Published: July 18, 2008 12:27 am            

COLLEGE BASEBALL: Reel named IUS coach

24-year-old accepts job at alma mater

Indiana University Southeast announced Thursday that former Grenadier player and assistant coach Ben Reel will serve as the head baseball coach at the school.

Reel succeeds Josh Schultz, who resigned from IU Southeast in June to become an assistant baseball coach at IPFW in Fort Wayne.

At age 24, Reel becomes one of the youngest coaches in collegiate baseball.

“It is truly an honor for me to be named head coach here at IU Southeast. It is one of the best feelings I have ever had,” Reel said in a statement. “Very few coaches get an opportunity to coach where they played. I am going to embrace this situation.”

Coach Reel served two years as an assistant coach under Schultz prior to taking over the team. During that time, Reel was responsible for catchers and hitters, while also assisting in recruiting efforts.

Athletic director Pat Mrozowski believes that Reel is a great fit for the program.

“We are excited about adding Ben to the staff. As our assistant coach, Ben was a vital part of a very good program,” Mrozowski said in a statement. “I am sure he will build upon the solid foundation and lead our team to success both on and off the field.”

In spring 2006, Reel was the starting catcher and team captain for the IU Southeast baseball squad that finished 30-26 overall and as the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference runner-up. He hit .347 with 37 RBIs and a team-leading 19 doubles en route to earning KIAC first-team honors.

Reel also received the KIAC Scholar Athlete Award and was named a NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete. While still competing on the field and completing his eligibility, Reel also served as recruiting coordinator for the program through an internship opportunity.

“I am closely connected to this baseball program as a former player, assistant coach, recruiting coordinator and now head coach. I know how our guys feel and what they are going through in the classroom and on the field,” said Reel. “I will be there to guide them and keep the program heading in the right direction.”

Prior to his time at IU Southeast, Reel played two seasons at Cleveland State (Tenn.) Community College under coach Mike Policastro. He was a three-year starting catcher at South Dearborn High School, earning a spot on the all-Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference first team and receiving all-region honors. He was also a member of the American Legion Region VII championship team.

Reel carries optimism into his first season.

“Our guys are going to work hard and we are going to pick up right where we left off last season,” he stated. “Through dedicated work and focused preparation, we are going to excel.”

        

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