July 11, 2011

Myers promoted to head coach at Western Kentucky

Matt Myers has been elevated to head coach at Western Kentucky.

An assistant with the Hilltoppers for the past four years, Myers was associate head coach for the past two seasons. The pitching coach and top recruiter, Myers helped WKU reach the NCAA Tournament in two of the past four years. He replaces Chris Finwood, who resigned to become head coach at Old Dominion.

Prior to his arrival at WKU, Myers was an assistant for three seasons at Auburn. Four Tiger hurlers were taken in the first 13 rounds of the MLB Draft.

Myers was head coach at UNC Asheville from 2001-04. He was Big South Coach of the Year in 2003 and set school records for victories and conference wins.

A native of Carmichael, Calif., Myers was a pitcher at Tennessee for two seasons (1996-97). He helped the Volunteers reach the NCAA tourney both years and UT advanced to the regional finals in 1996. Myers had a career record of 13-4 with the Vols.

WKU was 33-24 this past season, including 17-13 in the Sun Belt. The pitching staff was first the conference in fewest walks (178), second in saves (13) and third in strikeouts (414). Sophomore left-hander Tanner Perkins led the league with a 2.32 ERA and was second team all-conference. Right-hander Justin Hageman was a Freshman All-American and SBC Freshman of the Year. Junior righty Phil Wetherell was taken in the eighth round of the MLB Draft by the New York Yankees.

Click here for list of 2011 Division I head coaching changes. 

(photo courtesy of WKUSports.com)