Bryan Engle, a 2003 graduate of Messiah, enters his third year as head coach in the 2009-2010 school year.
“Not only as an alumnus of Messiah, but especially as an alumnus of the baseball program, I am excited to be coaching at Messiah,” said Engle. “I cannot speak enough about the experiences I have been given at Messiah through my time as a student-athlete. It has been a passion of mine to give back to Messiah, specifically in the baseball program, and I am glad to be able to do that in this role.”
In Engle’s first season at Messiah, the spring of 2008, he directed the Falcons to a Commonwealth Championship and into the NCAA Division III National Tournament. Along the way, Engle’s squad tied the school record for wins with 28.
During Engle’s playing days, he co-captained the Falcons to their first Commonwealth Conference baseball championship and NCAA Division III National Tournament appearance during his senior year. In that season, Engle was named the Commonwealth Conference Pitcher of the Year in addition to being named a 3rd team Mid-Atlantic Region All-American.
In his career, Engle stands in the Top 10 in numerous career pitching categories. At the time of his graduation, Engle stood second in career victories, sixth in career complete games, sixth in career winning percentage, second in career innings pitched, second in career strikeouts and sixth in career E.R.A. The right-handed pitcher also holds the career pick-off record, with 16.
A native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Engle was a four-sport athlete at Donegal High School (Mount Joy, PA) competing in football, soccer, basketball and baseball. After his days at Messiah, Engle attended the University of Kentucky where he was a graduate assistant in Athletics Administration while working on his Master’s Degree. While there, Engle had the opportunity to work with many of the finest programs in the country as the Nike Logistics Coordinator. Besides administrative duties, Engle had the opportunity to work hands-on with many of the athletic teams in a close environment.
“Seeing a top caliber program from the inside was a special treat,” stated Engle. “I grew up a Kentucky fan, so having the opportunity to study there and work with many outstanding administrators, coaches and student-athletes was a wonderful opportunity to learn from the best. Whether I was at a baseball or basketball practice, or a football or soccer game, I was constantly attempting to talk to the coaches about the leadership style, their ideas, and their passions. I knew it was a great opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the country.”
At Messiah, the baseball program has seen a significant rise to the regional level over the past decade. In 2003, the Falcons qualified for the NCAA Division III National Tournament for the first time (finishing third in the New York Regional). Two years later, in 2005, Messiah returned to the NCAA Tournament. In Engle’s first year leading the program, he guided the Falcons to a Commonwealth Championship and appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Three Falcons since 2005 have also taken their passions for baseball to the professional stage. In 2005, RHP Dave Henninger was picked up in the 21st round by the Kansas City Royals. A few days later, catcher Chris Regan got the call from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to sign as a free agent. One year later, junior CF Chris Heisey (Donegal HS), was drafted in the 17th round by the Cincinnati Reds.
“I think many people are unaware of how good some Division III baseball can be,” said Engle. “Each year, there are many Division III players from across the country that are drafted to play in the professional ranks. At Messiah, we have been blessed to have some great players come through the program and get the opportunity to play pro ball. For young ballplayers that are looking for a great Christian education, an environment to grow in many areas, and a very competitive baseball program, Messiah is a great fit.”
Engle resides in nearby Mechanicsburg. He is also serves as the Assistant Sports Information Director at Messiah in addition to teaching in the Sports Management department.