Former James Madison University assistant coach Jay Sullenger will premier in 2014 as Biola baseball’s new head coach, replacing 16-year veteran John Verhoeven who announced his retirement last fall.

“We are excited to have Jay as our new baseball coach,” Biola athletic director Dave Holmquist said in a press release. “He has an excellent background in the game, both as a player and a coach.”

Sullenger played collegiate ball at Florida Southern University before transferring to Liberty University near his hometown in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley where he a was second-team All-Big South selection as a senior.

“It is a blessing and a privilege to be asked to serve God at a school like Biola,” Sullenger said in a press release. “The reputation of the university is easily understood as I continue to get to know the character of the people that God has called to serve on this campus.”

Sullenger served as the third-base coach and hitting coach in his 11 seasons with James Madison before leaving his position in 2011 to become Minister of Recreation Outreach at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa.

Freshman starting pitcher Trevor Oaks is excited about the experience and spiritual leadership Sullenger will bring to the team.

“Jay sounds like a really good coach who is going to lead our team spiritually and provide discipline from a Division I perspective,” Oaks said. “We’re all excited for the upcoming season and hope that he can make us better ballplayers and better Christian men.”