ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University has officially announced the retirement of head baseball coach Doug Shanks.
Shanks, who replaced longtime head coach Cleotha Wilson in 2000, served in his capacity for 14 seasons, winning more than 250 games while leading the Delta Devils to five SWAC Eastern Division championships. MVSU last advanced to the SWAC Tournament championship game in 2012.
The Delta Devils’ best record during Shanks’ tenure came in 2004 when Valley finished 35-23 before falling to Texas Southern in the SWAC Tournament title game.
MVSU won at least 20 games in a season five times with Shanks at the helm, including a 29-29 record in 2003.
“It’s been a good run,” said Shanks, who will take over the Central Hinds Academy baseball program in January. “Valley is going in a positive direction with a new president and athletic director and I wish everyone the best.”
Some of the most memorable moments, according to Shanks, came when he witnessed his team defeat Jackson State, Delta State and even Southeastern Conference (SEC) opponents. MVSU defeated the University of Alabama, 8-3, in 2012.
After 14 seasons in the Valley dugout, many of Shanks’ former student-athletes have gone on to become dentists, doctors, coaches and everything in between.
“That’s what I’m most proud of,” said Shanks, who was last hire of former longtime MVSU athletic director Charles Prophet. “I got a chance to see these kids get their degrees and become not only good athletes, but good people.”
A press conference will be announced at a later date to recognize the hiring of the new MVSU head baseball coach.
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Retirement to another job?
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