NAMPA, Idaho - Northwest Nazarene University athletic director Rich Sanders has announced that Rich Wagner has been selected to lead the Crusader softball program.

Wagner brings 10 years of coaching experience with college-level student-athletes, having served as an assistant with the Crusader baseball program from 2001 to 2005 and as a head coach in the Boise Summer League (BSL) from 2007 to 2011.

"Rich brings a real passion for NNU which will be a great asset in recruiting," Sanders commented. 

Wagner graduated from NNU in 1999 with a degree in Political Science and enjoyed a four-year baseball career as a Crusader.  Rich earned the Eldon Beer Baseball Award in 1995 as the Crusaders top freshman player and was a second-team All-Cascade Collegiate Conference team member in both 1997 and 1998.

"Rich has experience as an assistant baseball coach at NNU and as a successful head coach in the Boise Summer League," Sanders added.  "I believe he will make a smooth transition to softball."  Wagner's teams have compiled a 98-63 record over the past five seasons in the BSL, including a championship in 2010.

"I would like to thank President Alexander, Rich Sanders, the athletic department and the NNU community for this incredible opportunity," Wagner commented.  "It's a privilege to be able to continue my lifelong passion of coaching and mentoring at NNU."

"Rich is a great mission fit and will provide quality leadership on and off the playing field," Sander continued.  "As a former NNU student-athlete and former assistant baseball coach, he has a strong network in the valley and beyond of alumni and constituents."

"I have had a passion for this institution for 18 years, having the opportunity to start my collegiate career in 1994 as a student-athlete, my coaching career as an assistant in 2000 and now leading the softball team is like a dream come true."

Off the field, Wagner has served as a Intensive Behavioral Interventionist since 2002 with both Advocates For Inclusion and Community Partnerships of Idaho.

"I am excited to start the recruiting process and get to know our current players, which are the first steps toward our hard work this fall."