By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Six Ohio Valley Conference championships. Three NCAA Tournament appearances. Four 40-win seasons. Arguably the greatest single-season in program and OVC history. Numerous All-Americans and four OVC Coach of the Year honors.
One could go on and on when describing the impact that former head coach Matt Bragga has had on the Tennessee Tech baseball program over that past 15 seasons. His 446 wins are the second most in program history and among the top-10 all-time in OVC history.
This season alone, Bragga led the Golden Eagles to one of the most incredible seasons in Tech Athletics' history, if not OVC history, including a berth to the NCAA Super Regionals, a league-record 53 wins and an almost-guaranteed final national ranking in the top 20.
In his time in both Cookeville and at Tennessee Tech University, Bragga built a sustainable program that got the most out of his student-athletes, emphasis on students. His teams constantly achieved higher and higher GPA marks, represented well by not one, but two Academic All-Americans this season.
Coach Bragga will move on to the next journey in his great career, taking over the helm of a historic program at Rice University. Rich in tradition, the Owls claimed the 2003 College World Series championship and have become a name synonymous with the NCAA Regionals.
Bragga will take over the reigns following the retirement of the legendary Wayne Graham, who amassed over 1,100 victories in 27 seasons as the head man of the Rice baseball program.
"On behalf of Tennessee Tech Athletics, I'd like to thank Matt for everything he has done for the Golden Eagles in his time as a member of our family," Director of Athletics Mark Wilson said. "I wish Matt and his family the very best as they embark on the newest chapter in their lives."
WingsUp Coach!
Photo by Petre Thomas
