JAMESTOWN, N.D.-- For the first time since 2000, a new face will be leading the Jimmie baseball program.

Following the promotion of Tom Hager to Deputy Athletic Director of Development and Leadership, Ryan Iliff, a University of Jamestown alumnus and longtime assistant coach, has been named the next head baseball coach.

A University of Jamestown alumnus, Iliff has been an integral part of one of the most successful eras in Jimmie Baseball history. Since joining Hager's coaching staff in 2012, he has helped guide the Jimmies to conference championships, national tournament appearances, and continued success on the field while helping develop countless student-athletes. 

Before returning to his alma mater as a coach, Iliff enjoyed an outstanding playing career for the Jimmies from 2008-2011. He was a left-handed pitcher and played on the 2008 team that competed in the NAIA College World Series. Iliff also earned Dakota Athletic Conference All-Conference honors in 2011. He remains among the program's all-time leaders in appearances, games started, complete games, shutouts, and innings pitched.  

In 2021, Iliff was inducted into the University of Jamestown Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 2008 NAIA World Series team. He is also a member of the Wyoming American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame and the Gillette Roughriders Hall of Fame. 

Mistro said the transition provides continuity for current student-athletes while positioning the program for continued success. 

"Ryan knows this program as well as anyone," Mistro said. "He played here, helped build this program as an assistant coach, and has been instrumental in recruiting and developing many of the student-athletes who wear a Jimmie uniform today. I have complete confidence in his ability to build upon the outstanding foundation Coach Hager established." 

Hager said the transition reflects both careful planning and complete confidence in Iliff's leadership.

"I have complete trust in Ryan Iliff to lead the Jimmie Baseball Program," Hager said. "I've watched him grow from one of our student-athletes into an outstanding coach and leader. He knows what this program stands for because he helped build it. Our players know him, they believe in him, and I know they'll continue to grow and compete under his leadership." 

Iliff called the opportunity both humbling and deeply personal. 

"Coach Hager built something incredibly special, and I'm grateful for everything I've learned from him over the past 12 years," said Iliff. "It is an honor to lead the program that helped shape my life. Our commitment to pride, family, tradition—and yes, being first class—will remain at the heart of Jimmie Baseball as we continue pursuing championships and developing outstanding young men."