WRIGHT NAMED NEW BASEBALL COACH

FORMER CONCORD PLAYER & CAPTAIN TAKES OVER PROGRAM

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Concord Baseball began a new era on Friday, May 14, 2010, with the naming of Andrew Wright as the Mountain Lions' head coach.



Wright takes over a program that Kevin Garrett built into one of the most successful in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in his 15 years as coach. Garrett has stepped down as coach to concentrate on his duties as Concord's Director of Athletics.
(www.cumountainlions.com/news/2010/2/17/BSB_0217104747.aspx)


“I intend on maintaining the same values and morals that have been the foundation of Concord Baseball over the last 15 years,” said Wright. “I'm excited to tackle the challenges and enjoy the successes that lie ahead in taking this program forward.”

Wright has long-standing ties to Concord.
He played for Garrett from 1999-2002, and was a pitcher and first baseman on the Mountain Lions' WVIAC Championship team in 2001. Wright was Concord's captain his junior year.
Wright was an assistant coach for Garrett from 2002-2004. He received his bachelor's degree from CU in 2004.

“This program has a rich tradition and I was fortunate to have been a part of it,” Wright said.  "For me, this opportunity was an easy decision.  However, I understand the tremendous amount of responsibility that comes with the job.  I want players to have the same experience that I had."

Wright moved on to serve on the coaching staff at West Virginia University from 2005-2007, earning a Masters degree from WVU in 2007.
He was head coach of the Wilmington (NC) Sharks of the Coastal Plain League in 2006-2007.
Wright was associate head coach at Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, MD in 2008-2009 while also helping to the BCC Baseball youth program in Bethesda/Chevy Chase, MD.

Wright returned to Concord in September 2009 for a dual role as assistant baseball coach and Executive Secretary or CU's Mountain Lion Club. The 29-year old Wright also serves on Concord's Athletic Advisory Council.

"I want prospective student athletes to understand they'll do two things if they choose Concord University:  You're going to get an excellent education and compete in a championship baseball program," Wright told those assembled at Friday's news conference at the Carter Center.  "Thanks to the outstanding academic reputation that Concord has earned and all the work Coach Garrett has put into this program, we're in a position to provide that."

"When you watch us play, you'll see a very well-prepared, disciplined, fast-paced brand of baseball.  I want our guys going 100 miles an hour without the fear of making mistakes," Wright continued.  "If we take care of the baseball on defense, handle the bat and leave the situation better than we found it on offense, and, as a pitching staff, keep the ball down and throw strikes, we will be successful"

Meanwhile, Garrett leaves a program that went 29-9 this past season and qualified for the WVIAC Tournament for the past 11 years. Garrett has coached 20 All-WVIAC 1st Team players and three All-Americans.

“I look forward to applying all my energy into being the full-time Athletic Director,” Garrett said. “I know the baseball program is in great hands and look forward to seeing what new heights Andrew takes the program.”


“I'd like to thank Dr. Gregory F. Aloia, Coach Garrett, Dr. Kathy Liptak and Dr. David Campbell for their confidence in my abilities,” said Wright, “and their recommendation that I become the next head baseball coach at Concord University.”

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