Walkenbach Cornell Bound

Bill Walkenbach has resigned his position as Head Baseball Coach at Franklin & Marshall College. Walkenbach, who served as the F&M coach for three seasons, will assume Head Coaching duties at Cornell University, where he enjoyed a successful career as an undergraduate.

“We are obviously disappointed to see Bill leave,” said Franklin & Marshall’s Director of Athletics and Recreation, Patricia S.W. Epps. “But I certainly understand his desire to return to his alma mater.”

Walkenbach compiled a 69-42 record during his three seasons in Lancaster. He led the Diplomats to the Centennial Championship Tournament in each of his three seasons. Walkenbach coached F&M to the Centennial Conference Championship in 2006. His Diplomats topped the Centennial in the regular season in 2007, earning the right to host the tournament.

"I would like to thank Patty Epps, President Fry, the entire athletic department and F&M community for a wonderful three years in Lancaster,” said Walkenbach. “My wife Beth and I have enjoyed our time here tremendously and will miss the many friends we have made at F&M. This baseball program is in a great place right now and I look forward to seeing the team succeed under the next head coach."

Walkenbach is the second consecutive Diplomat skipper to be scooped up by an Ivy League program. His predecessor, Brett Boretti, was tabbed for Columbia’s bench in 2005 after five successful seasons in Lancaster. Walkenbach is also the second F&M coach to gain notice from the Ivies this summer. Ann Phillips took over the lacrosse program at Yale in June.

A national search for the new head coach will be opened immediately. Assistant coaches, Jordan Wyckoff and Matt Scheuing will shepherd the program during the search.