(DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE – On Wednesday, Dawson Community College Baseball Coach Chris Lewis resigned to pursue other opportunities. Lewis had been the Buccaneers’ coach for the past two year, leading his team to a 3rd place finish both seasonss and producing the Conference Player of the Year both years.
Last season DCC had an 18-15 record and placed third in both the regular season and post-season conference tournament. The Bucs were also ranked in the NJCAA Division 2 Top 25 for the first time in program history. This year’s Conference Player of the Year, Reynaldo Pichardo, was selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.
Lewis had plenty of success on the field, but also made a big impact on the baseball facilities at the college that will be appreciated by future Buccaneer players and coaches for many years to come. He spearheaded the renovation of an indoor practice facility as well as the coach’s office, weight room, team room and locker room for baseball and softball. He also enhanced the field and did many things to honor former players who have excelled throughout the years in the classroom and on the field.
The players who played for him benefited from his coaching ability in baseball, school and life. Fourteen were named to the Academic All-Conference team and 8 were on the President’s Honor List this year. He also did a great job of helping his players move on to the four year level. Twenty five of his players over the past two years have earned scholarships to continue playing at the next level.
“We are grateful for what Coach Lewis has done for our program,” said athletic director Joe Peterson. “He is leaving it in better shape than what he found it. He worked hard at bringing in players and developing them. I know his guys really respected him and learned a lot from him. We wish Coach Lewis the best in his future endeavors. He has a bright future in coaching.”
With classes starting Wednesday, DCC is searching for a replacement to begin working with the 30 players expected to report this weekend.
