FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pike Liberal Arts School Names Allen Ponder
As New Head Baseball Coach
TROY – Pike Liberal Arts is very proud to announce the hiring of Coach Allen Ponder as its new head baseball coach, taking over for the retiring, Butch Austin who leaves Pike after a twenty year career in which he won 422 games and the 2012 state championship.
Upon the announcement of his hiring, Coach Ponder said, "It is such an honor to take over a program with such great tradition. The fact that Pike is in the mix for a state title year in and year out is a testament to the outstanding job that Coach Butch Austin has done over the years. It will be impossible to fill his shoes, but I look forward to the opportunity to coach the same great group of young men that had the privilege of learning from a legend. We will work hard to ensure that the success of Pike's baseball program continues.”
Coach Ponder has been employed by The Lakeside School since 2012. Coach Ponder is a graduate of Lee Scott Academy in Auburn. While at LSA, Coach Ponder was named Mr. Baseball in 2002 by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama. Coach Ponder played baseball at The University of Alabama and AUM where he was a pitcher and first baseman. Following his colligate career, he played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In addition to serving as head baseball coach, Coach Ponder will serve as head strength and conditioning coach, assist with the junior varsity baseball team, serve on the varsity football staff and assist with the school’s basketball program. Athletics Director, Gene Allen says, “We are proud to have Coach Ponder join our staff. He will be a big asset to the strength and conditioning of all of our student athletes and has a lot of baseball knowledge, taking over for a legend.” Becky Baggett, newly named headmaster, added “As Pike begins a new era in baseball we are very fortunate that Allen Ponder, a very successful and energetic coach has joined our team. I look forward to working with Coach Ponder and anticipate great things to continue in our baseball program and beyond.”
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