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Davis & Elkins College head baseball coach Brett Ripley has announced the return of assistant coach Luke Petrice and the hiring of Heath Broughton and Lance VanNoy to the staff.
Petrice, who played collegiately at Glenville State University, returns for his second season with the Senators. His primary responsibility will be handling defensive alignments, while also coaching first base.
"Luke was a great addition to our program last year and I'm excited that he will be returning for a second year," said Ripley. "He has a great ability to manage our scouting reports and put our defensive players in the best positions to help our pitchers."
Broughton returns to D&E after playing for the Senators in 2015. He has coached and provided private lessons in the Elkins area and will handle the pitching coach responsibilities.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the work Heath can do with our pitching staff," said Ripley. "He brings the ability to develop our pitchers both mentally and physically to help them reach their full potential."
VanNoy put together one of the most successful offensive careers in a D&E uniform during his time playing for the Senators. He will be the hitting coach, while also working with the outfielders.
"Anytime you can add a coach with a playing background like Lance's you immediately make your team better," said Ripley. "His passion to develop hitters and develop individual plans will be a tremendous asset to our players."
Ripley is also excited that all three assistant coaches are originally from Elkins.
"Having three assistants that are from Elkins allows our program to build a special relationship within the community and provides excitement around the program," he said.
Ripley enters his second year as head coach after leading the Senators to an 8-40 (7-23 MEC) record in year one.
The Senators will open the 2024 season in Bristol, Tennessee, on Feb. 17-18 when they take on King University.