CENTRAL — Chris Williams, Director of Athletics at Southern Wesleyan University, has announced that Ed Deugan has been hired as the Softball program's new head coach.

Deugan brings solid credentials with him to the softball program, having earned his Master of Arts in Athletic Administration from the University of Iowa. He has also been certified as a 3-star Master Coach by the National Fastpitch Coaches College.

Deugan brings with him experience at the NCAA Division I level as he previously served as an assistant coach at Colgate University during the 2008 season and Tennessee State University from 2004-2006. While at Colgate, his main responsibility was working with pitchers and catchers. In addition to that responsibility, Deugan prepared scouting reports, assisted with infield and outfield defense, and worked in recruiting and clinics. While at Tennessee State, his focus was on coaching hitters, outfields, and catchers, while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.

In addition to his experience as an assistant coach, Deugan has been a head coach at the collegiate level. From 2004 to 2006, he was the head coach at Andrew College, which is a junior college in Cuthbert, Ga. Deugan was also the head coach for the Westminster College softball program during the 2000 season. Deugan's experience isn't limited to collegiate softball as he's also been involved with high school softball as both a head coach and assistant coach.

SWU Director of Athletics Chris Williams is thrilled to have Ed joining the staff saying, "Getting a coach with Ed's experience and passion will help energize the program. It was a lengthy process hiring the new coach, but I believe the process allowed us to hire the right person for the program. With a veteran team returning along with some new faces, I'm eager to see the program improve and be more competitive in both the SSAC and NCCAA South Region.

After finishing the 2008 regular season with a 16-40 record, the Warriors made a strong showing at the SSAC Tournament. After dropping their opening game 2-0 to Shorter College, the eventual tournament champion, the Warriors defeated Brewton Parker College 2-1 and suffered a tough 4-1 loss in 11 innings to Emmanuel College.

Deugan will make his SWU dugout debut on Friday, February 6, when Southern

Wesleyan hosts Mars Hill College for a doubleheader.