Sept. 23, 2013
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - WKU head baseball coach Matt Myers introduced Casey Dykes as a volunteer assistant coach and Devin Kelly as an undergraduate assistant coach for the 2014 season on Monday morning.
Dykes moves into the volunteer assistant coach role after spending the 2013 season as a graduate assistant for the Hilltoppers. His graduate assistant duties entailed in assisting in day-to-day operations and organizing WKU baseball camps, while also working with the infielders.
As WKU's new volunteer assistant coach, Dykes will oversee the day-to-day operations of the WKU Baseball program and continue his organization of WKU Baseball camps.
"I'm excited to give Casey more responsibility after his tremendous effort as our graduate assistant in 2013," said Myers. "He's a tireless worker, connects well with our student-athletes and has a bright future in the coaching profession."
Dykes played in 185 games during his WKU career from 2009-12, posting a career batting average of .284 and .382 slugging percentage. He started 174 games at third base for the Hilltoppers, driving in 95 RBI and blasting 11 home runs.
Kelly joins the WKU coaching staff as an undergraduate assistant after spending the last two seasons as WKU's starting catcher. During the 2012-13 seasons, Kelly hit .253 at the plate, recording 50 RBI and hitting eight home runs. He was instrumental in calling pitches for WKU's pitchers, leading the team to a combined 4.62 ERA during his time at the plate.
"Devin is a great addition to our staff," said Myers. "He showed fantastic leadership as our catcher the past two seasons and will work well with our returning catchers this season."
MERCER RETURNS TO ALMA MATER IN FULL-TIME ROLE
Jeff Mercer, who served as WKU's volunteer assistant coach during the 2012-13 seasons, has been named an assistant coach with his alma mater Wright State. Mercer worked with pitchers and outfielders during his time at WKU and also oversaw the day-to-day operations of the WKU Baseball program. He returns to Wright State, where he was a Third-Team All-American in 2009 after hitting .357 with 26 doubles and 74 RBI.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for Jeff to return to his alma mater and I couldn't be happier for him," said Myers. "Jeff did an excellent job handling our operations and was a strong presence on our staff. I wish him nothing but the best as he continues his coaching journey."
