FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Eavenson announced Wednesday that Tom Austin, one of the winningest head coaches in the history of NCAA baseball, has decided to retire. Long-time assistant and Monarch alum Spencer Martin (MU class of 2008) has been named interim head baseball coach.
Austin noted, "Coaching baseball at Methodist University has never been work… it was a pleasure!"
In his 46th season at MU – which tied for the second-longest tenure among active coaches in Division III – Austin led the Monarchs to a 34-15 record and both the USA South Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles. After MU's appearance in the NCAA tournament, Austin finished with a career record of 1,318-632-10 (a .675 winning percentage). He was the all-time victories leader among league coaches and one of just six Division III coaches in history to win 1,300 career games.
"One word comes to my mind when I think about summarizing Coach Tom Austin's career at Methodist University as our head baseball coach: Legendary," said Eavenson. "Tom's tenure at Methodist has been filled with numerous championships, milestone wins, team and individual academic achievements, and most importantly, the tremendous positive impact he has had on the lives of thousands of baseball players."
During a career that has seen him inducted into the Bishop Moore High School, USA South, and American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Halls of Fame, Austin led the Monarchs to six NCAA Division III College World Series (1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996) and MU finished no lower than fifth each time. Their best finish occurred in 1995, when the team was the NCAA Division III runner-up.
"I want to thank my players who have enriched my life, and I will forever treasure the relationships we have fostered," said Austin. "I also want to thank all of the assistant coaches and support personnel who have helped me over the years. You have helped make me a better coach and person, and I could not have done it without everyone. Finally, I would like to thank my family for the sacrifices they made to allow me to pursue my dream of coaching."
Under Austin's guidance, Methodist won over 20 games and was named the Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Regular-Season champions in his first season. Two years later, the Monarchs achieved their first 30-win season, finishing 34-12-1, and won their first NCAA Tournament game in program history.
Just a few seasons later, in 1986, Austin led MU to its first 40-win season (43-6-2), the most wins in a single season. That team won MU's first NCAA Regional championship and earned the team's first trip to the Division III College World Series.
The Monarchs have been a part of 23 NCAA Tournaments, won 20 DIAC/USA South titles, and captured six NCAA Regional championships with Austin at the helm.
In addition to the victories and championships, Methodist student-athletes have earned numerous individual honors since Austin became the head coach.
- 28 All-Americans (38 total honors)
- 54 All-Region selections (since 2003)
- 220 All-Conference selections
- 5 Academic All-Americans
- 21 Academic All-District honorees (since 2002)
- 3 Don Scalf Award winners (USA South Student-Athlete of the Year)
"Tom Austin's teams have competed with dignity, class, and at a high level both on the field and in the classroom," said Eavenson. "Coach Austin has dedicated 46 years of his life to our institution, and his impact and legacy extend beyond the baseball diamond. We are forever grateful for all he has done and accomplished, and we wish him the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life. Thank you for everything, coach!"
Nine of Austin's players have been elected to the Methodist University Athletic Hall of Fame, including Jansen Evans and Mike Brewington, who were also inducted into the USA South Hall of Fame. Under Austin's tutelage, more than 20 MU players have signed contracts to play professional baseball.
In 2021, after having the honor of being selected as the keynote speaker at MU's Spring Commencement at Segra Stadium, Austin was presented with the prestigious Methodist University Medallion by MU President Stanley T. Wearden, who said:
"For his long career at Methodist University; for his dedication and loyalty to the MU baseball program; for his passion, teaching, and care for his players; and for the example of sustained excellence and integrity he has offered to hundreds of people, not just at MU but throughout his life and career, Methodist University proudly awards Coach Tom Austin the University Medallion."
In addition to his tenure as the head baseball coach, Austin also had the title of head cross country coach for his first six years at MU before becoming the school's athletic director for seven years (1985-92).
"I am indebted to MU for hiring and allowing me to fulfill my childhood dream of coaching collegiate baseball," said Austin. "Go Monarchs!"