MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (July 13, 2006) --- After a year at the helm of the Milligan College baseball program, head coach Bernie Young announced his resignation today. Young said the demands of college-level coaching were greater than he anticipated and he would like to devote more time to his family.

Young spent the 2004 season as an assistant coach with the Buffaloes before assuming primary leadership for the program in August 2005. He previously coached at Science Hill High School (Johnson City, Tenn.) from 1997 to 2003, Happy Valley High School (Elizabethton, Tenn.) from 1990 to 1997, and Bristol (Tenn.) College from 1982 to 1985.

The Buffaloes finished the 2006 season with a 19-30 record and sixth place finish in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Young has recruited a strong class for the 2007 season and has several solid players returning.

"Bernie was a good leader for our program and his Christian example was very much appreciated,” said Mark Fox, Vice President for Student Development. “He was a valuable addition to our coaching staff and I am saddened by his decision.”

Fox said that Athletic Director and Assistant Coach Ray Smith will assume head coaching responsibilities and 2005 graduate Nathan Meade will step up as a full-time assistant coach.

Smith is no stranger to Buffalo baseball, having coached with the team for 10 years. A longtime professional player with the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres and Oakland A’s, Smith continues to manage in the Twins’ system during the summer months.

“Smith will make sure we don’t miss a beat during this transition,” said Fox. “The team will be in a very solid position for the 2007 season.”

For more information, please contact Mark Fox at 423.461.8760 or Ray Smith at 423.461.8990.

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