Lawrence University Sports News

Contact: Joe Vanden Acker, Sports Information Director, 920-832-6878

For Immediate Release September 10, 2007

Barthelmess named interim baseball coach at Lawrence

APPLETON, Wis. -- Mike Barthelmess has been named the interim head baseball coach at Lawrence University, Director of Athletics Robert Beeman announced Monday.

Barthelmess assumes the reins of the baseball program after Kenyon College assistant coach T.J. Kohler informed Beeman last week that he had decided not to come to Lawrence. Kohler, who had accepted the position of Lawrence head baseball and assistant football coach in mid-August, cited family concerns as his reason.

"We are obviously shocked and disappointed that T.J. decided to renege on his previous commitment to become our head baseball coach," Beeman said. "I am most disappointed for our student-athletes, who had been inspired by T.J.'s enthusiastic acceptance of our offer. However, I am sure each of them can support his decision to prioritize his family."

Barthelmess, who will join the staff in January, brings head coaching experience to the Vikings. A 1983 graduate of Principia College, he was the head baseball coach at his alma mater from 2001-04.

"I'm very, very excited about the opportunity," Barthelmess said. "It's a step up for me to coach at a school like Lawrence. As an experience, it will be very valuable."

A native of Weston, Conn., Barthelmess also served as Principia's head football coach for nine seasons in two different stints. He coached the Panthers from 1990-95 and again from 2003-06.

Pitching coach Chris Bosio will oversee the Vikings' fall practice schedule. Lawrence returns 26 letterwinners from the squad that finished 12-21 and took third place in the North Division of the Midwest Conference in 2007.

Beeman said the university will begin a national search for a head baseball and assistant football coach in early 2008.

Joe Vanden Acker

Sports Information Director

Lawrence University

phone 920-832-6878

fax 920-832-7349