After a stellar career that saw him climb within the top 10 of Freed-Hardeman's career strikeout record, Connor Creasy will add his talents to the Lion coaching staff after being hired as an assistant coach by Jess Trask.
"Over the past five years as a player, it has been a dream and goal of mine to return to FHU and coach someday. I did not realize that an opportunity would arise this soon for this dream to turn into reality, but here we are!" exclaimed Creasy. "Being able to return to my alma mater and join the coaching staff with Jess and Will [Wallis] who both coached me in my time as a player is a dream come true."
The four-year letter-winner tallied 176 punchouts in his career, good enough for sixth place all-time. Creasy was a reliable reliever from the bullpen, appearing in 57 relief outings and earning 12 starts.
"I am excited to add him to our staff as our pitching coach," said Trask. "As a player, he was a leader on and off the field from the day he stepped foot on campus. His work ethic and dedication to his craft as a pitcher will translate very nicely in helping our pitchers continue to establish and execute a plan for their development. He has always had a tremendous ability to build relationships with teammates."
Originally from Milan, Creasy ended his tenure as a student-athlete with a 17-10 overall record with a 4.14 ERA. Across four seasons, he tossed 169 2/3 innings, striking out 174 while walking 66.
Creasy says, "These guys know who I was as a player and the standard at which I held myself. They also know the goals that I had for this team as a player. That standard and goal will remain the same being their coach which I believe will make this a smooth transition. These guys know that I loved them as a teammate and that I will love them as their coach."
Trask continues, "He is a constant encourager and will push others to strive to reach their full potential. He has a ton of respect throughout our clubhouse and has great insight into our players and their needs. I am very fortunate to have Coach Wallis and Coach Creasy on my staff and we look forward to the opportunity to help our guys and program develop day in and day out."
The new pitching coach has already picked his skipper's brain, saying, "We have already been talking pitching philosophies and programs and we were on the same page from day one. You will see a pitching staff come spring that will lead this program to compete for conference championships and national championships. I can't wait to help make that happen!"
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