CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder
Mike
Kunigonis spent three seasons as a volunteer assistant at two
Virginia colleges.
His hard work and
reputation as a terrific recruiter resulted in him being named
head baseball coach at Northern Illinois University when Ed
Mathey unexpectedly stepped down in November to return to North
Central College.
Kunigonis got his
coaching start at Niagara in 2002 before spending three seasons
at Canisius. He then was a volunteer at Radford before taking
the same position at Virginia Tech, where he spent seven seasons
– Kunigonis worked his way up from volunteer to associate head
coach under Pete Hughes and Pat Mason.
He took time to
answer questions from CBI.
First Inning –
What made you decide to get into coaching?
My father was a huge
influence on me as most fathers are on their sons, and I
developed his passion for the game of baseball at a very young
age. He always coached my teams growing up and coached summer
high school baseball as well. I saw how much he enjoyed teaching
the game to others. He doesn’t coach any more as he has been an
umpire for the past
15 years…So we argue
a lot now!
Second Inning –
When you started in 2003 at Niagara, could you have envisioned
becoming a Division-I head coach?
It’s amazing how
things work out. As a young coach, I believed that if I worked
hard enough and kept my nose to the grindstone that things would
work out. I believe that now and understand it better than ever.
What I couldn’t have envisioned at that age was the journey that
was taken to get here. I’m very lucky to have had Mike McRae as
a mentor at such a young age. He allowed me to coach, make
mistakes and find my own way as a coach.
Third Inning –
What was attractive about the NIU job?
I believe this
program and university is on the rise and has its best days
ahead. President Baker’s vision for the University along with
the vision of Athletics Director Sean Frazier for the department
make NIU very attractive for any coach.
Fourth
Inning – How difficult was it to leave Virginia Tech,
particularly with the unconventional timing of the opening?
It was very difficult
to say the least! It’s never an ideal time to pick up and go,
but opportunities like this don’t present themselves every day.
I know the Hokies are going to do great things this year and I’m
fortunate to have spent the time with them that I did. Ryan
Connolly will step in and be an instant hit with the players. He
is a great coach, better person and tireless worker.
Fifth Inning – The
Pete Hughes coaching tree continues to branch out. What are a
few things you’ve learned from Hughes?
Family, hard work,
integrity and class are four words I would use to describe Coach
Hughes. I have learned a great deal from him on the field and
off. He gave me a chance when others wouldn’t and believed in me
when there wasn’t much to believe in. Between Pete Hughes and
Pat Mason, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Sixth Inning –
Virginia Tech has made community service a priority with its 19
Ways. Will you bring that or something similar to NIU?
NIU baseball has
started The DeKalb Pride Foundation. It will be very similar to
the 19 Ways project in Blacksburg and Norman. We will help
impact our community in positives ways throughout the course of
the school year. We look to raise awareness and funds for
different causes through the course of the year.
The MAC is a strong
competitive league that competes at a very high level. I look
forward to competing against great teams and great coaches.
Eighth Inning –
You’ve spent several years as a recruiting coordinator. What
makes a good recruiter?
Being able to connect
with people on a personal level is huge and a big part of
recruiting. I believe it is all about the relationships you
develop with players, coaches and everyone you encounter on an
everyday basis. Being a good person, hard worker and good leader
is the foundation for a successful program.
Ninth Inning –
What are your immediate and long-term goals for the Huskies?
I think we can
compete for a
