BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The WVU Tech Golden Bears are gearing up for the 2025 baseball season, set to begin with a challenging 48-game schedule. After finishing the 2024 season with a 29-22 record and reaching the semifinals of the River States Conference Tournament, the team is ready to make another strong run.
The season kicks off on February 7-8 with a four-game series in Johnson City, TN, where the Golden Bears will face three teams ranked in the NAIA Top 35. The highlight of the series will be a matchup against Cumberland (KY), ranked No. 5 in the preseason NAIA National Poll, and a qualifier for the 2024 NAIA National World Series.
Home and Conference Schedule
The Golden Bears will play 26 home games at Linda K. Epling Stadium in Beckley, WV, with an additional home game at GoMart Park in Charleston, WV. Their first home series is scheduled for February 15-16 in Beckley, where they will take on Lourdes University (OH) in a four-game set.
River States Conference play begins on February 28 when WVU Tech travels to Midway University in Lexington, KY. The nine-team conference schedule will run through April 25-26, concluding with a key series against IU Southeast. The April 26 game will feature Senior Day Recognition as the Golden Bears take on IU Southeast, another 2024 NAIA World Series qualifier ranked No. 17 in the preseason poll.
Notable Matchups
In addition to a competitive conference slate, WVU Tech will host a unique mid-season non-conference series from April 11-13. The three-team event will feature Fisher College (Boston, MA) and Georgia Gwinnett (Atlanta, GA). Georgia Gwinnett, ranked No. 3 in the preseason NAIA National Poll, was also a 2024 NAIA World Series qualifier.
Coaching Staff
Head Coach Lawrence Nesselrodt returns for his 17th season at WVU Tech, bringing 34 years of head coaching experience and eight years as a collegiate assistant. Assisting him is Joe Goddard, in his eighth season with the Golden Bears, boasting a legendary 45-year coaching career. A former Hall of Fame player at Marshall University, Goddard also spent six years in professional baseball with the San Diego Padres.
The coaching staff also includes Isaac Wengert, in his second season as WVU Tech’s pitching coach. A former standout pitcher for the Golden Bears, Wengert is expected to play a key role in developing the team’s pitching staff.
With a demanding schedule and experienced leadership, the Golden Bears are set for an exciting and competitive 2025 season. Fans can stay updated on games and results by visiting goldenbearathletics.com/sports/baseball.
