CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Oklahoma State baseball concluded their season following a regional loss in the NCAA tournament. The loss officially marked Roland Fanning’s beginning as head coach for Austin Peay baseball.
Fanning wasted no time kickstarting his duties as the Governors head coach. He set up a multitude of visits throughout his first week as he looks to build his 2023 roster. During an interview with Clarksville Now, it was evident Fanning is ecstatic with his opportunity with Austin Peay.
He told Clarksville Now that, for 15 years, he’s been able to work with exceptional leaders who’ve been successful head coaches, the majority of whom were first year head coaches.
Fanning believes those experiences will play to his advantage, and he hopes not to “stump his toe” as much as a first year head coach. He plans to lead this team by example.
“My leadership philosophy begins with showing people how you lead. I plan to be fair, honest and showcase my enthusiasm that pours out of me on a daily basis. I hope this kind of energy becomes infectious throughout our team, staff and fan base. I’m a guy who wants his players to be the best version of themselves on and off the field.”
The tradition of APSU baseball
Fanning said he’s up for the challenge of putting Austin Peay baseball back in a position to compete for championships. He understands the program’s sense of tradition, and that played into his decision to become the Governors 12th head coach in history.
However, Fanning wants to see his players not only excel on the baseball field, but in the classroom and in the community as well. One goal he plans to set for his players is that they achieve an overall GPA of 3.0. Also, Fanning is adamant that the team will help out around the University, and throughout the Clarksville community.
Academic excellence and character will play a pivotal role throughout Fanning’s recruiting process. The head coach stated that this can be the difference between having a good ball player and a great ball player. Of course, Fanning and his staff will look for players that fit their system, but character is a priority when recruiting any given student athlete.
Fanning left off the interview saying that he wants Austin Peay baseball to be Clarksville’s team. That means his coaching staff will fight to compete for top talents throughout Montgomery County.
He said having nine schools within the county will be an advantage, and he looks forward to scouting each.
Fanning will spend the next couple weeks organizing his coaching staff as he continues to prepare for the 2023 season.