Clarksville, Ark.-Aaron Gentry, a two-time winner of the American Southwest Conference Coaching Staff of the Year award at LeTourneau University, was named the new Head Baseball Coach at the University of the Ozarks, it was announced by Athletic Director Jimmy Clark Tuesday.
Gentry has served as the assistant coach at LeTourneau University the past eight years and helped guide the program to its three most successful seasons in program history. During that three-year run, LeTourneau qualified for the ASC playoffs back-to-back seasons, and won one ASC title. In 2014, the YellowJackets had a banner year, earning a berth in the NCAA III Regionals as well as winning an ASC Tournament championship. The 2014 team also won a program-best 33 games behind one of the ASC's most potent offenses and efficient pitching staffs. In 2015, LeTourneau again qualified for the playoffs and eight players earned All-Conference recognition. In 2013, LeTourneau posted its first winning season since 1999 and improved its win total by seven from the previous season. Over the past three seasons, the program went 73-48.
"I am excited to have Coach Gentry lead our baseball program," said Clark. "He has coached at an accomplished ASC school that is similar to Ozarks. He was heavily involved in recruiting at LeTourneau and also has recruiting ties in Oklahoma. His connection to the conference and his understanding of NCAA Division III make him a strong hire. He has a good demeanor on the field, and a great baseball background playing professionally. And all those who worked with him spoke highly of his professionalism and character."
Since Gentry's arrival at LeTourneau in 2008, the YellowJackets have boasted five All-Region players, 40 All-Conference performers and 54 ASC All-Academic Team members. The 2015 team had 15 players on the ASC All-Academic Team, the most in program history.
"I am very grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank Jimmy Clark, President Dunsworth, Dr. Feezell and the entire search committee for making me feel so welcome," said Gentry. "That type of reception is a big reason I am taking the job. I know there are some great people here. My wife and I really enjoy the small campus feel, and are excited to work with the athletics staff."
Before his stint at LeTourneau, Gentry spent three seasons as a volunteer assistant at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. Gentry was a standout collegiate player, leading Berry College to a TranSouth Conference championship as a senior hitting .404 with three home runs and 38 RBI. He was named conference tournament MVP that season. Gentry signed with the University of Arkansas after an impressive high school career at Claremore. After being drafted in the 12th round in 1997, Gentry played in the St. Louis Cardinals organization from 1997-2000. He was drafted three times by three different major league baseball teams.
"I learned an immense amount of baseball and how to play the game right playing in the Cardinals organization," he said. "And spending the last several years with Coach Harriss at LeTourneau, I learned how to lead and how to instill mental toughness. I believe that fundamental development, along with a strong baseball knowledge, are keys to building a strong program. At Ozarks, we want to put a team out there with solid pitching and defense. If you have those things in this conference, you have a chance to win."
Gentry also had a strong desire to remain in the NCAA Division III ranks and will emphasize its standards within his program.
"I like what the NCAA Division III model stands for," he said. "Academics must come first. I will place a great amount of importance on having my kids do well in the classroom. We will look for those types of players to represent the school and program. My three-fold mission includes academics, athletics and spiritual life. And at Ozarks, I believe the personal attention the school provides will prepare these young men for graduation and enhance their job opportunities. The experience here is well-rounded."
He received his bachelor's degree in behavioral and social science from Rogers State. He also obtained a master's degree in counseling psychology from Rogers State.
Gentry and his wife Lauren are the parents of one son, Brooks.
