Paul Blanchard Head Baseball Coach Retires After 27 Years

Southwest Minnesota State University head baseball coach Paul Blanchard concluded his 27-year career for the Mustang program on May 11, 2023.

The program’s winningest coach and one of the most respected baseball coaches in the country, Blanchard’s teams racked up 591 victories and produced 16 winning seasons. His teams won 25 or more games 13 times, which includes four 30-plus wins seasons. The Mustangs made one NCAA Tournament appearance, captured one Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship, three NSIC Tournament championships, were NSIC Tournament runners-up four times and made 16 appearances in the NSIC Tournament.

“I wish to thank all of the former and current players we’ve had for allowing me to be their coach as I will miss the daily interaction with players the most,” Blanchard said in February.

“SMSU has allowed my wife and I a chance to raise a family in a great setting here in Marshall. We will be forever grateful,” Blanchard said. “This summer starts a new chapter in our lives. We will continue to be a part of the community, at least for a while. I’m still deciding what I’ll be doing next, but I’ll be involved in baseball and continue mentoring young coaches. Thank you again to all for making the last 27 years a great experience.”

Named the fifth coach in SMSU history on July 14, 1996, Blanchard recruited and coached some of the best players ever to play at SMSU. He has coached two NSIC Players of the Year, one NSIC Pitcher of the Year, two NSIC Newcomers of the Year, 26 all-region players, two NCAA All-Americans, two Major League Baseball draft picks and one MLB free agent. He coached

10 players who have played professional baseball following their careers at SMSU. The program has also recorded Academic AllDistrict honorees 22 times, while six players have been named Academic All-Americans.

“Paul has been an incredible asset to the SMSU community and to the sport of baseball for the past 27 years,” said Jen Flowers, SMSU’s Director of Athletics. “He has served hundreds of student-athletes during his career; always working with their best interests in mind. He has been an invaluable resource and mentor to many Mustang coaches and staff members. His impact on our department is immeasurable. We thank Paul for his commitment to Mustang Athletics and wish he and Nancy the very best in their retirement.”

PE Gym Renovations

Renovations of the wood court inside the PE Gym on the campus of Southwest Minnesota University were completed early this summer, which include a complete redesign and color scheme of the main court.

According to SMSU Director of Facilities Tony Nubile, workers sanded down the entire floor down to the maple wood, while damaged boards on the court were replaced. The volleyball court was stained along with painting all the other lines and center logo, and sealing/finishing the floor.

The PE Gym is the home of SMSU volleyball, wrestling and wheelchair basketball and hosts numerous University events.

Jeremy Ische Named Head Baseball Coach at SMSU

Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Jen Flowers announced on June 15 the hiring of Jeremy Ische as the next head baseball coach at SMSU.

“We are very excited to welcome Jeremy and his family back to SMSU,” Flowers said. “I am confident Jeremy will be a tremendous leader for our baseball program and a great ambassador for SMSU. His commitment and passion for the game, along with his previous head coaching experience in the NSIC and his connection to SMSU, is a winning combination that will strengthen our baseball program and support our efforts to provide our young men with a fantastic student-athlete experience. Today begins a new chapter of Mustang baseball; we look forward to what’s ahead with Jeremy at the helm.” Read more at SMSUMustangs.com.