western Michigan’s 14-game improvement from 2010 to 2011. WMU ranked 10th in the nation in terms of program turn around this past spring.
A 2006 graduate of IPFW, Alwine was also a student-athlete under current Bronco head coach Billy Gernon, playing second base for the Mastodons. While completing his master’s degree at IPFW, Alwine began his coaching career, working as an assistant coach under Gernon before going to serve as an assistant coach at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., for two years. Alwine rejoined Gernon at Western Michigan after Gernon took over the program prior to the start of last school year.
“Brent is like a younger brother to me and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this challenging time,” Gernon said. “He is a very resilient young man and we will all remain optimistic and faithful that Brent will coach again. Baseball and mentoring young men through the great game is his true passion and I know in my heart he will fight and battle to get back on the ball diamond.”
“The Western Michigan Bronco family is in shock over the significant tragedy Brent and his family have been dealing with,” WMU Athletics Director Kathy Beauregard stated. “It is every parent and spouse’s worst nightmare. The University and Bronco family are doing all we can to support the family, coaches and student-athletes during this tough emotional time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been touched by Brent and the gifts he has brought to all those he touches. We are grateful and appreciative for all the support from family, friends, hospital staff and our community as they continue to provide during his recovery.”
The Bronco baseball team will be selling bracelets with the text Brent #10 on half and Seabiscuit on the other. Bracelets will be available for purchase at home Bronco football games for $10, with all proceeds going directly to assist Brent’s family. Brent is the son of Jim and Danae Alwine, and is married to the former Brandi Alspach.
