Home ACC Robert Woodard named Pitching Coach at UNCW

Robert Woodard named Pitching Coach at UNCW

by Brian Foley
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FROM CBD NEWS SOURCE
WILMINGTON, North Carolina – UNCW head baseball coach Mark Scalf has announced the hiring of UNC Chapel Hill’s all-time winningest pitcher, Robert Woodard, as pitching coach for the Seahawks following two seasons on the staff at his alma mater.

“Robert is an excellent addition to our staff and program,” said Scalf, who enters his 22nd season in 2012-13. “He was an excellent competitor and successful as evident from all his accolades. Robert is a student of the game and we’re excited to have him become part of the UNCW family.”

Woodard, who joined Tar Heel Head Coach Mike Fox’s staff prior to the 2010 postseason, worked in Chapel Hill following a three-year stint in the San Diego Padres minor league organization after being selected in the 20th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join such a first-class program,” said Woodard. “Coach Scalf, Hood and Monday are tremendous coaches and knowledgeable people. I’ve known Coach Scalf for a long time and he’s one of the most respected head coaches in the game. This opportunity would not be possible, though, without being on Coach (Mike) Fox’s staff for the past two-plus seasons. I’d like to thank Coach Fox for giving me my start. I’m looking forward to continuing to build upon what has been established here at UNCW.”

Woodard assisted with all aspects of the Tar Heel program, including the pitching staff under the direction of Associate Head Coach Scott Forbes. He also worked closely with the program’s strength and conditioning program and on-campus recruiting.

Woodard has served as pitching coach this summer for the Orleans Firebirds, who are second in the Cape Cod League with a 3.73 ERA and top the league in opponent’s batting average (.239).

In 2011, UNC-CH pitchers posted the third most strikeouts in program history and Patrick Johnson’s 13 wins marked just the fourth time a Tar Heel had earned at least 13 victories in a season. Johnson was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 2011 draft.

The 2012 edition of the Tar Heels led the ACC and ranked fourth nationally with a 2.66 earned run average. The pitching staff stood seventh among NCAA schools in strikeouts per nine at 8.5.

During Woodard’s coaching career at UNC, the Tar Heels posted a record of 97-32 and played in the College World Series in 2011.

As a player, Woodard concluded his career as the program’s all-time winningest pitcher with a four-year record of 34-5, including a perfect 22-0 mark at Boshamer Stadium. He earned All-ACC honors three times and finished among the circuit’s all-time leaders in wins and innings pitched. As the anchor of the pitching staff, Woodard helped the Tar Heels to the championship series of the CWS in 2006 and 2007.

Woodard graduated from Chapel Hill in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in management and society. In 2006-07, he was recipient of the Patterson Medal given to UNC’s most outstanding student-athletes.

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