Coker Tabs Harrigan as Baseball Coach

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College vice president of athletics and athletic facilities Dr. Lynn Griffin announced today that Luke Harrigan has been named the new head baseball coach for the Cobras.

"We are excited to have Luke join Coker and lead the baseball program," said Griffin. "He brings a proven track-record of success, a great deal of knowledge and experience, as well as a passion for the game to Coker. We feel confident that Luke will continue the success that Coach Schmotzer has established at Coker. "

Harrigan comes to Coker after five years as the head coach at Alderson-Broaddus University, where he has led the Battlers to five consecutive winning seasons with an overall record of 144-103, including a school-record 33 wins in 2015.  Under Harrigan's leadership, the Battlers have advanced to the conference tournament all five years and several players have earned conference, regional and national recognition. In 2016, Harrigan led the Battlers to a historic season with a record of 31-21. They won the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) title for the first time in school history and advanced to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional.  Nine players were named to the All-G-MAC teams and three received Conference Commissions Association All-Region honors.

"I want to thank Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Griffin and the search committee for allowing me the opportunity to lead the baseball program," said Harrigan. "It's an honor to continue the tradition and the success of the Coker baseball program that Coach Schmotzer has built.  My number one goal is to make the alumni and everyone affiliated with Coker proud of the product we have on and off the field."

Prior to his taking the helm at Alderson-Broaddus, Harrigan served as assistant coach at Adrian College from 2006-08 and again in 2010. During his time at Adrian he served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helping lead the program reached new heights by winning the 2008 NCAA Mideast Regional and making a trip to the NCAA Division III College World Series. The Bulldogs finished the 2008 season ranked No. 4 nationally. 

After the 2008 season, he served as an assistant at Division I Bowling Green State University before signing a contract to play professionally as a player/manager in the German Professional League. 

In 2010, Harrigan returned state side, heading back to Adrian where he helped the Bulldogs to back-to-back conference titles in 2010 and 2011. 

Harrigan also coached at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., in 2006 before returning to his alma mater. 

As a player, Harrigan led Adrian to its first out-right conference title in his senior season. He was a two-time First Team All Conference catcher and team MVP in his senior season. Upon graduation, Harrigan played summer ball for the Springfield Giants and won the Semi-Pro NABF Major Division World Series in Louisville, Ky. 

Originally from Urbana, Ohio, Harrigan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from Adrian College and a Masters Degree in Sports Management at the United State Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala.