SEWARD, Neb. – A graduate assistant coach during the 2015-16 academic year, Bryce Berg has been promoted to full-time assistant on head coach Ryan Dupic’s Concordia University baseball coaching staff. Berg will work closely with hitters and catchers. He takes over the position previously held by Jake Waddle, who resigned in early July. Berg began his first day on the new job today (Aug. 1).
An alum of NCAA Division II Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Berg will continue to pursue his master’s degree in athletic administration at Concordia. He will also serve an athletic equipment management role.
“I want to thank Coach Dupic, Director of Athletics Devin Smith, Associate Director of Athletics Angela Muller, and the entire Bulldog family for this great opportunity to serve as the assistant baseball coach,” Berg said. “Coach Dupic has a sound knowledge and passion for the game of baseball that has aided in developing a culture that will allow the recent successes of the baseball program to continue on into the future. I am extremely blessed to be a part of a program on the rise and am excited to contribute to the development of our student-athletes here at Concordia in all areas of their lives. I look forward to working for a university that is so invested in serving people and helping them reach their goals while encouraging them to go out and serve the world as Christian leaders.”
Older brother of current Bulldog infielder Casey Berg, Bryce held down first base coaching duties as one of his responsibilities in 2016. Bryce aided a staff that steered Concordia to a 28-27 overall record, breaking a program record for wins in a single season. The 2016 Bulldogs also set new school standards for runs scored, home runs, hits, pitcher strikeouts and highest GPAC regular-season finish (fourth).
As a Viking baseball player, Bryce earned second team all-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference accolades while batting .392 with eight home runs as a senior in 2015. Academically, Bryce was named to the Dean’s List for four semesters. Prior to transferring to Augustana, Bryce spent two years at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
The Carroll, Iowa, native’s coaching experience includes a stint with his high school alma mater, Kuemper Catholic, as head freshman coach and varsity assistant in 2015. Bryce has also lent his services to outfits such as the Cyclones Baseball Organization, Carroll Merchants Legion Baseball and Carroll Classics Amateur Baseball.
This summer Bryce married Nicole, maiden name Williams.
Dupic’s staff also includes Nick Ginapp and Joe Carey. Ginapp specializes in infield and outfield defense while Carey serves as head coach for the junior varsity squad.
Statement from Director of Athletics Devin Smith
Coach Berg is energized and prepared to take this step in his professional career. He is inquisitive and his prior collegiate experience will help the Bulldogs in a number of areas. His engagement with the athletic department staff over the past year has been great and he is asking all the right questions to make sure this is a smooth transition into a full-time role. We are blessed to have someone on our current staff to fill this important role as an assistant coach and athletic equipment manager.
Statement from Head Coach Ryan Dupic
“Bryce is an excellent addition to the Concordia baseball program as well as the institution. He possesses a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving student-athletes that falls in line with the mission of Concordia University. He will do a great job in recruiting and challenging our student-athletes to reach new heights. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish within our program.”