May 28, 2008

Stockton, Calif. - University of the Pacific Head Baseball Coach Ed Sprague announced today that assistant coaches Steve Pearse and Jim Yanko would not be retained following the 2008 season.

Pearse came to Pacific in 2003, spending five years on the Tigers' staff. He was the main assistant for the Tigers, coordinating recruiting working with the infielders. He was the first base coach for the Tigers in 2008, helping Tiger baserunners. Prior to spending the 2003 season with Long Beach State as a volunteer assistant coach, he was the second assistant coach at Fresno State for 10 years.

Yanko took over as Pacific's pitching coach for the second time in the summer of 2007. Jim had previously served as the Tigers' pitching coach from 1996-1999. Yanko pitched for Pacific from 1986-91. One of the most durable pitchers in Pacific history, Yanko remains fourth in the Pacific career record book with 367.2 innings pitched in his four-year career.

"I appreciate the hard work and dedication each coach brought to this program," said Sprague. "They are both great baseball men and great individuals. I wish them well in their future endeavors."

Pacific will open up both positions to a national search.