Thursday, August 24, 2006

Valparaiso University head baseball coach Tracy Woodson has announced the addition of Brian Schmack to his staff as an assistant coach.

Schmack will serve as the Crusaders' pitching coach for the upcoming season.

He pitched in professional baseball from 1995-2004 in the Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Detroit Tigers organization after breaking in with the Newark Bison of the Frontier League. In 2003, Schmack broke into the big leagues with the Tigers.

Schmack was the pitching coach at Elk Grove High School (Ill.) during the 2005 season and has also provided pitching instruction for many years to individuals throughout his career.

?We are excited to have Brian join our staff," Woodson said. ?This will be a wonderful chance for our players to learn from an individual who has 10 years of professional experience."

Schmack pitched collegiately at Northern Illinois University from 1992-1995.