Bates, Lawrence and Wheaton (Ill.) will have new head coaches going into the 2009 season. Lawrence has already filled the position with Jason Anderson and Bates and Wheaton are in the process of searching for replacements.

The Lawrence Vikings have their third head coach in three years. In 2008 Mike Barthelmess replaced Korey Krueger and in 2009 Jason Anderson will be at the reins of the Vikings' program. Anderson comes to Lawrence from Grinnell, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 2001. He will also serve as an assistant football coach.

"I am very excited to be a part of the great athletic department at Lawrence University," Anderson said. "I care deeply about the ongoing success of both the baseball and football programs but look forward to the challenge of leading Vikings baseball to national recognition. I truly appreciate the opportunity that Lawrence University has given me to be the next head baseball and assistant football coach."

Lawrence returns 18 letterwinners from its 2008 baseball team, which finished with an 11-18 record and took third place in the North Division under interim head coach Mike Barthelmess.

Craig Vandersea has resigned as head baseball coach of Bates. Vandersea has been at the helm of the Bobcats since the 2000 season, and compiled a 92-175 record over nine years.

"For more than a decade, Craig has provided stalwart leadership to the Bates baseball program while also contributing quality support and guidance as an assistant football coach," said Bates Director of Athletics Kevin McHugh. "He has been a model colleague as well as a valued friend to many in the athletic department, and his service is greatly appreciated."

Bobby Elder announced his resignation as head baseball coach at Wheaton College last week. Elder served at the helm of the Thunder program for seven years. His 92 career wins at Wheaton is the second-highest total in school history. During his tenure he turned around a program that had never earned a bid to the four-team CCIW Baseball Tournament, as he guided the Thunder to its first-ever CCIW Tournament berth in 2008. For his effort he was selected as the 2008 "CCIW Coach of the Year" by league's coaches.

Wheaton athletic director Tony Ladd mentions, "We appreciate the significant contribution that Bobby Elder has made to the Wheaton College baseball program." Ladd adds, "Due to Bobby's hard work he has built a program that positively reflects Wheaton College and what the institution stands for. We wish Bobby and his family the best in their new endeavor."