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FSC's Anderson to Begin New Position

LAKELAND, Fla. (April 2, 2002) - Florida Southern College baseball coach Chuck Anderson has announced his retirement from coaching to assume the role as Associate Athletic Director for Special Projects and Baseball/Sports Marketing Consultant for the college. Anderson has been the Mocs' head coach for 20 seasons and has been with the baseball program at his alma mater since his graduation in 1963.

"For 43 years, FSC has been a big part of my life," said Anderson. "I welcome this opportunity to continue with the college and move on to new challenges."

"We are thrilled Chuck has chosen to continue to serve Florida Southern," said Athletic Director Lois Webb. "His contacts and relationships throughout the world will prove vital to the advancement of the Moccasin athletic program." Anderson's role is key to growing the athletic endowment.

Anderson led the Mocs to three NCAA National Championships in 1985, 1988, and 1995. He is completing 20 years as head coach at FSC with a 843-251-1 career record to rank second among NCAA Division II coaches with a .770 winning percentage and 12th all-time in victories. The Mocs are currently ranked ninth in the nation in the latest poll. A former two-time Moccasin baseball MVP and a 1963 graduate of FSC, Anderson led the Mocs to NCAA post-season play in 17 of the last 19 seasons. A member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Anderson this year was named to the inaugural class for the FSC Sports Hall of Fame and in the fall of 2001, was inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame.

Anderson has had a great deal of success in turning out professional players from the Florida Southern program. He has had a total of 70 players sign professional contracts, including five off last year's team, with four of those 69 making it all the way to the Major Leagues. Additionally, he has a wealth of international baseball experience including serving as the head coach of the USA National Team in 1994.

Florida Southern College President Dr. Tom Reuschling has named Assistant Coach Pete Meyer as Interim Head Coach. Meyer has guided the team after Anderson was forced to the sidelines after being diagnosed with cancer in early March of 2001. Meyer is in his fourth season as an assistant coach for the Mocs. His primary duties at Florida Southern have included working with the infielders and serving as the hitting instructor. He has also been the program's recruiting coordinator.

About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and a master of business administration degree accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Located in Lakeland, Fla., the college is home to the largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.

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