McGary Named Head Softball Coach (Aug. 3, 2005) 

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State University-Billings Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Gary Gray announced Wednesday afternoon that he has appointed Sean McGary as the school’s interim head softball coach.  The position opened when former coach Jeff Aumend accepted the head coaching job at Charleston Southern University two weeks ago.

“We’re excited to name Sean as our new Head Softball Coach,” said Gray.  “Sean had been involved as an assistant since we began the program five years ago, and he’s ready to be a head coach.  He works tirelessly for our softball program.  Sean has been involved with all aspects of our softball program, and he’s prepared to lead the team into our new conference.”

McGary has been Aumend’s top assistant since MSU Billings added softball five years ago.  He began his softball coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Yellowjackets in the team’s inaugural season in 2001.  Before coming to MSU Billings McGary was an assistant football coach at Black Hills State University.  He was a four-year starter and two-year all-conference selection as a receiver for the Yellow Jackets.

“Since day one I’ve had a lot invested in the program,” said McGary.  “I’ve always known we were on the right track to develop a competitive program.  Even in the early years we knew we could have a championship caliber team.  I expect the same out of the group that is coming in.”

McGary has a BS in Education from Black Hills State where he majored in History and Physical Education.  He recently completed his Masters in Sport Management at MSU Billings.

MSU Billings qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2005, going 36-14 and advancing to the NCAA West Region semifinals.  The Yellowjackets finished the season ranked ninth in NCAA Division II for home runs, twelfth for slugging percentage, and seventeenth for batting average.  Nine seniors graduated from the 2005 squad, and a recruiting class of up to 14 players is expected for the upcoming year.  MSU Billings is moving from the Pacific West to the Heartland Conference.

“I look forward to the challenges,” said McGary.  “I’m optimistic about where the program is and where it is heading.  We have a good group of new recruits and good returning players.  Making it back to the NCAA Tournament is definitely on my short list.  I think it’s a possibility if we play the way I think we’re capable of playing.  I think it’s within our control.”

“Finishing the scheduling is the number one priority to start,” added McGary of his appointment.  “I’ll tie up the loose ends on recruiting and get in touch with the players right away.  We’ll meet as a team the first day of school, and we’ll start fall practice right out of the chute when the players get back (on September 6).”