Courtesy of Scott Miles, Ohio Dominican Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Dominican baseball coach Paul Page announced that the 2016 season would be his last in the Panther dugout as he will step down at the end of the season.
"After 29 years at Ohio Dominican, it feels like it's time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life," Page said. "I'm very appreciative of all of the student-athletes that I've had the opportunity to coach, as well as everyone on our coaching staff. I'm proud of everything that we have worked so hard to accomplish over the years."
"We are deeply saddened by the news and it will be tough to replace such a quality coach and man like Paul Page," Athletic Director Jeff Blair said. "He has meant so much to this institution as an administrator, baseball coach and mentor to so many players, coaches and staff members over the years. His accomplishments on the field speak for themselves, but more importantly, Paul has done a terrific job in developing our student-athletes and being a tremendous ambassador of the university."
In his 29 years at ODU, Page has compiled a 1,000-533-7 record and was named the conference coach of the year five times and district coach of the year twice. During his tenure, the Panthers captured 11 regular season titles, nine conference tournament championships, six regional championships in 13 appearances, and made six NAIA World Series appearances.
ODU has won at least 30 games in a season a remarkable 22 times in Page's tenure, including 10 40-win seasons. In 1996, the Panthers notched a 36-20 record and finished fifth at the NAIA World Series, the best finish in school history. ODU would go on to appear in the NAIA World Series from 2001-03, 2005 and 2008 as well, and the Panthers would finish the 2005 campaign with a school-record 47 wins.
When Ohio Dominican transitioned to NCAA Division II, Page had recorded 864 wins at the NAIA level, which ranked in the top 13 of the NAIA in career wins. Page also compiled a winning percentage of .683 in the NAIA, which ranked him fifth overall among active coaches at that level.
In his time at ODU, Page has produced 39 All-Americans and 20 Academic All-Americans. Under his tutelage, former Panther southpaw Jonathan Sanchez reached the big leagues and helped the San Francisco Giants to the 2010 World Series title. Numerous other players have gone on to play at the professional level as well.
Page was hired as Ohio Dominican's baseball coach and athletic director in 1988. He helped in the planning and development of Alumni Hall, which opened in 1989, as well as expanding the athletic department from six varsity to 16 sports.
