Athletics > News

Nebraska Wesleyan hires Mancuso to head baseball program

Mark Mancuso has been hired as the new head baseball coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University, according to Dr. Ira Zeff, NWU Director of Athletics.

Mancuso has served the past 10 years as an assistant coach at Bellevue University, where he helped guide the Bruins to the national championship in 1995 and seven trips to the NAIA World Series.

"We are very pleased to be able to hire someone with Mark's baseball background," Dr. Ira Zeff, NWU Director of Athletics, said. "The combination of his college coaching experience and desire to focus on fundamentals will be a big plus for our program."

Mancuso is also an assistant coach with the Beatrice Bruins, a semi-pro baseball team for which he plans to continue working. In a full-time capacity, Mancuso is employed as the shipping manager for Micro/Mini Systems, Inc., in Omaha.

"I look forward to coaching the well-rounded student-athletes that Nebraska Wesleyan attracts," Mancuso said. "I like to see young guys develop and reach their potential."

Mancuso plans to add Bob Steinkamp and Ron Cullison to his staff as assistant coaches. Steinkamp, who founded the Beatrice Bruins in 1970, will be the team's chief recruiter, while Cullison, an American Legion coach in Beatrice, will work with the pitchers.

"With Bob's help, I know we can find the talent to help us win conference titles and compete nationally," Mancuso said. "I want a well-disciplined team, and if you show players that you're honest and fair, they'll play hard for you."

Mancuso earned a business administration degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he was an All-North Central Conference second baseman in 1978 and 1979. He is also a 1975 graduate of Omaha Westside High School. Mancuso and his wife, Maureen, have six children and currently reside in Omaha.

Mancuso replaces Rudy Stoehr, who resigned on May 24, citing increasing demands at his job with the Nebraska Safety Council. Under Stoehr, the Prairie Wolves finished with an overall record of 8-20 this past season.