DIAMOND HAWKS ADD OXENDINE TO COACHING STAFF

WILMINGTON, N.C. UNC Wilmington head baseball coach Mark Scalf has announced the hiring of former Coastal Carolina standout catcher Chad Oxendine as volunteer assistant coach. Oxendine was a four-year letterwinner for the Chanticleers.

"We're fortunate to have Chad join our staff," said Scalf. "He was a key part of a very successful program at Coastal and he knows what it takes to win on a consistent basis."

Oxendine, a native of Rowland, N.C., helped lead the Chants to four straight Big South tournament titles, four appearances in the NCAA tournament and a 171-80 record (.684 winning pct.) over that span. While with the Chanticleers, he served as captain his junior and senior seasons.

"I am excited to work with the players and be a part of a tremendous coaching staff," said Oxendine. "During my career, I always looked forward to playing UNCW. They were tough and competed for all nine innings."

As a senior in 2004, Oxendine hit .302 and was named second-team All-Big South. His career batting average was .281 and he started 154 games. He graduated in 2004 with a degree in Sports Management.

Oxendine signed with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent following his senior season in Conway and was assigned to Bristol of the Appalachian League.

Following one season in the minors, he took over the helm of the Front Royal Cardinals of the Shenandoah Valley League in 2005. Front Royals posted a 22-21 mark during the regular season and qualified for the playoffs.

Oxendine will work primarily with the catchers and assist with the Dugout Club.