June 29, 2007

LAURINBURG, N.C.—Brian Mand, St. Andrews Presbyterian College Director of Athletics, has announced Keith Williams as the head baseball coach for the Knights effective immediately.

“I am extremely honored by the opportunity to lead the St. Andrews baseball program. St. Andrews is an excellent academic institution offering a wide range of programs and a high level of commitment to their student’s success both in and out of the classroom,” said Williams.

Williams comes to St. Andrews after spending the past nine years as the head baseball coach for NCAA Division III Rutgers University at Camden.

“Keith Williams has the educational, coaching and professional background that will fit right in with the St. Andrews community,” said Mand. “He comes highly recommended by fellow coaching and baseball colleagues throughout the country, including Brian Cashman, New York Yankees General Manager and a college teammate and Fred Hill, legendary Rutgers University at New Brunswick head baseball coach. He has a vast network, both nationally and internationally, which will allow him to attract a diverse and high quality student-athlete to St. Andrews”.

Williams will be taking over a successful Knights baseball program that includes a winning record in the team’s 12 year NCAA Division II era and a CVAC Tournament Championship in 2000.

“As a coach, I feel the potential for success is boundless at St. Andrews and I am looking forward to getting the program back to the top of the conference on the field, while helping the student-athletes excel both on the diamond and in the classroom,” added Williams.

Williams, who captured his 150th victory last season, has produced Scarlet Raptors baseball teams that consistently rank among the top contenders in the powerful New Jersey Athletics Conference. Williams has won 161 games in a Rutgers-Camden uniform (record), leading the Scarlet Raptors to their five highest victory totals in the schools history including a program-record 32 wins in 2002.

“Keith has a great baseball mind and really gets the most out of his players,” said J.J. Picollo, the Director of Player Development for the Kansas City Royals and former player at NC State and George Mason. “Rutgers-Camden has come a long way since Keith took over the program and he will have the same impact at St. Andrews. His enthusiasm and drive will help St. Andrews reach its potential.”

While setting numerous records and accomplishments at Rutgers-Camden, Williams highlights include coaching nationally ranked teams in four different years, being named the NJAC Coach of the Year in 2002, and winning the ECAC Metro Championship in 2003.

The Scarlet Raptors success has been a reflection of Williams own philosophy that hard work, dedication, and team unity form a foundation of success.

“His (Williams) philosophical approach to coaching baseball and his experience in building the Rutgers-Camden program from the ground up into a regional and national power has prepared him for the task at hand to revitalize the Knights baseball tradition both on and off the field,” expressed Mand.

Williams graduated from The Catholic University of America with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering while playing ball for the Cardinals for four years. Williams later earned a Master of Science in Administration, Sports and Recreation from West Chester University in 2003.

Williams’ knowledge of baseball is vast with experience at all levels including college, professional, high school, clubs, camps, and clinics.

“I am excited by the challenge of taking the next step in my coaching career, and feel that I have found the perfect fit at St. Andrews. Through hard-work and dedication, my plan is to build a program that will excel on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.”

If you are interested in being a member of the St. Andrews baseball program under Coach Williams, please contact Admissions at 1-800-763-0198.