ERIE, Pa. -- Mercyhurst College head baseball coach Joe Spano has announced the addition of John Mang to the oaching staff, effective immediately.

A 2009 graduate of Mercyhurst College, Mang will primarily direct the training and development of the Lakers pitching staff during his appointment as graduate assistant. Mang completed a bachelor of science in sportsmedicine and is currently working towards a master's degree in organizational leadership.

“John is one of the all-time great pitchers in our school history,” said Spano. “It was a privilege to coach John for four years and I was excited when I learned of his interest in being our pitching coach. He proved to be a great captain last year, and he brings a new degree of mental toughness to our young staff.”

Mang was an integral part of the squad's success in 2009, helping guide the Lakers to their seventh NCAA appearance and first since the 2000 season. At the NCAA Atlantic Regional, Mercyhurst posted its best-ever postseason record at 3-2, advancing all the way to the championship game before falling to perennial power West Chester.

“I am very grateful to Coach Joe Spano and Mr. Joe Kimball for allowing me the opportunity to share what I have learned throughout my athletic and academic careers to help our student-athletes fulfill their goals on and off the field” said Mang. “We have a very talented group of players, but more importantly, we have a tremendous group of people in which will make my transition from player to coach an enjoyable one."

The Lakers record-setting season benefitted greatly from Mang's performance on the mound. As a starter, Mang amassed a 10-1 record en route to setting a new single-season milestone in wins. He was undefeated against teams from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, with his only loss coming at the hands of then-ranked No. 1 Lynn University and eventual national championship winner.

His successes also helped the Lakers claim the PSAC West regular season title and the division's No. 1 seed in the postseason tournament where Mercyhurst would go on to finish as runner-up.

For his career, Mang owns an 18-11 record in 195.1 innings pitched through 40 appearances, including 35 games started. Opponents own a .262 batting average against the righty, as Mang allowed just 200 hits and 136 runs (93 earned) while striking out 143 batters during his four-year career at Mercyhurst.

Also during his career at Mercyhurst, Mang was named a captain as a junior and senior while serving as a representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Board.

Mercyhurst begins its defense of the PSAC West regular season title on Friday, Feb. 12 when the Lakers take on Mars Hill in the first game of the PSAC-South Atlantic Conference Tournament. Divisional play begins on March 12 when Mercyhurst hosts crosstown rival Gannon at 1 p.m.