Smith named Luther head coach

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Luther College Director of Athletics Joe Thompson has announced that Alex Smith, has been named head baseball coach. Smith replaces Brian Gillogly who resigned after 10 years at the helm of the program.

No stranger to Luther, Smith a 2003 graduate and multiple letter winner, has been involved with the Norse baseball program for the past 12 years.

Since 2003, he has worked with all aspects of the baseball program including, serving most recently as the pitching coach the past six seasons. During his tenure he has coached nine all-conference and three all-region performers and his pitching staff was ranked 26th in the NCAA III for ERA in 2008 and 51st last season.

Smith has also coached high school baseball since 2000, most recently as head baseball coach at South Winneshiek High School from 2009-11. He led the Warriors to a record of 71-36, a 2010 district championship, and coached 10 all-conference, two all-district and two all-state players.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to become the next head baseball coach at Luther College,” commented Smith. “Having been involved with the baseball program for the past twelve years as a player and coach, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of great teams and formed many relationships along the way. Developing the student-athletes to the best of their abilities, providing a quality experience, and building on our past success will continue to be the goals of the program.

I would like to thank Coach Solberg, Coach Gillogly, Dr. Joe Thompson, President Torgerson, and the other members of the Luther community for their support and guidance in bringing me to this position.”

Smith who has also served as a Luther College admissions counselor will move full-time into the athletics department.

“Alex has been associated with the Luther College baseball program for over a decade and he has been instrumental in the success our program has achieved,” stated Thompson. “After serving as our assistant coach for nine years, I am confident he is ready to lead our baseball program and that he will build on our tradition of excellence.”