August 11, 2005

LAURINBURG, NC—St. Andrews Presbyterian College Athletic Director Howard Reichner announced Thursday that Chris Chaffinch has been selected as the head coach of the Knights baseball program.

“I am elated that Chris will lead our baseball program at St. Andrews,” said Reichner. “He has worked very hard as a coach and as a mentor. I wish both Chris and the team a successful year both in the classroom and on the field.”

Chaffinch had spent the past three years working as an assistant coach under former head coach Bobby Simmons. In his time at St. Andrews, Chaffinch’s hard work and dedication made him a top choice for the job.

“I would like to thank Howard Reichner and the rest of the administration for the opportunity to coach at St. Andrews,” expressed Chaffinch. “I also want to thank Bobby Simmons for bringing me in here as an assistant and allowing me to grow as an assistant which has led me to become the head coach.”

Over the past three years the Knights have improved on their win total each year with Chaffinch as an assistant. Last season St. Andrews’ 32-22 record was its best mark since 1997. The Knights improved in the Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference regular season standings each year and finished third in the CVAC Tournament the past two years.

“The type of ball will not change much being we all (coaching staff) worked together on ideas,” explained Chaffinch. “It’s a system we came up with together with Bobby and I will not have to change much.”

“Since I have been here for three years and been involved in all of the ins and outs of the team, I believe we will continue to be successful. Both the players and myself are expecting big things this season.”

While at St. Andrews, Chaffinch was responsible for the instruction and development of the hitters, outfielders, and base runners. The Knights batted .312 in 2004 and .319 in 2005 under Chaffinch. Recruiting coordination, fundraising, unofficial/official recruiting visits, strength and conditioning of players, and field upkeep were other responsibilities Chaffinch held as an assistant.

Before coming to SAPC, Chaffinch spent one season at a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater, Wesley College (Delaware). Chaffinch graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Chaffinch continued his education at Wesley and earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management in 2002.

Chaffinch played four years of collegiate baseball at Wesley, where he was a starting outfielder. In his playing career, Chaffinch set Wesley records in games played, stolen bases, hits, home runs, triples, batting average, RBI, runs, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage.

Chaffinch was a Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) MVP, Wesley College MVP, Regional All-American, three-time First Team All-PAC Outfielder, three-time All-ECAC Outfielder, two-time All-Mid-Atlantic Region Outfielder, NABF World Series All-Star, and a two-time team captain.

Chaffinch will also continue to teach in the business department at St. Andrews. Chaffinch has had experience as a visiting faculty member, residential director, administrative assistant/facility manager, and tutor coordinator at St. Andrews.

“I’m very happy that the process is over and am excited to get the school year started and especially the spring season,” concluded Chaffinch.

Back