Dennis Womack Retires As Head Baseball Coach At Virginia
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June 10, 2003
CHARLOTTESVILLE – Dennis Womack, the head baseball coach at the University of Virginia for the last 23 years, announced his retirement from that position on Tuesday (June 10) to accept an assistant athletic director position in the UVa athletic department. In his new position, Womack will assist in the management of athletic facilities, and game and event operations.
Womack’s Virginia teams compiled an overall record of 594-605-7, won an Atlantic Coast Conference Championship in 1996 and twice participated in the NCAA Tournament. He was named the ACC Baseball Coach of the Year in 1985. He coached 39 All-ACC selections (17 first-team selections), three All-Americans, three Academic All-Americans, and had 40 players selected in the Major League Baseball draft, including two first-round selections.
The Cavaliers compiled an overall record of 29-25 this spring and finished sixth in the ACC with a conference record of 11-12.
“This was a very difficult decision, but I feel it’s the right decision at this time,” the 56-year-old Womack said. “I have been offered a unique opportunity to contribute not just to Virginia baseball, but to Virginia’s overall athletic success. This position is a good match for me. It will allow me to use skills and contacts I’ve developed over the years of my association with the athletic department. I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to coach and I believe the timing is right for me to take this step.
“One of the things that made this decision so difficult was this year’s team. They are a special group with ability and a tremendous work ethic. They are a very close group that put the team first in everything they did. I believe I’m leaving our program in a very competitive position, given the many returning players and a solid incoming class of first-years and transfers. I will be a huge supporter of the program and will continue to do all I can to promote our team’s growing success.”
Womack joined the Virginia athletic department staff in 1978 as athletic ticket manager and assistant baseball coach. After two years as an assistant coach he took over the head coaching responsibilities prior to the 1980-81 academic year. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he was athletic ticket manager from 1978-84 and an assistant athletic director with responsibilities including facilities, compliance, housing, transportation, and event management from 1984-93.
“Dennis Womack has served the Department of Athletics not only as head baseball coach, but also in significant administrative roles,” said Virginia Athletic Director Craig Littlepage. “As our baseball coach, Dennis has worked diligently to field competitive teams even though our program rarely matched comparable programs in resource support. He leaves the baseball program having recently overseen the development of Davenport Field at the UVa Baseball Stadium, which is regarded as one of the finest collegiate baseball facilities in the nation.
“Dennis is well-respected within the University community and I’m pleased he has agreed to rejoin our administrative team on a full-time basis. As our department has grown in terms of facilities, we have not grown appropriately to oversee those venues. His experience at the University and in our department will allow us to better manage the use of our facilities.”
Womack commented on his return to athletic administration work.
“I’m excited about having the opportunity to once again work in athletic administration and provide assistance to our entire department,” Womack said. “I’m pleased about working in facilities and game management.
“I know I’m going to especially miss working with so many dedicated student-athletes and very talented assistant coaches. I also will miss the friendly interaction with opposing coaches and even helping the umpires clarify the rules!
“I feel good about our baseball program. The players returning next season provide a solid nucleus and we have a great new facility with wonderful support. I believe this baseball program has a bright future.”
Womack earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education from Auburn University. He is married to Catherine Womack, a UVa law school graduate and a partner in a local law firm.
A search will begin immediately for a successor to Womack as head baseball coach at Virginia.