West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University’s baseball program has announced several changes to its coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season. Head Coach Terry Davis has hired two new assistant coaches and a graduate assistant, each bringing distinct backgrounds and experience to the Leathernecks.

Josh Merrigan joins as an assistant coach, taking on the roles of Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Merrigan, originally from Yankton, South Dakota, previously coached at Charleston Southern University, Radford, Youngstown State, and Highland Community College. He is expected to play a key part in developing the team’s pitching roster.

"Josh played at Oklahoma State, was drafted three times, played professional baseball, and has coached for over 20 years at the collegiate level. His experience at all levels will help us continue to move the program forward," said Head Coach Terry Davis.

The team also welcomes Will Christopherson as an assistant coach. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Christopherson played college baseball at both the University of Iowa and Michigan State University before playing professionally with the Inland Empire 66ers. He will serve as Outfield Coach and assist with pitching responsibilities.

"Will was a two way standout Power 5 Recruit to Michigan State and was the closer on the best team in the history of Iowa baseball. Not to mention his background in professional baseball as well. Will without a doubt will make our program better!" Davis added.

Brock Lummus rounds out the new hires as a graduate assistant. Lummus played first base, designated hitter, and catcher for Western Illinois during the 2024 and 2025 seasons after starting his collegiate career at Butler Community College.

"I am really excited about Brock joining the staff. He has everything you look for in a young coach starting with work ethic and the ability to follow through and pay attention to detail. He will grow as a coach and will most certainly make our program better," Davis stated.

These appointments reflect efforts by Western Illinois’ coaching leadership to strengthen recruitment efforts and develop players using both professional-level expertise and institutional knowledge.

For more updates on Western Illinois Leathernecks baseball, fans are encouraged to visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow team accounts on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.