For: Immediate Release
August 12, 2002



Dampeer Announces Resignation
Ends One-Year Association with the Program, Search For New Coach Begins

SALEM, VA--Roanoke College Director of Athletics Scott Allison announced on Monday afternoon that the college’s baseball coach Kelly Dampeer resigned his post earlier in the day. Dampeer cited his interest to pursue other interests outside the game and his inability to dedicate the time he felt necessary to develop a quality program as his reasons for leaving the college and the baseball program after just one season. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

Dampeer was named Roanoke’s baseball coach on June 13, 2001, three months following the college’s announcement that it would be adding the sport on the varsity level. In the college’s first season of varsity baseball play since the 1950s, Dampeer was at the helm of a team that struggled to an 0-13 record and was outscored 225-21. The closest games, on the scoreboard, were consecutive 7-0 losses to UVA-Wise and Eastern Mennonite, while the other 11 losses were by 10 or more runs. However, the team’s success on the diamond in 2002 was not a factor in Dampeer’s decision.

“We’re disappointed to lose Kelly and his knowledge of the game on the field,” commented Allison upon his announcement. “The time frame is a challenge, being so late in the summer and close to the new academic year, but I’m confident that we will be able to handle the transition and move forward in a positive manner.” 

Dampeer graduated from Radford University in the spring of 2000 and while at the school was a star player. He was a four-time All-Conference selection and was also a Freshman All-American and the Virginia University Player of the Year following his sophomore campaign. Following his time with the Highlanders, Dampeer played professionally in the Cleveland Indians minor league system, reaching the Single-A South Atlantic League level. He also played in the Appalachian Rookie and New York/Pennsylvania professional leagues. 

The Roanoke College baseball team becomes eligible for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship in 2003, the upcoming season. After playing a limited conference schedule last season, the Maroons will play a complete league slate this year, beginning in February.