Longtime Dayton baseball coach stepping down

Tony Vittorio, who has coached the University of Dayton baseball team for 18 seasons, is stepping down, the school announced Thursday.

Athletics Director Neil Sullivan said Vittorio’s resignation takes effect following this weekend’s season-ending series with La Salle.

“I want to thank (former UD Athletics Directors)Ted Kissell, Tim Wabler, and (current UD Associate VP for Athletics) Mike Kelly for taking a chance on a young energetic coach years ago, “Vittorio said. “I would also like to thank the University of Dayton and the Dayton community for making Dayton a special home for my family. Through the years, my assistant coaches and baseball staff, along with several players and myself, took great pride in building a competitive program that became known as a championship program at one time. I wish we could have maintained that championship level the last few years.”

Vittorio departs as the program’s winningest coach with 461 wins. He took the Flyers to the NCAA Tournament in 2012 and was named Atlantic 10 coach of the year in 2009.

“On behalf of the University of Dayton, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Coach Vittorio for his dedication to the University and passion for our baseball program,” Sullivan said. “He has provided the foundation for our baseball future in his 18 years. Everyone in Flyer athletics admires the way he led his team to benefit others in their community service efforts. He made a lasting impact on Dayton baseball and the student-athletes he has served.”

The Flyers are 18-35 this season with two games left. An event to honor Vittorio for his years of service to UD will be held at later date.

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