Buena Vista’s Dupic named head baseball coach

SEWARD, Neb. – Buena Vista University associate head coach/pitching coach Ryan Dupic (pronounced doo-pick) has accepted Concordia University’s offer to become head baseball coach, the athletic department announced on Tuesday (July 1). Dupic takes over for 16-year head coach Jeremy Geidel, who resigned his post on June 23. Dupic will begin recruiting efforts immediately prior to officially assuming his role as head coach on Monday, Aug. 4.

“I’m very excited to join the Concordia University family,” Dupic said. “My wife and I were very impressed by the university’s strong commitment to the spiritual, academic and athletic growth of each student-athlete. We are committed to being a part of that collective vision. It has always been a goal of mine to be a head coach, and I’m thrilled to have that opportunity at Concordia. I believe the baseball program has many things in place that point to a great future, which is a testament to the university, the athletic department and the coaches who have committed their time and effort to Concordia baseball. I feel fortunate to build upon that foundation and I’m excited to accomplish special things with the baseball program.”

During the search, Director of Athletics Devin Smith quickly identified Dupic as the top candidate for the opening. The 2008 Buena Vista graduate helped the Beavers rise to the top of NCAA Division III’s Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC). Among other positive traits, Dupic’s reputation as a tireless recruiter caught Smith’s attention.

“I’m elated to welcome Coach Dupic to the Bulldog family and to have him take charge of our baseball program,” Smith said. “Ryan exhibits all of the qualities we look for in any coaching search. I am certain he will not be outworked on the recruiting trail and I firmly believe he is a rising star in the profession. In addition, Ryan is a fine Christian man who will help prepare student-athletes to be successful on the field and in life. He has been part of a tremendous run at Buena Vista and we believe he can have a similar impact at Concordia.”

A native of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Dupic has served as an assistant coach at his alma mater since 2007. In his seven seasons working with Buena Vista head coach Steve Eddie, the Beavers have put together a combined record of 194-109 with IIAC regular-season and tournament titles in both 2010 and 2014. They made NCAA Division III national tournament appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2014, including a 2011 World Series berth. The success was unprecedented for a Buena Vista program that experienced 24 losing seasons in 26 years prior to 2008.

As pitching coach, Dupic worked wonders with the Beaver hurlers, who lead the IIAC in ERA and strikeouts over the past six years. In 2014 they set a school record for strikeouts in a season during a 37-9 campaign. Over the last six years, Dupic has mentored 13 all-conference pitchers and 21 academic all-conference pitchers. He also aided in the growth of 2014 Major League Baseball draft pick Scott Harris.

Owner of a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (2008) and a master’s in science in education (2011) from Buena Vista, Dupic was a two-sport star for the Beavers. Dupic, who served as team captain, earned first team all-conference in 2006 and 2007, first team all-region in 2007 and team MVP (2007) honors on the diamond. On the basketball court, Dupic received team MVP accolades in 2007.

Dupic began his collegiate career at the University of Iowa (2002-05), where he was a member of the Hawkeye baseball team. He received Academic All-Big Ten recognition for the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons.

Following his collegiate playing days, Dupic signed a professional contract with the Sioux City (Iowa) Explorers, a member of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.

Dupic has been a member of the American Baseball Coaches’ Association (ABCA) and Iowa High School Baseball Coaches’ Association (IHSBCA).

Ryan is married to Abby.

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Neb. that currently serves over 2,200 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.