Michael "Mick" Bigwood begins his first season as an Assistant Baseball Coach with UMES. Bigwood will be the Hawks' pitching coach for the 2008 campaign.

As pitching coach Bigwood will be responsible for day-to-day practice schedules for all pitchers, assist in determining the role of each pitcher on the staff and help set the rotation. Bigwood will also have duties on the recruiting and administrative side of the program.

Bigwood graduated from Delaware Valley College (DelVal) in 2005 with a degree in Sports Management. At DelVal, Bigwood was a four year letter winner and two time team captain. The club won the ECAC Championship in 2004.

Statistically Bigwood was all over the record books, ranking sixth all time in career wins and strikeouts. He is fourth all time in innings pitched (197.2) and holds the single season record for appearances with 19.

Bigwood is a former teammate of current Hawks' assistant coach Brandon McCabe. The two played together at Delaware Valley in the 2002-2004 seasons.

"I am really excited about having Mick involved with our program," said Head Coach William Gardner. "He will be a tremendous asset to our pitching staff. Mick will be able to relate to our pitchers well because of the type of pitcher he was in college. He followed a very similar philosophy during his playing career, so the learning curve should be a short one. We have outlined some team-oriented goals for the pitching staff and I'm sure Mick's presence will help us achieve those objectives," added Gardner.

Bigwood has played internationally on summer tours in the Czech Republic and in Holland. He also served as an assistant coach at Gloucester Catholic High School, leading them to a 2007 Parochial B New Jersey State Championship. He is originally from Mullica Hill, N.J. where he attended Clearview Regional High school.

Currently Bigwood resides in Millsboro, Del.

Bigwood inherits a pitching staff that is somewhat untested. Having graduated ace Dustin Longchamps, who played professionally this summer with the Utica Brewmasters, the Hawks return only two starters. Mike Roberts, who was a converted closer from the 2006 season, and Kenny Richardson, who was primarily a third baseman, are it for returning starting pitching. Roberts started 15 games on the hill while Richardson had nine starts.

Relief wise UMES brings back senior Daniel Sterling who made 18 appearances last year and Carl Huber, who appeared in 19 games, earning the only save of the regular season. Brian White is the only other returning pitcher who saw action in 2007. UMES lost five players who saw time on the mound last season.

The addition of juniors Russel Deutschmann, Elliott Arrington, and freshman Matt Witte will add depth to the pitching staff.

"I am excited to get to work. We have a lot of talent and untapped potential here. I think we can make this a competitive pitching staff that will keep the team in games and allow our offense to secure some wins," said Bigwood.