(WILMINGTON, Ohio) – Wilmington College athletics announced Luke Chappie as their new Assistant Baseball Coach this afternoon. Chappie returns to Wilmington after playing for the Quakers across five seasons, amassing 229.0 innings pitched in his career. He will primarily focus on working with the pitchers and their development.
 
"I am very excited to welcome Luke back to the program as the newest member of the coaching staff," says Quakers Head Baseball Coach Barry Craddock. "His loyalty to Wilmington College, in addition to the tremendous example he set – on the mound and during training – as a member of our pitching staff for the last several years, make him a perfect fit for the continued development of Quaker Baseball."

Chappie, a native of Clarksville, Ohio, returns to Wilmington College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management with a Minor in Business and Coaching. He also received his Masters in Organizational Leadership. In his final season he led Wilmington with 55.1 innings pitched and four wins, earning CSC Academic All-District honors.
 
"I want to thank Coach Craddock and the whole athletic department for this amazing opportunity," says Chappie. "I love Wilmington and cannot wait to get to work. Some of my best memories have been with my Wilmington teammates. I am super excited to continue to pursue winning games and championships with them.
 
While at Wilmington, Chappie served as a member of the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) as the representative for the baseball team. His coaching experience extends beyond his time as a Quaker. In 2020 Chappie was the assistant coach for a 14U summer team, focusing on pitcher development including warm up routine and recovery program. In May 2025, he threw batting practice for Clinton-Massie prior to their playoff games. Previously, Chappie interned with the Athletic Director of Clinton-Massie High School.
 
"Over my six years of competing in the Ohio Athletic Conference, I have been coached by high level coaches and played with and against some incredible competition," adds Chappie. "I have learned a ton from these experiences and am excited to pass it on."
 
James Rice, Wilmington's previous Assistant Baseball Coach, left in the fall to become the Head Baseball Coach at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "James has earned this opportunity to be a head coach at the college level, and I am eager to see him build his program," expresses Coach Craddock. "We would not be as far along in our program's development without all his hard work and dedication."

"Luke is a first-class person and exactly the type of competitor that our players should be emulating," emphasizes Coach Craddock. "He will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff."