April 11, 2012

Keyes to Take Medical Leave of Absence

Paul Keyes, head coach at Virginia Commonwealth University for the past 18 seasons, will take a leave of absence to concentrate on health issues.

Associate head coach Shawn Stiffler will assume the duties of head coach in the absence of Keyes. A graduate of George Mason, Stiffler is in his sixth season with the Rams. He is the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for VCU.

A native of Newport News, Va., Keyes has compiled 587 wins in his 18 years with the Rams, including eight NCAA Tournament appearances as well as five Colonial Athletic Association titles in the past 10 years. VCU has had winning campaigns in 13 of the past 15 seasons.

Keyes has developed multiple professional players, including current major leaguers Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers, Sean Marshall of the Cincinnati Reds and Scott Sizemore of the Oakland Athletics.

VCU is 18-15 overall this season and 6-9 in the CAA. The Rams play a three-game conference series at Delaware this weekend.

(photos courtesy of VCU Media Relations Office)