Kent State baseball coach tells fans he's not headed to that 'school up North'
There'll be no maize and blue uniform for Scott Stricklin. The college baseball world's hottest name is sticking with the navy blue and gold at Kent State.
Stricklin, who led his Mid-American Conference team to the College World Series, told fans in an email message that he declined interest from Michigan to fill its vacant coaching position.
Kent State coach Scott Stricklin throws batting practice during the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
Associated Press
Although, he didn't name names.
As reported in the Akron Beacon Journal, Stricklin wrote: “I know some of you have been speculating that the coaching staff might be moving on after our historic season. A certain school up North came calling and we decided that Kent State and what we have built here was too good to leave."
The Flashes (47-20) went 1-2 at the College World Series and were eliminated from the double elimination tournament by South Carolina on Thursday. They were the first MAC team to appear in Omaha since Eastern Michigan in 1976.
Kent State lost its CWS opener to Arkansas and eliminated No. 1 national seed Florida before the South Carolina loss.
"I think we made a statement that we belong here, and we made a statement that we're a program that should be recognized nationally, not just regionally," Stricklin told The Associated Press after the game. "That's what I'm really proud of."
With Stricklin out of the mix, various reports have mentioned current Maryland coach Erik Bakich as the leading candidate to replace Rich Maloney at Michigan.
College baseball writer Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game USA reported on his Twitter account that Bakich could make his decision as early as Wednesday.
Maloney did not have his Michigan contract extended after going 321-224 in 10 seasons with the Wolverines. He recently agreed to return to Ball State, where he was head coach before taking over the Michigan program.
Comments
WWBoDo
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
After what Maloney accomplished and got broomed, I would stay at Kent State as well. Maybe he consulted Rich Rodriguez--asking him whether it is better to stay where you are a legend vs. gambling on the "big time"?
ksustud
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
As far as the MAC goes, its not much different then the Big 10. The Little 10 at best is a 1 bid conference. Purdue " bought" the regional and could not get it done. The Big 10 has not been relevant in baseball Bud and the boys where cheating back in the 80's. It may be a big time paycheck, but by no means is it "BIG TIME" baseball. Going to "The school up North" is a lateral move no matter how much you want rag on the MAC or pump up your Big Blue! Go Flashes!
joggin
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
Bring back coach Middaugh...
azwolverine
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
It's strange all of this talk that Midwestern teams can't compete in baseball due to the climate and all of the away games to start the season, etc. If nothing else, Kent State's success should prove that it can be done anywhere, especially at a school like Michigan.
BGSU_FALCON
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
LOL, wow.... he would rather coach in the MAC (no offense to my MAC friends) rather than the Big Ten. That's crazy.
catfishrisin
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
Smart move, let UM prove they can beat Ohio first, as in Athens, Ohio before committing.
Lexi
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
Ryan Kelly, head coach at Wayne State...A former player and Michigan man
timothy
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
Thats like turning down a position at facebook for a position on myspace. We will find somebody much better.
unclemercy
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2 p.m.
lol at kent state.
81wolverine
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Maybe the coach has some good reason to stay there. But it's hard to believe that he wouldn't take a better opportunity if one came up. Certainly, at a MAC school, he will never have the budget or salary that he'd command at a big-time school. Perhaps he's holding out for a sun belt coaching job. Who knows.
lumberg48108
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
If he wants huge success, he needs to go to warmer climate schools - period! If he wants moderate success and to stay comfortsble, Big Ten baseball is in his future... he should do whatever he wants that makes him happy - and success breeds opportunity - good for him
OldBittyBates
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Most peculiar. Grandpa Scott must be have misplaced his thinking cap. His allegiance to the Ohio B team seems strange since he coaches for Akron.
semperveritas
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:21 p.m.
not sure why he felt the need to take a shot at us---UNLESS, of course, he's angling for the job in columbus and trying to prove he'll fit in there.
Pickforddick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:48 a.m.
Stay down there.......we are looking for someone who can go all the way.