Sterling, Kan. – Sterling College Athletic Director Gary Kempf announced today that Interim Head Baseball Coach Adrian Dinkel has had the Interim title removed and will be Sterling’s new Head Baseball Coach, replacing Jared Hamilton who resigned on June 17.

“We are excited to have the experience that Adrian brings to Sterling,” said Kempf. “Having coached both in the region and at the junior college level has prepared Adrian with the knowledge of the Midwest and recruiting that, coupled with the excitement level and work ethic of a first time head coach, will improve our baseball program on the field while Adrian’s spiritual leadership will improve our baseball program off the field.”

Dinkel takes over a squad that finished second in the KCAC with a 20-8 conference record and an overall record of 28-25 in 2011.

“I am extremely excited to be here at Sterling College,” said Dinkel. “I look forward to building the program and getting started not only on the field, but off the field as well. I look forward to helping these young men pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ while providing a highly competitive baseball environment. Also, I want to thank Gary Kempf and Dr. Maurer for giving me the opportunity to lead this quality program as a first time head coach.”

Last season, Coach Dinkel served as the Warrior’s pitching coach. In 2011, Coach Dinkel’s pitching staff went 31-22 with five saves with an ERA of 4.27. Two of Coach Dinkel’s pitchers, Wes Tramble and Danny Valenzuela, were named All-KCAC First Team, and Tramble was also named KCAC Pitcher of the Year.

Prior to arriving at Sterling College, Coach Dinkel spent two seasons as the Head Assistant/Recruiting Coordinator at Clarendon College in Texas (2008-2010). While at Clarendon, Coach Dinkel helped lead the bulldogs to two regional births which put Clarendon College in the national polls on a consistent basis. In his two seasons the bulldogs had a record of 79-33.

Coach Dinkel spent 2005-2008 at Bethany College. He served as Associate Head Coach/Pitching/Head Recruiting Coordinator under then head coach Matt Tramel. During his tenure he helped guide the Swedes to the NAIA regional tournament in each of his seasons, in addition to winning three KCAC conference championships. Along the way he was instrumental in helping the Swedes break the conference record for wins, with over 40 wins in each season.

During this span Coach Dinkel’s pitching staff’s were considered among the NAIA’s elite; leading the country in least hits allowed per game and finishing in the top ten in team ERA as well as finishing in the top five in least walks allowed. During this run the Swedes were a perennial top 25 program finishing as high as tenth in the country. In his time at Bethany he helped amass a record of 132-44.

Coach Dinkel has coached many All-Conference performers which include seven NAIA All-Americans, two NJCAA All-Americans, four Conference pitchers of the year, three Conference players of the year, and numerous All-Region players.

Coach Dinkel has coached over 20 players that have gone on to sign a professional contract.

Coach Dinkel prepped at Cyprus High School in Magna, UT, where he was considered one of the top prep players in the state. He then spent two years in junior college before moving on to Bethany College. It was here that he helped lead the Swedes to the KCAC championship, as well as the programs highest national ranking. The Swedes finished the year with 49 wins, and Dinkel finished the year with a 10-2 record on his way to being named an All-Conference performer.

Coach Dinkel earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Bethany College, and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Sports Administration from East Central University.

Coach Dinkel is from Magna, Utah. He currently resides in Salina, Kansas with his wife Gidget. Adrian and Gidget plan to move to Sterling to start the next chapter in their lives together.