WWU names McAndrews as baseball coach

The William Woods University baseball program's search for its next head coach didn't extend any further than its own dugout.

School athletic director Jason Vittone announced Thursday that assistant coach Craig McAndrews has been promoted to direct the Owls. McAndrews - a William Woods assistant since 2006 - replaces Darren Munns, who was named the new head coach at American Midwest Conference foe Columbia College last Tuesday.

"... (McAndrews) has been a valued member of our department for nine years and I can't think of a better person to lead our baseball program," Vittone said.

As an assistant coach with the Owls, McAndrews has served as recruiting coordinator and also worked with catchers and outfielders. Under McAndrews' guidance, William Woods has had some of its best recruiting classes in school history.

"It's an honor to be named head coach, for sure," said McAndrews, an Omaha, Nebraska, native. "It's hard to follow such a great coach and person, but I'm glad I had nine years to learn from one of the best around in coach Munns.

"I'm excited to become the head coach and my plan is to keep the tradition of William Woods baseball that we have built."

The Owls finished this past season with a 39-14 record and qualified for the NAIA national tournament for the third time in the last five years.

This will be the first head coaching job for McAndrews, who will benefit from his recruiting ties and familiarity with the AMC.

"Yes, those things make it easier, but it's still a challenge because this conference is so good - top to bottom - every year, as we had four teams make the national tournament this past season," McAndrews said. "I also look forward to keeping the Owls on track in the classroom and on the field.

"Our expectations are always high and we want to continue to compete and win in conference play. We will play hard every single day and be good student-athletes."

McAndrews graduated from William Woods with a bachelor's degree in sports management in 2007, then earned his master's degree in athletic administration in 2009.