Head Baseball Coach Willie Gawlik

A former Bronc is home, and he hopes that The University of Texas-Pan American's baseball team experiences the same success that has occurred at every other collegiate baseball program that he has been affiliated with.

Willie Gawlik (pronounced GAV-lick), who played for Texas-Pan American's 1971 NCAA College World Series team, and has been successful as a head coach at the University of Central Arkansas, Texas Wesleyan University and several Texas high schools, enters his first year as head baseball coach at Texas-Pan American. Gawlik replaced Reggie Tredaway, who retired last May.

Gawlik came to UT Pan American after one season as head coach at Central Arkansas. He led UCA to a 26-24 record, keeping his team in the hunt for a playoff spot until the final game of the season. The Bears defeated top-ranked Delta State, an NCAA Division II College World Series participant. UCA baseball players earned numerous individual honors, and freshman Barrett Ward was named Freshman of the Year and first team All-Gulf South Conference. The Bears also claimed one All-South Central Region spot, and a GSC Player of the Week award, while nine players earned Academic All-Conference honors.

Prior to coming to UCA, Gawlik built a regional power at Texas Wesleyan. During his tenure, the Rams made three consecutive post-season playoff appearances. His 2000 TWU team was ranked 23rd nationally, and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs, while defeating NCAA Division I opponents Baylor, Texas-Arlington and Sam Houston State. TWU also advanced to the NAIA playoffs in 1999. During the 2000 and 2001 seasons, Gawlik coached three NCAA Division II All-Americans, five All-West Region players, and had five players sign professional contracts. In addition, the Rams broke most of their school's team and individual offensive records during his tenure.

During Gawlik's last seven semesters at Texas Wesleyan, 28 of his student-athletes earned their degrees. Well-respected in his field, Gawlik has served as a member of the NCAA Division II West Region Baseball Selection Committee, a National Baseball Rater for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and was chair of the Heartland Conference Baseball Committee.

"You don't often get an opportunity to go back and be the head coach at your alma mater, and I'm excited about going back to The University of Texas-Pan American," said Gawlik. "I'm very thankful to the administration for giving me this chance. I know that I have big shoes to fill in following (former Head) Coach Al (Ogletree) and Reggie (Tredaway). I just hope to be able to build on the tradition of having a highly successful program."