ccollins@trevecca.edu
615.248.1276
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Trevecca Nazarene University has hired former Trojan All-American and current assistant coach Chris Collins as the sixth head coach in the history of the Trojan baseball program.
Chris Collins recently completed his fourth season as an assistant coach for the Trojan program. Collins was the hitting instructor, coached the outfielders, and assisted former Trojan mentor Jeff Forehand with team defense and base running while heading up the recruiting efforts.
In his comments about Chris Collins accepting the Trojan baseball head coaching position, Trevecca president Dr. Dan Boone noted that Trevecca is putting another great Christian leader in charge of the baseball program. He added, “I am excited about the future of Trevecca baseball! Chris Collins is a devoted Christian, a leader, a competitor, and a developer of young men. He will invest in our student-athletes and leave an indelible imprint on their lives. We have selected Chris from a field of over 30 applicants, believing him to be a fit for Trevecca and a servant of our students.”
Trevecca athletic director Alan Smith added, “Chris has had an impact on this campus since the first day he arrived as a student-athlete and continued to make an impact as he has transitioned from All-American athlete to standout assistant coach and administrator. I have no question in my mind that he is the right person to take the lead of our baseball program and continue the tradition he’s helped create the last four years.”
Smith is pleased to hire someone out of the Trevecca family: “It is always a bonus when you can hire someone who wore the Trojan colors; Chris has helped restore the pride in the Trevecca baseball tradition first as a player, then as an assistant coach. What might be most impressive is the type of people he has helped recruit over the last four years.”
Collins said, “This is clearly an unbelievable opportunity for me and my family. I want to thank Dr. Boone, Steve Harris, and Alan Smith for the chance to lead the Trojan baseball program. There is no question in my mind that Trevecca is exactly where I am supposed to be. People on this campus have made me feel like I was the only man for the job from the beginning, and that means a great deal to me. Some say it is more of a challenge to sustain a winning tradition than it is to build one, but the commitment of our players have will help us continue the tradition we have started together. We've already started and are looking forward to working for a return trip to the Region Tournament, and hopefully a breakthrough to the NAIA World Series.”
The offense has witnessed steady progress over the last four seasons under Collins' direction. In 2003 five everyday starters hit over .300, and two were All-TranSouth selections. The 2004 team was nationally ranked in the top 13 in five major offensive categories: batting average, (12th); total hits, (11th); runs, (13th); triples, (1st); and walks, (6th). Eleven everyday contributors hit over .300, and six position players were All-TranSouth selections. The 2005 team finished ranked in the top 10 nationally in batting average, (6th); runs scored, (5th); hits, (5th); doubles, (6th); triples, (1st); RBI, (5th); and stolen bases, (8th). Single season team records were re-established in runs scored, total hits, doubles, triples, RBI, and stolen bases. Nine everyday contributors hit over .300, and three position players were All-TranSouth selections. In 2006, the Trojans finished in the top 20 in triples per game (8th), doubles per game (11th), and batting average (19th).
As hitting instructor Collins has witnessed several postseason honors for his players. In 2003 designated hitter Kyle Felts made the all-conference team. In 2004 centerfielder Brad Coon and short stop Colby Rainey were both selected to the TranSouth first team. Coon was selected Region XI first team, and Honorable Mention All-American. In 2005 Brad Coon and catcher Craig Ballentine earned TranSouth first team honors. Coon was named conference player of the year and Region XI first team. Coon was a 1st team All-American selection and drafted in the 15th round by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In 2006 Trevecca second baseman Maurice Cole was selected NAIA honorable mention All-American after being named to the Region XI team. In the TranSouth Maurice Cole was named to the first team, while outfielder Chris Lowe and Dylan Lynch were named to the second team.
Collins himself had an impressive career as a player prior to his transition to coaching. In 2002 he had one of the best offensive seasons in Trojan baseball history. He hit .412, led the TranSouth in Homeruns with 20, had 51 RBI, and was named All-TranSouth, Region XI first team, and Honorable Mention All-American for his efforts. Prior to Trevecca, Collins played at the University of New Mexico, and South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. Collins played his freshman season with the Trojans prior to transferring to South Mountain CC.
Trevecca has posted a 168-63-1 overall record and 48-26 TranSouth record during Collins tenure as assistant coach.
2003 35-20, 11-10
2004 44-17-1, 12-7
2005 47-16, 11-4 Conference Champ
2006 42-20, 13-5 Region Tournament Finals
The Trojans have witnessed a record three-consecutive 40 win seasons. There have been four 40 win seasons at Trevecca and Collins has been an assistant coach for three of those campaigns. The 2006 season was the fourth-consecutive season with 30 wins, only Elliot Johnson’s run of five straight 30 win season from 1986 through 1990 surpass the current streak.
The 2003 season saw a third place conference finish, and a 35-20 record. In 2004, his fourth season Forehand’s Trojans posted the most wins in school history with a 44-17 record. The 2005 campaign saw another record-breaking win total as the Trojans went 47-16, won the TranSouth regular season, and tournament titles, and made the Region XI tournament for the first time since region play began in 1997. Last season the Trojans saw their deepest postseason finish since the NAIA started region play. Trevecca advanced to the NAIA Region XI Championship Game before falling to National Runner-up Cumberland. The team finished with a 42-20 record and were second (13-5) in the TranSouth regular season race.
Collins graduated with a degree in communications from Trevecca in 2002, and completed his Masters in Science of Management degree from Trevecca in 2004.
Chris and his wife Sharon reside in Nashville, and had their first child, son Cason, in May of 2006. |
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