Lawrence University Sports News

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

For Immediate Release May 6, 2008

Barthelmess will continue to lead Lawrence baseball program

APPLETON, Wis. -- Mike Barthelmess will stay on at Lawrence University as the head baseball coach and assistant football coach, Director of Athletics Robert Beeman announced Tuesday.

"We are pleased to announce that the interim designation has been lifted from Mike's title, and that he has been hired as our full-time head baseball and assistant football coach," Beeman said.

A native of Weston, Conn., Barthelmess joined the staff as the interim head baseball coach in September 2007 and was chosen to lead the baseball program after a national search.

"Mike has done an outstanding job during a challenging time," Beeman said. "Coming in as a last-minute hire, Mike quickly established discipline and focus to our baseball program. His experience and steady handling of our student-athletes, combined with his quick assimilation into the department, make him a strong addition to our staff."

Barthelmess has head coaching experience in both baseball and football at the NCAA Division III level. A 1983 graduate of Principia College, Barthelmess served as the head baseball coach at his alma mater from 2001-04. He also led the Panthers football program for nine seasons in two different stints. Barthelmess coached the Principia football team from 1990-95 and again from 2003-06.

"Ever since arriving as the interim, I have felt at home here," Barthelmess said. "I am very excited about the opportunity that coaching at Lawrence offers. The students and the Department of Athletics staff have been a delight to work with, and I am grateful that the university has chosen me to be their next head baseball and assistant football coach."

Barthelmess, who was standout pitcher and quarterback during his collegiate playing days, will coach the quarterbacks for the Vikings, according to head football coach Chris Howard.

The Lawrence baseball team wraps up its season Tuesday with a Midwest Conference doubleheader at Carroll College. The Vikings will return 17 letterwinners for next season.