Andrew Werner begins his second season as the assistant coach for the Young Harris College baseball program.
In Werner's first season as the pitching coach, the Mountain Lions staff lowered their ERA by two and a half runs. The Mountain Lions finished the season ranked 23rd in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 2.52.
Werner came to the Enchanted Valley after serving as the pitching coach for Peach Belt Conference-foe University of South Carolina Aiken last year. Werner coached PBC Pitcher of the Year - the first one in this history of the Pacers program - Joseph Benitez, who was named an All-American and a finalist for the Brett Tomko Award, established USC Aiken records for strikeouts and innings pitched, and tie the record for wins with 11. Werner saw fellow pitcher Connor Riley, who posted top 15 marks for strikeouts in a season, drafted in eighth round by Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Benitez selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 2017 MLB Draft.
The Pacers, who were ranked No. 23 in the final Collegiate Baseball poll, went 40-15 last season as they advanced to their 10th appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament, including their third trip in the past four seasons. USC Aiken, which saw its pitching staff's PBC ERA cut by over a run in 2017, lead NCAA Division II in strikeouts (563) and was third in strikeouts per nine innings (10.3) and 16th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.83).
Werner, who pitched for Waggener at the University of Indianapolis, pitched for the San Diego Padres organization for two seasons, including a stop with the major league team in 2012, and was in the Oakland Athletics organization for three more seasons.
With the Padres, Werner, who was signed originally with the independent league team Windy Cindy Thunderbolts, was voted the Pitcher of the Year in High A Lake Elsinore and AA San Antonio. Werner helped the squad win a minor league championship in High A Lake Elsinore in the California League. He averaged 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings and held a 2.50 strikeouts-to-walk ratio. With the A's, Werner helped the squad win the Texas League Championship for the Midland Rockhounds. In 2013, he led the Pacific Coast League in innings pitched and wins.
Werner was with the Ottawa Champions Baseball Club in 2015 as a starting pitcher/player-coach. There, he led the Can-Am League in wins and innings pitched. Werner participated in fan meetings, was an active member in the community, helped deciding starting rotation roles and assisted with player-personnel decisions.
Werner landed as the recruiting coordinator/head assistant coach at Illinois Central College prior to accepting the job at USC Aiken. There, he made all gameday decisions regarding the pitching staff, implemented throwing programs, created strength and conditioning programs and ran baseball camps to help fundraise for the baseball program.
Werner graduated from Indianapolis with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
