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Shepherd University Head Coach Wayne Riser Chooses A New Path

By Staff | Oct 1, 2012

Shepherd University and the Shepherd University department of athletics announce that head baseball coach Wayne Riser has chosen to become head baseball coach at University of Mary Washington. Riser ’89, and MA ’08, a Hedgesville native, has been head baseball coach at Shepherd since 1991 and has amassed a cumulative record of 509-395-2.

Riser, the all-time most-winning coach in any sport at Shepherd, reached the 500-win milestone when Shepherd handed West Liberty an 8-3 setback in April 2012. He was inducted into the Shepherd Athletic Hall of Fame in September 2008.

The Rams won three WVIAC titles (2004, 2009, 2012) and 10 WVIAC Northern Division crowns (1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009) under Riser. His teams made NCAA II regional appearances in 1997, 2002, 2006, 2009, and 2012. His 1997 squad posted a 39-7 with a perfect 20-0 mark in WVIAC play. Shepherd led NCAA II in winning percentage in 1997 with a .848 mark.

“We’ve been proud to be the home base of Shepherd’s two-time alumnus and 500-plus game winning coach Wayne Riser,” said Shepherd University President Dr. Suzanne Shipley. “His performance here over two decades is nothing short of remarkable and we wish him much success in the future. Mary Washington’s gain is indeed our loss.”

“Coach Riser has been a great baseball strategist and instructor over his career here,” said B.J. Pumroy, director of athletics. “I was impressed with his dedication to building a program and facility from the ground level to where it has grown to today. He has dedicated a significant portion of both his career and life to baseball and many in the Shepherd University community have benefited from his leadership.”

“Coach Riser’s tireless efforts in the philanthropic efforts for Shepherd baseball will continue his legacy here,” noted Aaron Ryan, interim vice president for development. “All you will have to do is look around Fairfax Field to see where he has left his mark. On behalf of the many alumni who have supported him for the past 22 years, we thank him for all he has done to build this program and the graduates that played for him.”