Western Illinois' baseball team will be greeting some new faces to the coaching staff for the upcoming next season. Head Coach Terry Davis officially hired two assistant coaches and a graduate assistant, each with their own style of experience and enthusiasm to bring to the Leathernecks. The new staff members will play a crucial role in shaping the players, recruiting the next generation of Leathernecks, and building the program's future.

The Leathernecks bring aboard Josh Merrigan as an assistant coach. Josh will serve as the Pitching Coach/ Recruiting Coordinator for the Leathernecks. A native of Yankton, South Dakota, Merrigan has coached at Charleston Southern University, Radford, Youngstown State, and Highland Community College. A specialist in pitching, Merrigan will be instrumental in developing the success of the Leatherneck roster.

"Josh played at Oklahoma State, was drafted three times, played professional baseball, and has coached for over 20 years at the collegiate level. His experience at all levels will help us continue to move the program forward.

Among the new additions is assistant coach Will Christopherson, a Grand Rapids, Michigan native who played collegiately at the University of Iowa and Michigan State University before taking his baseball career professional with the Inland Empire 66ers. Will, will serve as the Outfield Coach and assist on the pitching side as well for the Leathernecks. Christopherson's time on the field and his knowledge of the game offer critical insight for the Leatherneck coaching staff.

"Will was a two way standout Power 5 Recruit to Michigan State and was the closer on the best team in the history of Iowa baseball. Not to mention his background in professional baseball as well. Will without a doubt will make our program better!"

The Leathernecks will also be having a friendly face on board as Brock Lummus joins as a graduate assistant. Brock will help the program in a variety of ways as he begins his coaching career. Lummus was a first baseman, designated hitter, and catcher for Western Illinois in the 2024 and 2025 seasons after beginning his collegiate career at Butler Community College. His experience on the field and knowledge of the program will prove to be an important contribution as he begins his coaching career in Macomb.

"I am really excited about Brock joining the staff. He has everything you look for in a young coach starting with work ethic and the ability to follow through and pay attention to detail. He will grow as a coach and will most certainly make our program better."
 

With Christopherson, Lummus, and Merrigan, Head Coach Terry Davis and the Leathernecks are starting the new season with a refreshed and balanced staff. Together, the team has professional, collegiate, and program-first experience that will benefit Western Illinois baseball and prepare the program for continued growth and success on and off the field.

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