SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
Jim Denevan (1971-81, 83-86, 91-96) was the head baseball coach at SMSU for 21 seasons and also taught in the SMSUPhysical Education department.
Denevan began working at SMSU in 1968, serving as an assistant football coach before taking over the baseball program in 1971, the program’s second year of existence. He led SMSU to three conference regular season championships in 1974, 1994 and 1996 and one conference tournament championship in 1996.
Denevan also led the Mustangs to three NAIA District championships in 1974, 1986 and 1993, including hosting the NAIA?regional tournament in 1993.
Denevan retired in 1996 as the program’s all-time leader in victories with 353, and coached five NAIA All-Americans and 45 all-conference honorees during his tenure.
