Jeff Curtis resigns, Darin Thomas appointed new head coach
Nov. 15, 2007
An eight-year career at UT Arlington - highlighted by two trips to the NCAA tournament - ended Thursday when Mavericks baseball coach Jeff Curtis announced his resignation, effective immediately.
Pete Carlon, UTA's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, announced that Associate Head Coach Darin Thomas has been appointed as Curtis's replacement.
"I want to thank Jeff for his contributions to our baseball program and wish him the best in his future endeavors," Carlon said. "He took over a program during a difficult time in 2001 and, along with Darin Thomas, continued to build a nationally-respected program. He has been the steward of a program that has had tremendous success during his tenure with two NCAA Tournament appearances, four former student-athletes who played in the Major Leagues last season and dozens of all-conference performers. He is well-respected in the baseball coaching profession, and we will miss him greatly. We certainly respect his decision."
Curtis, 40, took over the UTA program on July 12, 2001, after serving as an assistant coach for two seasons under Clay Gould, who passed away after a battle against cancer. With Curtis taking over head coaching duties and Thomas assisting, the Mavericks advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and defeated Houston, 7-6, in the regional tournament.
Curtis finishes his Mavericks career with a record of 166-188 after six years as head coach.
The win total is the second-most in UTA history behind the 756 victories earned by former coach Butch McBroom.
"I appreciate the opportunity UT Arlington gave me over the past six years," said Curtis. "It is every boy's dream to spend a part of their life around baseball. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and pursue other business endeavors."
Thomas, now in his eighth year with the program, becomes the sixth head coach in the program's history. UT Arlington opens the 2008 season Feb. 22 against Arkansas-Little Rock at Clay Gould Ballpark at 3 p.m.
"Coach Thomas is a man of great character and unquestioned integrity and an outstanding baseball coach who has earned the opportunity to lead this program," Carlon said. "I believe this appointment will be well-received by both our baseball student-athletes and our baseball alumni. I am confident he will continue to build upon our rich baseball tradition at UT Arlington."
Jeff Curtis
Age: 40
Hometown: Ogallala, Neb.
Education: Nebraska-Kearney, 1996; Pittsburg (Kan.) State, 1998
Year Record Postseason 2002 29-29 SLC Tournament 2003 37-25 SLC Tournament Runner-Up 2004 32-26 SLC Tournament 2005 26-32 SLC Tournament 2006 29-36 SLC Tournament Champions; NCAA Tournament 2007 13-40 Overall 166-188
Career Highlights at UTA
- Led UTA to its third NCAA Tournament appearance in 2001 and fourth national berth in 2006
- Set school record with 18 Southland Conference victories in 2003.
- Coached 12 MLB draft picks
- Coached four players who have made their Major League debuts
Congratulations to Coach Thomas, he is a first class guy.
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