FROM CBD NEWS SOURCE
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Head coach Will Gardner has announced his additions to the coaching staff for the 2012 season. John O’Neil joins the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as an assistant coach plus Luis Mena returns to serve as a student assistant for the Hawks.
The two new coaches will join Robbie Bailey, who returns for his second year as the UMES pitching coach.
O’Neil comes to Princess Anne after serving as an assistant coach at the University of the Sciences, helping the Devils reach the conference tournament for the first time in school history. Previously he served two years at his alma mater Colby-Sawyer College, including a postseason appearance in 2009. As a four-year starter for the Chargers as a catcher and designated hitter, O’Neal hit .278.
“John is going to be a big plus for us during this upcoming season. We are excited about having him join us,” says Gardner. “John has hit the ground running and is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He wants to get after it.”
Mena will stay with the Hawks after two years with UMES. Last season, Mena played in all 50 games, serving as the primary third baseman and backup catcher. He hit .283 last season with 15 multi-hit games, including four home runs and 31 RBI. He made the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference All-Tournament Team in 2011 after going 4-for-4 in the victory over Florida A&M with a home run and four runs batted in.
“Luis was a solid performer for us during his time as a student-athlete,” says Gardner, “He was a tough competitor. He will be a great example to our younger players both on and off the field.
