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Former Wildcat named to Lopez's staff
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Friday August 24, 2001 |
Osburn Award-winner Casper new volunteer coach
Former UA baseball player and Kelsey Osburn Award-winner Jeff Casper became the newest member of new head coach Andy Lopez's coaching staff on Wednesday.
As the volunteer assistant coach for the upcoming season, Casper said he believes he can help develop the coach and player relationship within the team.
"I've been in the program for four years, so I can relate to the players," he said. "I can be a link to the players and coaches."
Though there were many interested parties for the position, Lopez said Casper's addition would vault the program into a new direction.
"There were a lot of applicants, but I wanted ties and traditions to this program that can help us get back to Omaha," Lopez said.
The new coaching duties for Casper include both on- and off-the-field work. Casper said coaching will give him a new angle on the game.
"I've finished playing, and now I want to coach baseball. This is the best thing I could imagine - from recruiting to working on the field - just to get a taste of coaching and get some experience."
Lopez agreed.
"We will include him everywhere and introduce him to every facet of the game," he said.
Since the position isn't either full-time or paying, Casper plans to work part-time elsewhere in the mornings. Not that it will be a problem for him - Casper is right at home here in the Old Pueblo.
Born in Tucson, Casper attended Salpointe High School. He was the baseball team captain during his junior and senior years as the starting shortstop. He was the 5A South Athlete of the year in his senior season and was also named to the first all-city and second all-state teams. He lettered in baseball, football and soccer.
Casper graduated from the University of Arizona in the spring and split time for the Wildcats as a catcher and infielder. Last year, in his final season, Casper batted .276 in 20 games. He received the Jim McConnell award, voted by teammates as the most inspirational player on the team. He also received the inaugural Osburn award, voted on by area professional scouts for the best hustle and work ethic throughout the year.
Now the recent graduate said he looks forward to his new job and the career possibilities that come with it.
"I now can get my foot in the door that acts as a stepping stone to possibly getting a paying job," he said.
Lopez and his coaching staff want to help Casper get the early experience.
"We're excited for him to start his coaching career," Lopez said.
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