Friday, June 29, 2012

MONMOUTH, Ore. -- Kellen Walker will be the interim head coach of the Western Oregon baseball team during the 2013 season.

Walker takes over rein of a program that has won 11 straight GNAC titles (12 overall) and reached the NCAA West Regional in back-to-back seasons.

"I couldn't be happier to have coach Walker agree to continue serving as head coach through the 2013 season," said WOU athletic director Daniel Hare.

"What he has helped build here at Western Oregon over the past six years is one of the best baseball programs in all of Division II. I have no doubt that under his leadership the program will continue its tradition of excellence."

Walker has been an assistant coach for the past six seasons, during which time the Wolves compiled a 212-93 record. His duties included being the hitting coach, infield instructor and recruiting coordinator.

This season he helped three Wolves infielders earn All-West Region honors. He also assisted in guiding Western Oregon to the school's best-ever fielding percentage (.973).

A native of Roseburg, Ore., Walker played collegiately for two seasons at Lassen CC in Susanville, California, twice earning all-conference honors. He then played two seasons at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego (2005-06) as a second baseman. As a senior, Walker hit .283 with 32 RBI and 11 stolen bases.