Terry Bocian, has resigned his position as the Saints Head Baseball Coach, effective immediately. Bocian, who has held that position for thirty years, will continue on as athletic director for the College's 18-sport athletic program.

Bocian said that his decision was necessary to give his successor time to ready the team for the upcoming 2002 season. The College today named Doug Greenslate, Bocian's long time assistant coach, a former player himself, to the head coaching duties.

Bocian stated that the decision was the "most difficult" of his professional career, explaining that he felt he could no longer continue to function in the dual capacity. College administrators urged Bocian to continue as athletic director in order to devote more time to the overall program and to prepare for new athletic facility initiatives.

"I agonized over which direction to head, but I do feel that this decision is best for all involved. It was only through the cooperation of our dedicated athletic staff that I was able to coach for this long, while holding the AD's position."

Bocian's career was dotted with numerous NAIA awards at the conference, state and regional levels. His career saw his teams win over 1000 games (1079-450-13 record) for a 71% winning percentage. He retires with the 3rd best winning percentage in current NAIA history. The Saints posted 30 straight winning seasons and 27 consecutive campaigns of 30 or more wins. He was inducted into the NAIA Baseball Hall of Fame in January of 2000. Thirty-four players earned All-American recognition and over 100 went into the educational field. Thirteen former Saints signed professional contracts.

"I am extremely proud of what we, and I emphasize we, were able to accomplish over the years given our resources. I am also pleased to turn over the reins of the program (which returns 24 letter winners) to Coach Greenslate. He has played a large role in our past success; his loyalty has been outstanding and appreciated."

"I will definitely miss the daily relationships with the players; they have been the reason I have stayed in coaching this long. Being able to see young people mature both emotionally and baseball-wise has been very gratifying."

Greenslate, who begins his 18th year in the program, has been in charge of the pitching staff. Greenslate, himself, had a stellar pitching career at Aquinas and was a member of the 1982 Aquinas team that won the NAIA State Championship.

"I'm looking forward to the tremendous challenge this opportunity brings," stated Greenslate. "I'm thankful to Coach Bocian for displaying his confidence in my ability. It has been a pleasure and honor to work with a Hall of Fame coach for the last twenty years. Coach Bocian has been a great mentor and friend. His love for the game of baseball and the passion he displayed in his coaching touched the lives of young men for the last thirty years -- that's something you cannot replace. My goal is to continue building on the outstanding program that has been established."