Thursday, June 01, 2006

Paul Twenge has announced his resignation as head baseball coach at Valparaiso University effective June 30 after 19 seasons at the helm of the Crusaders.

?I have nothing but the deepest gratitude for the opportunity to have coached at Valparaiso for so long," Twenge said. ?But it is my belief that at this time it is smart for me to step aside."

Twenge, who completed his 25th season of collegiate coaching, tallied his 500th career victory this May. He has more victories, 378, than any other coach in Crusader history. He also coached his 1,000th game in a Valpo uniform earlier this season.

?I'd like to thank President Harre, Vice President Gillispie, Dr. Bill Steinbrecher, and Mark LaBarbera for giving me the privilege to coach at this fine institution. I have made great friends, worked with outstanding student-athletes, met with terrific opposing coaches, and had wonderful opportunities during my time here."

When Twenge arrived, Valparaiso was playing only approximately 50% of their games against Division I competition. Today, the Crusaders are a fully-vested Division I program and play a schedule that resembles that fact.

The 2001 Mid-Continent Conference Coach of the Year, he guided the Brown and Gold to nine Mid-Con Tournament appearances. During his tenure, Twenge coached 58 All Mid-Continent Conference selections, including 26 First Teamers. Under his tutelage, he guided a Mid-Con Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, and three Newcomers of the Year. In addition, 15 of his former players went on to sign professional baseball contracts.

In 2001, Twenge guided the program to one of the biggest victories in school history, a win at #1 ranked Notre Dame.

?Valparaiso University is very appreciative of Coach Twenge's tireless efforts on behalf of the university and the Crusader baseball program during his nearly two decade-long tenure here," LaBarbera said. ?He has been a wonderful ambassador to the baseball world for not only the school but also the community."

A comprehensive national search will take place to find Twenge's successor.