The University of Maine has named Nick Derba as its interim baseball coach, the school announced Saturday.
Derba, associate head coach of the baseball team since 2015, replaces Steve Trimper, who is leaving Maine to become the baseball coach at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.
Derba, 31, has been a member of the Maine staff for the past three seasons. He played six seasons as a catcher in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system. He also played two seasons under Trimper at Manhattan College, when Trimper served as the coach there before coming to Maine.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to be the head coach at Maine for the spring of 2017,” Derba said in a press release. “From here on out, it’s business as usual. Our goals do not change as we will continue to work and build a victorious path towards the America East Championship.
Trimper had been the head coach at Maine since 2005, compiling a 309-292-2 record in 11 seasons. He had signed a three-year contract extension in April. Under Trimper, Maine qualified for the NCAA tournament twice – in 2006 and 2011.
“Over his 11 seasons at the University of Maine, Coach Trimper guided the Black Bears to substantial accomplishments including a pair of NCAA regional appearances and over 300 wins,” said Maine athletic director Karlton Creech. “We are grateful for his contributions to our program and wish he and his family continued success.”
Trimper will succeed Pete Dunn, who announced his retirement earlier this week after 37 seasons. Dunn ranks 15th in NCAA Division I history with 1,312 wins.
“As my family and I embark on a new opportunity at Stetson University, I want to take this opportunity to thank the many players, coaches and UMaine supporters that have made the past 11 years of my career truly remarkable,” Trimper said.
The Maine athletic department said it will conduct a national search for a permanent head coach after the 2016-17 season.
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