Feb. 7, 2008

SAN MARCOS - Head coach Ty Harrington has announced the addition of Jeremy Fikac to the Texas State baseball coaching staff for the 2008-2009 season. Fikac joins the staff as a volunteer assistant after a seven-year stint at the professional level.

Fikac hopes to relate to the team as a player and a coach. "I hope here at Texas State I can share my passion along with a number of techniques I've picked up through my years on the field and pass it along to the team," said Fikac.

Fikac began his sporting career at Somerville High School where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball for District 27-2A competition. In his senior season he was named to the All-State basketball squad, as well as taking the districts Most Valuable Player honors for his performance on the diamond. A winner off the playing field as well, Fikac was a member of the National Honor Society, as well.

The multi-sport athlete attended Hill Junior College after graduation where he played third base and pitched for head coach Gary Benton. During his tenure, the Rebels excelled to the Region 5 tournament losing out to Northeast Texas Community College, who was coached by current Texas State coach Ty Harrington.

After leaving Hill, Fikac transferred to Southwest Texas State in 1997 and saw time on the mound as well as at third base for coach Howard Bushong. In his first season as a Bobcat, the team took Southland Conference tournament championship honors and advanced to Texas State's first-ever NCAA Regional contest. During the SLC finals, Fikac was named Southland Conference tournament MVP.

In 1998, Fikac was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 19th round where he concluded his first season 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA. He made 12 relief appearances for the rookie team in Idaho Falls, where they took the Pioneer League Championship. After spending two uninterrupted seasons with the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga squad, Fikac was awarded Player of the Year accolades along with Best Chang-Up honors by Baseball America. The following year, Fikac participated in the Southern League and AA All-Star Games, while membering the Mobile Baybears squad.

Fikac made his major league debut August 16, 2001 against the New York Mets, earning his first win, striking out Benny Agbayni, Vance Wilson and Jay Payton consecutively. The last pitcher to fan the side in order in their first Major League appearance was Braden Looper in 1998.

Off the field, Fikac was honored in 2001 for his support of the United States Navy and their efforts in the 9-11 tragedy. The San Diego Madres, a support group for the Padre team- members honored the humanitarian by naming him October Player of the Month.

In 2003, Fikac was traded to the Oakland Athletics and spent half the season in the major leagues and the remaining half in Triple-A competition. While playing in the latter, the team won the Pacific League Conference and was named minor league team of the year.

The middle reliever signed as a free agent with the Montreal Expos in 2004 where he played for the Edmonton Trappers and finished his career in Triple-A competition in Fresno.

After being away from the sport for some time, Fikac decided to return to his true passion. "I missed being on the field and most importantly I missed being on a team," said Fikac. "My most memorable moments are accomplishments I made with my team, not as an individual and I am eager to return to the atmosphere."

Harrington feels that his addition to the team will be nothing short of great. "Jeremy certainly defines a true baseball player with his ability to compete at all positions on the field. I've watched him work his way through the ranks of playing baseball and I am glad to see him find his way into coaching. He will be a great assistant to the players and it's an added bonus that he's a Bobcat," added Harrington.

Bobcat Pride runs true in Fikac' family as his mother, Marian, and step-father, Jim Evers both attended Texas State, along with three uncles and his younger brother, Jerod, who also played baseball for the "Cats.

Fikac resides in San Marcos and will graduate in May with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science.