By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Though he’s stepping down as head coach of Union City High School baseball, Cole McAdams will still have his thumbprint on the Tornadoes’ fortunes.
McAdams’ top assistant for the past four years and one of the best players of his nine-year tenure, Austin Atwill, has been named to take the reigns of the Twister program as the former transitions to the administrative role of Principal at UC Middle School.
The soon-to-be 25-year-old Atwill, who was a standout catcher for McAdams during his playing days, will assume the role immediately. He’ll be assisted by Tracy Bruff, who served as the UCMS head coach this past spring and another yet-to-be-determined aide.
Morgan Capen has been hired as the new Middle School head coach, to be assisted by holdovers Blake Gregg and Colin Hatch.
Atwill’s elevation will not only continue the influence of McAdams – the program’s all-time winningest coach – but also came at the recommendation of his mentor and the entire UC Schools administration.
“He was my first and only choice,” said McAdams, who led UC to 165 wins and three state tournament berths during his nine seasons. “I know the timing is right for me to step away and for Coach Atwill to take over.
“He’s one of the hardest working players and assistant coaches I’ve ever been around. As a player, he was always asking what he could do to be better, and that has continued as an assistant coach. He’s a worker. He’s passionate about the game and kids. And he’s loyal to the Purple and Gold.
“I’m proud of him. He’ll do a fantastic job.”
Union City High School Principal/Athletic Director Jacob Cross also gave Atwill a ringing endorsement.
“We’re excited about the energy and extensive knowledge Coach Atwill will bring to the program,” Cross said. “He (Atwill) is exactly what you look for in a head coach; he has high character, lofty expectations, and is a great communicator. He’s been preparing to be a head coach since Day 1 when he joined our program.
“He’ll be a great extension of what Coach McAdams has brought to our baseball program. Coach McAdams knew he wouldn’t coach forever, and he selflessly wanted to leave the program in great hands. He’s not only done that, but he’s providing some continuity by handing things off to Coach Atwill.
“I’m appreciative of Coach McAdams and what he’s given to our program and our community in his nine years here, and I know he’ll do a fantastic job in his new role as our middle school principal.”
For his part, Atwill was both humble and grateful for the opportunity to lead his alma mater and those who helped him land the job.
“It’s definitely a blessing and an honor,” claimed the new Tornado skipper, who served two years as a middle school assistant prior to moving up to the high school level. “I love Union City, the school system, and the community. I’ve been in this program since I was a freshman in high school, and there’s no other place I want to be.”
Atwill insisted he’ll stress basic fundamentals – throw, catch, and hit – and said he viewed his youth as a positive rather than a drawback. He also insisted life lessons learned from his coach/mentor turned colleague were priceless.
“I’m motivated. I’m passionate. And I’m available. I’m here for the kids,” he insisted. “I believe being younger allows me to relate to the players.
“I’ve learned a tremendous amount of baseball from Coach McAdams. He’s taught me how leaders carry themselves and the right way to do all things when running a program. My intentions are to carry on the baseball traditions and instill the things he’s taught me to help build better men and fathers and husbands with our guys.”
McAdams became somewhat nostalgic when summing up passing the torch to his protégé’.
“One of the things I’m most proud of during my time with the program is the many relationships I’ve built with our young men and the community,” he said. “That’s really what coaching is all about… relationships. I’ve had the opportunity to coach so many good kids here, and this town has welcomed me and my family here with open arms and allowed us to build countless relationships in our nine years.
“Austin is a great example of that. Ours is a relationship that has grown from one stage of our lives to where it is now and I can’t wait to see him grow and where he takes our baseball program.”