University names head baseball coach

Paul Wyczawski, an assistant collegiate coach in Kentucky, has been named the new head coach after a three-month search that included more than 100 applicants.

Paul Wyczawaki

Wyczawski (pronounced WHY-CHOW-SKI) comes from a six-year run of assistant coach at Murray State University and brings with him more than 25 years of coaching experience.

Wyczawski played baseball at South Dakota State and was a two-time letter winner for the Jackrabbits and All-NCC. He served as team captain his senior year and earned All-North Central Conference honors after hitting .375 with 22 runs scored, 20 walks and eight stolen bases.

"I am very humbled and excited to be named the next head baseball coach. It is a tremendous opportunity and challenge, and one that I am extremely excited to begin," Wyczawski said.

Dr. Howard Patterson, vice president of student affairs, said candidates showed such a tremendous interest in the position because the new coach would succeed James Vilade, the first and only head baseball coach for the University, and the nationally recognized program he helped build.

"This was the most talented pool of applicants of any position here. That reflects well on the staff being cohesive and Tyler as a great community," Patterson said.

"The opportunity to lead a program of UT Tyler's stature is a dream come true. Coach Vilade has developed a nationally recognized program and it is my goal to continue that success and build on it," Wyczawski said.

Wyczawski's salary is $40,000 for head baseball coach. The athletic director position is being filled by Patterson who held the position before Vilade took over in the summer of 2008.

Vilade ended his career as head baseball coach and athletic director as of June 16 to become vice president of the Premiere Baseball Academy in Dallas and a scout with the Florida Marlins.

"I am very impressed with the genuine concern Dr. Patterson and the committee had for the student-athletes at UT Tyler," Wyczawski said. "The passion that they have to be successful, not just in baseball, but in all aspects of the educational process was very evident and something that really impressed me."