Blaine Barthel is in his second season as an assistant coach for SMSU in 2017 and will oversee the team's pitching staff.
Barthel came to SMSU after spending the 2015 season as pitching coach at Luther College (Iowa). He helped lead the Norse to an appearance in the conference tournament for the first time in four seasons and coached one all-region pitcher.
He is a 2013 graduate of Minnesota Duluth with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He pitched one season for the Bulldogs in 2011, ranking fourth on the team with 11 appearances. He also pitched two seasons at Itasca Community College, twice-earning all-conference honors and finished his career ranking third in team history with 11 victories.
Barthel, who is pursuing his master’s degree at SMSU in coaching leadership, has also served as head coach of the St. Michael Legion program for four seasons.
