Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Campbell was the winningest softball coach in Tiffin history.
YOUNGSTOWN — Brian Campbell, the winningest softball coach in Tiffin University history, has been named the ninth head coach of the Youngstown State University program.
Campbell, who just completed his eighth year as head coach and his 12th year overall working with the Lady Dragons, posted an overall record of 285-129-1 (.688 winning percentage).
Ron Strollo, YSU executive director of intercollegiate athletics, said Campbell “ brings with him not only a proven track record as a successful head coach, but also a commitment to providing a positive collegiate experience for his student-athletes.
Campbell replaces Christy Cameron who was fired by Strollo in May.
Campbell called the YSU job “a great opportunity for my family and me. Youngstown State has all of the tools in place to return to the top of the Horizon League, and I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Campbell transitioned Tiffin into an NCAA Division II program from the NAIA. In the Dragons’ first season in NCAA Division II, they were 27-14-1 record.
Tiffin was ranked as high as 32nd in the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association (NFCA) national polls in 2008 while moving as high as 13th in the NAIA national rankings in 2007.
Campbell, who has averaged 36 wins per season, was named American Midwest Conference (AMC) North Coach of the Year in 2007 for the third consecutive season after leading the Dragons to a 37-11 mark, a Region IX Championship and their second straight appearance in the NAIA National Softball Tournament.
In 2006, Campbell guided Tiffin to an impressive 57-11 overall record and the program’s first Region IX title and first NAIA National Tournament appearance.
Campbell has coached 39 All-Conference selections, including 2007 Region and Conference Pitcher of the Year Krista Sowers, 2006 AMC North Player of the Year Kristina Schweikert, 2005 AMC North Player of the Year Denita Robinson, 2005 AMC North Pitcher of the Year and 2004 AMC North Player of the Year Rachel Richardson and 2002 AMC Player of the Year Kate Siroky.
Campbell, who also served as assistant athletic director, is a 1994 graduate of Tiffin University with a degree in criminal justice. He also has a master’s degree in criminal justice from Tiffin.
Campbell played for the Tiffin football team from 1990-94 on the offensive line, helping to lead the Dragons to their first national tournament appearance.
He also served as an assistant football coach from 1997-2000 and was an assistant coach at Newark High School.
He and his wife, Kristi, have a daughter, Courtney.