Baseball

PAUL MORGAN NAMED PURPLE KNIGHTS' HEAD BASEBALL COACH
Essex Junction native and former Williams College standout becomes 19th coach in program history

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August 11, 2008                                                                   Contact: Seth Cole
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COLCHESTER, Vt. - Paul Morgan, an Essex Junction native and former standout shortstop at Williams College, has been named Head Coach of the Saint Michael's College varsity baseball program, it was announced on Monday. Morgan is the 19th head coach in the program's 96-year history, and only the third since the program was reinstituted as a varsity sport in 1990.

"We are excited to have Paul join the Saint Michael's community as head baseball coach," said Director of Athletics Geri Knortz. "His experiences as a student-athlete and coach, plus his local connections, make him a very good fit for this opportunity."

Morgan, who last week completed his tenure as an assistant coach with the Vermont Mountaineers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, spent the 2007-08 academic year as a mathematics teacher at The Salisbury (Conn.) School. While at Salisbury, Morgan served as the prep school's assistant baseball coach, helping the Crimson Knights compile a perfect 20-0 season this past spring. He also helped mentor Salisbury great Anthony Hewitt, a first-round draft choice by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Morgan had a stellar four-year career as the starting shortstop at Williams College. As a senior captain, Morgan led the Ephs to the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) West and NESCAC Tournament titles, and to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in six seasons. He was twice named All-NESCAC and All-New England by the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association, and was selected to the NCAA Division III New England Regional All-Tournament Team as a senior. Over his career, Morgan batted .361 with 208 hits, 129 runs batted in, and 119 runs scored.

For three summers as an undergraduate, Morgan played in the NECBL with the North Adams SteepleCats, and one summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League. He also served as an assistant coach for the Essex American Legion baseball team last summer.

TRANSACTION: Saint Michael's - Named Paul Morgan head baseball coach.