7/21/2010 9:07:10 AM
LANGHORNE, PA – The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Andy Drake as the head baseball coach.
Drake becomes the 20th coach in the program’s 49-year history, taking over for interim coach and director of athletics, Drew Watson, who served a one-year stint as this past season’s manager during the ongoing search for a full-time replacement.
A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Drake brings numerous years of coaching experience to the table, most recently serving as the Athletic Director and varsity baseball coach at The Potter’s House High School in Wyoming, MI for the past four years. In addition to his head coaching responsibilities, Drake took part as a teacher within the Kruger Baseball School system, working under former major league pitcher Rick Kreuger as a hitting and camp instructor.
Prior to his arrival at The Potter’s House, Drake spent three years as the head varsity baseball coach at Creston High School, watching five players move onto the collegiate level post-graduation under his watch. He served as the junior varsity coach at Creston from 2002-04 before being promoted to the varsity level in 2005.
An all-conference performer during his high school days for state runner-up Marion River Valley, Drake moved on to play collegiate baseball at Calvin College for three years. A starting outfielder for the Knights, the team was crowned the 2000 MIAA champions and was an NCAA Mideast Regional Qualifier during Drake’s sophomore year.
Following a winless season in 2009, the PBU baseball team showed significant progress during this past season’s campaign as the group advanced to the NCCAA East Region Championship before bowing out to Lancaster Bible College in the title game, 7-6. The group’s first priority heading into the upcoming season will be to become more competitive in the Colonial States Athletic Conference. They will also look to put pressure on two-time NCCAA II East Region champ Lancaster Bible College.
"Our baseball program took some strides forward last year," said Watson. "Andy brings with him unique experience and a great mix of talents that I am confident will enable him to keep the program moving in the right direction."
Currently residing in Wyoming, MI, Drake will move to the Philadelphia area in the coming weeks to begin his duties with the Crimson Eagle baseball squad.