via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech athletic director John Van Dyke has announced Ricky Walker as the interim head coach for the Hustlin’ Owls baseball program for the 2025 season.
Walker replaces Jacob Garsez, who resigned last week to become the new head coach at NCAA Division II Sonoma State.
“Ricky was instrumental in the building of our program into a force within the Cascade Conference,” said Van Dyke. “With a talent group of returners and a quality recruiting class, he has a great foundation for the 2025 season.”
Walker served as the Hustlin’ Owls pitching coach and recruiting coordinator over the past four years, as Tech heads into the new year riding a string of three 30-win seasons. He was key in the development of Patrick Arman, Tech’s all-time wins and strikeout leader, along with Bronson Chapple, the 2024 CCC Pitcher of the Year.
“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to lead this group of young men,” the new skipper said. “I am thankful for both John Van Dyke and Greg Stewart having the faith in me to promote me to this position.”
Walker coached at Barstow CC in California for seven years – serving as head coach from 2018-20 – coaching 33 all-conference and eight All-CCCAA selection. He also spent time at Kansas Wesleyan, Willamette and Colorado Christian.
“Big things can happen for this team and I am amazed by the group of men and coaches to bond together and stay the course with what we’ve built. We just need to be where our feet are at, take ownership and control what we can control. I am thankful to Coach Garsez and his leadership and guidance the past four years.”
Garsez leaves OIT as the third winningest coach in program history (120-87) – trailing only Pete Whisler (135 wins) and Matt Miles (241 wins). The new SSU coach led the Owls to three postseason appearances and the 2023 CCC regular-season title.
