Elliott Strankman returns for his third year at the helm of the Tigers baseball program. After inheriting a team the went 6-34 in 2005, Coach Strankman has produced 15 and 17 win seasons in 2006 and 2007 respectively. He has rebuilt the program, brought Oxy back to a competitive level and is excited to take the next step. In 2007 Oxy baseball saw three players named to the all SCIAC team, which was the highest total in 17 years. With renovations to Anderson Field and the Spencer Fieldhouse, Oxy now boast one of the finest facilities in all of Division III baseball. Strankman, has eight starters returning, 17 newcomers, and two transfers for his 2008 squad, which looks to be as exciting as ever.

Strankman enjoyed a successful baseball career which started at Hanford High School in Washington where he was selected to the All-State team both his junior and senior years. Strankman attended Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho playing four years under Coach Ed Cheff winning National Titles in 1999 and 2000. Elliott was a gold glove winner in 1999, selected to the All Independent League Team in 1998-2000, was team captain his senior year and is one of only three players to start all four years at Lewis and Clark.

Professional Career

• Strankman was drafted in the 12th round by the San Francisco Giants in 2000 and played three years in the Minor Leagues finishing up his playing career in AA Shreveport of the Texas League.

Coaching Experience

• In the summer of 2007 Strankman led the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League to the playoffs in their inaugural season, posting a 43-25 overall record (the best record in the league). He was named Manager of the Year and served as the Southern Division Manager at the All-Star Game.
• Spent three summers(2003-06) as anassistant coach for legendary coach Ed Cheff in Fairbanks, AK. The Alaska Goldpanners were the most successful summer baseball team during that time span.
• Head Coach at Moscow High School in Idaho, 2003

Education

• BA Degree from Lewis and Clark State College in History and Education
• Masters Degree in Education from the University of Idaho

Misc

• Played two summersf or the Anchorage Bucs in the Alaskan League receiving All-League Honors both years.
• Parents are Fritz and Marilyn Strankman
• Brothers Zach and Tyson resides in Richland, WA and Seattle, WA respectively.
• Enjoys Mountain Biking, climbing Mt. Ranier and traveling through Alaska during the summer time

Terry Thompson enters his first season with the Tigers as the Pitching Coach.

Most recently Thompson served as the Head Assistant Baseball Coach at Los Medanos College in Pittsburgh, Calif. where he also served as an adjunct Physical Education instructor. Prior to that he coached two seasons under John Goelz at Sonoma State University. In both 1998 and 1999 Sonoma won the NCAC and CCAA Championships, gaining the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Division II West Regionals both years. He also coached two seasons at Antelope Valley College (1996-97) where he played two seasons of baseball and received an Associate Degree in 1992. From Antelope Valley he transferred to California State University, Chico where he completed his baseball career in 1993. He received both a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Movement Studies and a Masters Degree in Physical Education with emphasis in Coaching and Administration from CSU, Chico. Thompson was an All-Golden League player at Quartz Hill High School as well.

Yamil Verde returns to his alma mater as the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the Tigers’ 19 athletic teams.

With a ten year background in weight training and cardiovascular programs, Verde brings a wealth of knowledge in the field of physical fitness. He is a certified Personal Trainer with 24-Hour Fitness where has been developing workout regimes after assessing and evaluating clients since 2005.

Additionally, Verde served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps between 2000 and 2006. 

The 2005 Oxy graduate, who majored in Economics with a minor in Spanish, played baseball for the Tigers. Verde was and All-SCIAC outfielder in 2005.