8/27/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Aug. 27, 2002
LAS VEGAS - The UNLV baseball program has elevated Kevin Smoot from volunteer assistant to assistant baseball coach, named Matt Siegel volunteer assistant coach and hired Drew Topham as director of baseball operations.
Smoot begins his second year with the team after a two-year coaching stint with Central Michigan. He also spent four years with Central Michigan as a pitcher.
"Kevin has done a great job in his contribution to elevate our program and is certainly deserving of this promotion," said UNLV head coach Jim Schlossnagle. "Without question, he is one of the rising young stars in our profession."
Smoot said, "I am extremely honored and excited to be given the opportunity to assist in building a strong UNLV baseball program that will be one of the nation's elite. Everything from the staff to administration to facilities are in place to win at the highest level."
Siegel was a four-year starter at the University of Florida as an infielder and played in the 1998 College World Series. He earned Freshman All-America honors in 1998 and was named Academic All-SEC from 1997-2001. He is also an assistant coach for the Cotuit Kettlers in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
"Matt will be a great addition to our staff," said Schlossnagle. "He brings with him elite Division-I and College World Series experience and will be a great asset to the development of our infielders."
Siegel said, "I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Schlossnagle, our energetic staff, and the athletic program at UNLV. Our baseball program is heading toward national prominence and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
Topham played with Louisiana State, Louisiana-Lafayette and Lamar Univerisity and was a member of the 1997 LSU National Championship team. He was drafted out of high school in the 28th round by the Detroit Tigers and is a former assistant coach at Blinn College (TX) and Central Arizona College.
"I have followed Drew's career and certainly am excited to have him on our staff," said Schlossnagle. "He will handle many important administrative and operational issues with regard to our facility and program, and his experience at every level will add to our recruiting process."
Topham said, "I am extremely excited to be a part of the UNLV baseball family. This is a great opportunity to work with an accomplished coaching staff in some of the best facilities in the country. UNLV has a first class athletic program with national recognition and I am looking forward to working on the road to Omaha."
