David Dawson named to head Kansas Wesleyan Baseball
By: David Toelle, KWU Sports Information

The Kansas Wesleyan University Athletic Department is pleased to announce David Dawson as the new Head Coach of Coyote Baseball. Dawson follows Tim Bellew, who coached at Wesleyan for 11 seasons, before leaving to take a position at Bemidji State University in Minnesota.

Dawson is familiar with the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and small college baseball, having spent eight years in the conference either playing or coaching. Dawson played collegiate baseball at Ottawa University for current coach Jarrod Titus before coaching two seasons with the Braves, where he was in charge of recruiting.

“Dave Dawson played for me for two years and was also my assistant coach. Dave is a fiery, knowledgeable baseball competitor,” Titus said. “Dave is a great hire for Kansas Wesleyan and he will make everything more difficult for every other baseball school in the conference.”

After Ottawa, Dawson coached at Higbee High School in Higbee, Mo., for two seasons. He then coached American Legion Post 199 from 1999 to 2003, while also coaching and teaching at Piper High School in Kansas City, Kan.

Dawson went on to the University of Saint Mary to earn his Master of Arts in Education degree in 2005, while also being assistant coach for the Spires. Dawson was the recruiting coordinator, hitting coach, and in charge of infield defense for Coach Rob Miller.

“I am very familiar with the KCAC, and what it takes to be successful in this conference,” Dawson said. “I have a good idea of what it takes to win, bring in quality players, and be successful overall.”

“ Salina is a good baseball town, and there’s lots of potential to grow. Dean Evans is a definite recruiting advantage. It’s easily the nicest stadium in the Kansas Conference,” Dawson said. “I was ready for a change of scenery, and Salina is closer to my family, which is a good thing.”

This last summer, Dawson also coached the MSBL Royals of the Ban Johnson League. The Royals were a group of select college players from the area.

"Dave has been a vital part to our program for the last two seasons,” Saint Mary coach Rob Miller said of Dawson. “He was a key to our KCAC Tournament title in 2005. We hate to lose him but understand the tremendous opportunity he has at KWU.”

Kansas Wesleyan University Director of Athletic Programs, Dr. Matthew Williams, had this to say about Dawson: “We are very fortunate to have David Dawson join our athletic family here at Kansas Wesleyan University. He brings to this program a willingness to be successful both in the classroom and out on the playing field. While interviewing Dave, I was very impressed how he stressed the importance of getting an education while having the opportunity for student-athletes to be able to participate in collegiate athletics.

“Success in the classroom and on the playing field goes hand in hand,” Dawson said. “Kansas Wesleyan University is headed in the right direction. There is a lot of positive energy towards quality programs, not only in athletics, but University wide. There are a lot of quality people here who want success in the classroom and want right types of student athletes to come to KWU. When you have that kind of energy success will come.

Dawson assumes his responsibilities beginning immediately.

“I would like for us to be competitive this year,” Dawson said. “It will be a disappointment not to make the KCAC Tournament. In the long term, I would like to challenge every year for the KCAC Championship.”

“In time, KWU baseball will compete for championships under his direction,” Miller added.

The Coyotes kick off the 2006 baseball season on February 4, against NCAA Division II opponent Fort Hays State University in Hays. The Coyotes open at home on March 7 against Central Christian College at Evans Stadium.

-- KWU SI --