Blake Beaber Named Iowa Wesleyan Head Baseball Coach

When the Iowa Wesleyan University's baseball team takes to the field in 2018, the Tigers will be under the guidance of a new head coach.

A new head coach, but a familiar face, especially to the local community.

Blake Beaber, a native of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, who served as the team's assistant coach this past season, was elevated to head coach, it was announced Wednesday.

"I'm very excited about this next chapter in my coaching career and I cannot wait to get things started," said Beaber who takes over for Derek Zander, who stepped down from coaching to assume the athletic director position at the University. "I'm extremely thankful to Dr. Brooks, Vice President for Student Development, Derek Zander and the entire search committee for giving me this opportunity."

"Blake has proven himself day-in and day-out through his work ethic, dedication to the program, strong recruitment efforts, and his development of student-athletes—on and off the baseball field," Zander added. "I am excited to work with Blake in his new role and I am confident he will be able to progress the program even further under the new vision for Tiger Athletics."

Beaber joined Iowa Wesleyan last year as an admissions counselor in addition to his role as assistant baseball coach. Previously, he served as an assistant baseball coach at William Penn University and Carl Sandburg College.

"We have certainly made great strides in our Tiger baseball program – this program has a strong foundation and I want to continue to build on that and take it to the next level," said Beaber. "I'm looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead."

Beaber is a graduate of Mount Pleasant Community High School where he helped lead the Panthers to four conference titles and two state tournament appearances.  He began his collegiate baseball career at Southeastern Community College. Beaber received his bachelor's degree from Ashford University in 2013 and his master's in business leadership from William Penn University in 2016. Beaber resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Amie.

STORY COURTESY OF IOWA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE