COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland baseball announced title promotions for coaches Jim Belanger and Rob Vaughn Tuesday. Belanger has been promoted to associate head coach, while Vaughn's has been promoted to assistant head coach.
“This is well-deserved and an acknowledgement of their importance to our program,” said head coach John Szefc. “The successes of this past season would not have been possible without their diligent work. It is a strong indication of their and Maryland's commitment to the program. They have been invaluable in the development of our student-athletes and have worked diligently on the recruiting trail. Consistency is important and to have them on-board is vital.”
This past season, Belanger oversaw a pitching staff that totaled a Maryland single-season record 500 strikeouts and ranked 12th nationally averaging 8.1 strikeouts-per-nine innings. He also oversaw the development of righty Jake Stinnett, who was drafted in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs a year after being selected in the 29th round, and helped Mike Shawaryn earn freshman All-American honors from Baseball America, Louisville Slugger and the NCBWA.
Vaughn developed Maryland's hitters into one of the hottest units in the country at the end of the season. As a club, Maryland hit .294 with 47 extra-base hits during its 15-4 stretch from May 1 through the Charlottesville Super Regional.
Vaughn, who also serves as recruiting coordinator, tutored second baseman Brandon Lowe, who ranked second in the ACC in batting (.348) and has been named to three freshman All-America teams (Baseball America, Louisville Slugger and NCBWA). He also assisted in the development of centerfielder Charlie White, selected in the 21st round of the MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs, and shortstop Blake Schmit, taken in the 26th round of the MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins.
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