Head Coach Mike Stuhr

Stuhr, 30, continues striving toward his goal of taking the program to a higher level. Last season, the Eagles posted a 21-14 record, the most wins in a season since 1991.

"I am excited because I've always felt, by looking at the facilities, academics and overall athletic reputations, this is a great setting to have a successful college program," Stuhr said. "I think this is a great opportunity for me, and I continue to welcome it with a lot of energy and high goals."

Stuhr's career has come full circle. The 1990 graduate of UW-L was a three-year letterman as member of the baseball squad in 1986, '87 and '89.

Stuhr knows that getting the program to a higher level and maintaining it at that level is not going to be just a walk in the (ball)park.

"We have begun to raise the level of expectations that our players have of themselves." Stuhr said. "Our goals continue to be winning the WSUC championship, receiving a NCAA regional berth and ultimately playing in the Division III College World Series.

"However, we realize that the only way we will get there is by continued hard work by everyone involved."

Stuhr received a master's degree and served one season as an assistant coach at Kent State University before accepting the head coaching position at Davis & Elkins College, an NCAA II program in West Virginia. In two years, he compiled a 32-31-1 record and led the Senators to a division championship and their first post-season victory in 13 seasons.

Stuhr instills in the Eagles an aggressive approach to baseball which can be embodied in all aspects of the game.

"We will continue to be very aggressive in all phases of the game," he said. "Our goal is to put as much pressure as possible on our opponent during the course of a game."

Stuhr believes success begins with the basics. "You build and win with fundamentals," he said. "We try to keep what we do very simple, but we also strive to become very good at those things."

He also believes strongly in the importance of a positive player/coach relationship. "I think there needs to be a mutual respect between the player and the coach," Stuhr said. "As a player, if you have trust in what the coaching staff is trying to do, I think you'll be comfortable in the system and have a chance to play well."

Stuhr will be assisted this season by former Eagles' pitcher Steve Dannhoff, Brian McKeon, Gregg Langbehn, Tony Soika and Matt Washburn. McKeon and Langbehn have a combined 12 years of minor league pitching experience.

Stuhr and his wife, Pam, and children, Phillip and Andrew, reside in La Crosse.

Mike Stuhr
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Baseball
25 Mitchell Hall
La Crosse, WI 54601

or by phone at (608)785-8616