By: Matt Rothman
Todd Fitz-Gerald’s coaching tree continues to expand, with former assistant Jason Stettner accepting a job as the new Sagemont School coach in Weston.
Stettner becomes the second assistant coach from last year’s team to land a job after Max Boling took over at Coral Springs Charter. He takes over for former World Series Champion Alex González, calling it a dream come true — though it was not easy leaving Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
“It was tough leaving a school like Douglas and the coaches and players you build amazing relationships with, but becoming a head coach was a goal of mine, and when an opportunity like this came up, I couldn’t be more thankful and blessed,” said Stettner.
Stettner previously played four years of high school baseball at Archbishop McCarthy High School and then a year and a half in college at Carson Newman in Tennessee. He has worked as the pitching coach for MSD since 2018 and was a part of back-to-back State Championships. He has helped develop a pair of Florida Gators in Chris Arroyo and Jake Clemente, as well as future Gator commits Christian Rodriguez, Jacob Gomberg, and Jayden Dubanewicz.
Sam Beir, Brandon White, and Eduardo Fuentes also pitched last year and are playing collegiate baseball after the Eagles’ pitching staff went 30-2 last season with an ERA of 1.22 and 288 strikeouts in 208 innings. Stettner also worked with college pitchers Derek Rodriguez, Kevin Heinrich, Kyle Morse, Tyler Novik, Vaughn Smeltzer, Kyle Yeoward, Connor Brian, and Aiden Williams.
Stettner says he cannot thank Fitz-Gerald enough for all he has learned.
“Being under his wing has molded me to face any challenges as a head coach and how to become a successful head coach,” Stettner added. “Truly thankful for the four years I was under him and the coaches around me.”
Mike Cimilluca, who made a significant impact in his first year coaching at MSD, will be the new Eagles pitching coach.
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