RALEIGH, N.C. -- William Peace University Athletics is thrilled to announce the growth of the baseball program. Former Assistant Coach Curtis Owen has been named the Head Baseball Coach. Coach Owen has been working with former Head Coach, Chris Duty, closely for the past 2 years and is now taking over the head coaching responsibilities for the Pacers. Former Head Coach, Chris Duty has been announced as the first Associate Head Coach for the Pacers.

Coach Chris Duty shared his thoughts on the new role; "It was an extremely tough decision stepping down as the head coach after leading the baseball program the past 4 1/2 years, but the timing is right especially as the University looks to make the head coaching position full time in the near future, which I am in full support of. I am very thankful that our Director of Athletics, Phil Rowe, has asked me to stay on board in a new role as the Associate Head Coach, where I will continue to oversee the program. I have put a lot into this program the last 4+ years and it's awesome that the University has recognized this and created a part time position which will allow me to continue to be a part of the program. Coach Owen, my assistant coach the past two seasons, is eager to lead the team in his new head coaching role, I'm so excited for him and also ready to help him continue to grow our program to new heights. We are building something special and excited for what lies ahead for the Pacer Baseball Program."

The Pacer baseball team continues to grow and prosper and is coming off of a historic season where they made their first USA South Conference Tournament appearance in school history. With four years established as a collegiate baseball program, accompanied by the leadership found in their coaching staff, the baseball team is pacing forward to reach new milestones and accomplishments as the program continues to expand. 

"We are extremely happy to announce Coach Owen as our Head Baseball Coach. Coach Owen has a track record of success everywhere he has been and has been instrumental in the growth of the program here at William Peace. We are also thrilled to announce that Coach Duty will continue with our program as the Associate Head Coach. Coach Duty has been the leader of our baseball program from our inception of the program and will continue in an administrative role, while serving as the recruiting coordinator, as the program continues to make positive strides forward. The combination of Coach Duty and Coach Owen have brought us the first ever appearance in the USA South conference championship tournament and we look forward to their leadership continuing our climb in USA South standings moving forward," shared WPU Athletic Director, Phil Rowe.

New Head Baseball Coach, Curtis Owen, expressed, "I cannot thank our A.D., Phil Rowe, and former Head Coach, Chris Duty for this opportunity to lead this program.  I am extremely excited and honored to be a part of a great university and athletic department.  Coach Duty has done a tremendous job of starting from ground zero and building the program to a conference contender in just four short years. I am very thankful for all he has done and look forward to having him on staff and working together for years to come. Pacer baseball has just scratched the surface with a conference tournament appearance this past year and the sky is the limit.  Myself and staff truly expect to continue building this program into a yearly championship contender."