Story courtesy of Southwestern University Sports Information
GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern University Director of Athletics Glada Munt announced Thursday that head baseball coach R.J. Thomas has resigned his post to accept an assistant coaching position with the University of Richmond.
"We are appreciative of all that Coach Thomas has done to rebuild our baseball program back into a conference and national contender," Munt said. "We certainly wish him well as he embarks on his new career in NCAA Division I baseball."
"I am thankful for the five years I have had at Southwestern," Thomas said. "I will continue to watch this program grow after we put it back on the map. I expect it to continue to build on the success we have had the past few years."
In his five seasons as the head coach of the Pirate baseball team, Thomas accumulated a 76-134 record, including a 21-21 mark this spring. Under his direction, Southwestern advanced to the 2016 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship game.
The Pirates won only three games in his first season at the helm. However, in his last three seasons, Thomas guided the Bucs to 12 victories over nationally-ranked teams, including six during the 2015 campaign.
Twenty-two Southwestern student-athletes earned All-SCAC honors under his watch, while three were named all-region. Additionally, Will Cates was named the 2015 SCAC Player of the Year and a 2016 All-American.
The Pirates also have performed well in the classroom under Thomas' guidance. Cates was a two-time Academic All-American, while 54 other players have been SCAC All-Academic selections.
A national search for Thomas' replacement will begin immediately.