Newly appointed Juniata College Director of Public Safety Jesse
Leonard, a 2006 Juniata graduate, will return to the Eagles'
baseball program to serve as head coach.
"Jesse is a fantastic addition to our coaching staff. His
background as both a coach and as a highly successful
student-athlete at Juniata makes him the right choice to lead our
baseball program," said Juniata Athletics Director Greg Curley.
Coaching the Eagles' baseball squad is not entirely foreign to the
once standout Juniata left fielder. Upon graduating in 2006,
Leonard accepted a year-long assistant coaching position with the
Eagles.
"Getting the opportunity to coach with (former coaches) Tom
Gibboney and George Zanic at my alma mater during the 2007 season
was a great experience. Ever since then, I've been trying to get
back to Juniata, and I couldn't be happier to have the chance to
come back in a coaching capacity," said Leonard.
"Jesse has a unique connection to the great tradition and history
of our baseball program. I expect him to continue to build on the
work of those before him to and leave his own mark on this next
chapter in Juniata baseball," said Curley.
Leonard inherits a senior class of seven, six juniors, and a
talented sophomore class which returns nine.
"I am fortunate to have been given this role, because I know I've
got some really talented players already on the roster. As their
coach, I am looking forward to leading a highly competitive team
both within the conference and regionally," said Leonard.
"Not only is it important to me that my players develop themselves
athletically on the field, but I also want to encourage them to
develop personally off the field. I view intercollegiate athletics
as an extension of the classroom, and a microcosm of many of life's
lessons," said Leonard.
During his senior campaign, Leonard helped guide the Eagles to a
30-win season, the most wins in Juniata baseball history. Leonard
was also a member on the 2004 Commonwealth Championship team, which
earned the Eagles an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III
tournament.
Leonard, a two-sport athlete during his time as an Eagle, earned
spots in the Juniata record books in both baseball and football.
The two-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection in football,
is currently ranked ninth in single season punting average with
38.0. In the baseball record books, Leonard's name can be found
ranked in the top 15 for career at bats with 438, single season
doubles with 11, and single season hits with 50.
After earning his bachelor's in business and information
technology, Leonard continued his education at University of Akron
where he earned his master's in higher education administration.
Upon graduating from Akron, Leonard worked as a residence life
coordinator for the university.
Leonard returns to the Huntingdon area with his fiancé,
Lauren Gates, a 2007 Juniata graduate.
January 22, 2012
Juniata alumus take program reins
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