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He has learned the tools of the trade under some of the best coaches — Nick Whaley, John Tschida and Dennis Denning — in the business.
Now, it’s time for Nick Winecke to step out of their shadows and into the spotlight. Winecke has been named head baseball coach at Saint Mary’s University.
“I can’t put into words how fortunate I feel to be able to lead a baseball program with so much tradition and success,” said Winecke, who takes over for Whaley. “I have been mentored by some of the best baseball minds around. It’s that wealth of knowledge that has helped mold me into the coach that I am today.”
Whaley stepped down after 12 seasons at SMU to become baseball and volleyball coach, as well as a physical education and health instructor, at Cotter High School.
Winecke also has been influenced by John Tschida, who has coached the SMU and St. Thomas softball teams to three national championships.
Denning, St. Thomas’ baseball coach, also is a close family friend.
“My uncle (Tschida) was always willing to take me under his wing and has taught me so much about the game of baseball,” Winecke said. “(Denning) has always supported me in my quest to become a collegiate coach — allowing me to work with him in the summer at his many clinics and answering my endless amount of coaching questions.
“I also can’t thank coach Whaley enough for allowing me to be a part of this outstanding program, first as a player and then as an assistant coach. He gave me a ton of (coaching) responsibility last year, which has definitely helped prepare me to make this next step.”
A native of St. Paul, Minn., Winecke was a four-year letterwinner and all-conference performer during his playing career at SMU. He became Whaley’s top assistant last season and inherits a team that went 10-21.
The Cardinals have a solid nucleus of returning players and are looking to return to the upper echelon of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“I am very excited to announce Nick Winecke as our head baseball coach,” SMU athletic director Nikki Fennern said. “With the hiring of Nick, Saint Mary’s University gains a coach who is extremely knowledgeable, having been mentored by great coaches within the MIAC.
“Nick’s game plan to take the program in a new direction and his intense passion for Saint Mary’s University, along with his determination and commitment, will prove to be a tremendous asset to the baseball program, the athletic department, and the university as a whole.”
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