Lewis Accepts Position at University of South Carolina-Beaufort
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Brian Lewis, the Head Coach of the Viterbo University Baseball team, has officially announced that he has accepted an Assistant Coach Position for the NCAA Division II University of South Carolina Beaufort Sand Sharks Baseball team.
"I want to thank Brian for all of his hard work and commitment to Viterbo athletics and our baseball program," said Viterbo Director of Athletic Barry Fried. "He's been a loyal team member and a trusted colleague."
Lewis, an Alton, Ill. native, joined the V-Hawks as an assistant coach in the 2015-16 season. Lewis was named interim head coach for the 2017 season and Head Baseball Coach on June 28, 2017. Prior to Viterbo, Lewis spent three seasons as the hitting coach at Illinois Central College (2011-14), and 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Lewis & Clark Community College (Ill.).
In addition to his collegiate experience, Lewis has also coached in the prestigious Northwoods League as the Field Manager of the St. Cloud Rox since 2021, and before that, the Field Manager of the La Crosse Loggers from 2016-2021 and assistant coach from 2013-15.
"Brian has created a great culture within our baseball team over the years and has built life-long relationships with his current and former players," continued Fried. "He will definitely be missed, but this is a great opportunity for him and I know he'll continue to do great things coaching at USCB."
Lewis played collegiately at Lewis & Clark CC, a member of two Region 24 championship teams and an NJCAA Division II World Series team, he was a 1st Team All Region 24 and 1st Team All-Tournament Team Region 24. He also played at Fontbonne University (Mo.).
In 2017, Lewis took over for previous Head Coach Ted Falkner, who is now the Head Coach at USC Beaufort.
"Brian Lewis is going to be a great addition to the program," said Falkner. "He will fit right in with the rest of the staff. Getting to know him over the last 10 years, he is a guy who shows up everyday with the intent on serving others. He cares about their growth and his experience as a Head Coach (both in college and in the Northwoods League) will be huge for our Program. His ties in baseball will further enhance our players and staff."
At Viterbo, Lewis has coached 10 NSAA All-Conference performers, as well as two Gold Glove winners. He has amassed an 89-214 (55-96 NSAA) record in his seven years. In 2021, the V-Hawks won 17 games, the most since 2014, and 12 conference games, ties with 2023 for the most since 2012. In 2022, Viterbo made their deepest postseason run in nine years, making the NSAA Semifinal.
In the Northwoods League, he complied a record of 290-248 (.539 win%) which ranks 4th all-time in league history for managerial wins.
"I would like to thank President Trietley and Athletic Director Barry Fried for giving me the opportunity to lead the Viterbo University baseball program over the past seven years," said Lewis. "Going to work every day knowing your supervisors have complete trust and faith in what you are doing is an amazing feeling. V-Hawk athletics and the city of La Crosse will always be near and dear to my heart. I am excited about the opportunity to reunite with Ted Falkner on staff at UCSB and begin my career as a Sand Shark!"
Lewis is set to being his new role on November 1.
The V-Hawks Interim Head Coach will be announced later this week.