HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne has announced the extension of head baseball coach Marlin Ikenberry through the 2026 season on Monday morning.
 
"Marlin enters his ninth year with JMU baseball this spring and has been a great leader of our student-athletes on and off the field," Bourne said. "Baseball is an important sport with our membership in the Sun Belt as the conference prides itself on being a top five league in the nation. Ike leading our team to a top-half finish in the Sun Belt was a great accomplishment in our first year and sets the stage for further growth for this program."
 
Heading into the 2024 season, Ikenberry has led the team to a 184-184 record over his eight seasons, and three appearances in conference tournaments out of six seasons the team was eligible for.
 
"I would like to thank President Alger, Jeff Bourne and Kevin White for this contract extension," Ikenberry said. "As we enter a new age of college baseball and playing in one of the best baseball leagues in the country, I look forward to continuing to create a competitive environment and quality student-athlete experience."
 
Under his tutelage, the Dukes have seen eight players sign professional independent contracts while another 11 have been selected in the Major League Baseball Draft including the program's highest draft pick in Chase DeLauter. Between the CAA and Sun Belt, JMU has had 24 all-conference selections and another 10 all-rookie selections, while also having three freshman all-american selections.
 
"Our program has produced a first round MLB draft pick and multiple former JMU players have recently made their MLB debuts," Ikenberry added. "In addition, we are producing potential draft picks and graduates who are prepared to succeed in all walks of life. I am proud to continue to wear purple and will continue to work hard for JMU and this baseball program."
 
The Dukes get set to open up the 2024 season later this week as they travel to No. 3 Arkansas for four games from Feb 16-19. The season opener is scheduled for a 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT first pitch.