George Yanchak

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George Yanchak, the 2009 WVIAC Coach of the Year, begins in his fifth year as head coach of the Fairmont State baseball team. Yanchak served as an assistant coach for the Falcons from 2002-07 before taking over the head coaching position. He brings tremendous knowledge of college baseball and invaluable experience at various levels to the Fairmont State dugout. In his first two seasons as head coach of the Falcons, Yanchak has helped advance the baseball program in all areas from performance on the field to fundraising.

Last season, FSU was in contention for a WVIAC playoff spot until the last week of the season. The Falcons finished with a record of 14-33 overall and 11-18 in the WVIAC Northern Division. Outfielder Andy Leach was a first team All-WVIAC selection, and also earned second team all-region honors by the ABCA and third team honors from the NCBWA.

In 2009, Yanchak helped lead Fairmont State to a WVIAC Central Division title and a berth in the WVIAC Tournament. For his efforts, Yanchak was named WVIAC Coach of the Year by his peers. Yanchak also coached Zack Solly to a second team All-America honors, the first player in school history to earn All-America honors in baseball. Fairmont State finished with an overall record of 16-23.

In his first season as head coach, Yanchak led the Falcons to a 16-33 overall record, but a 7-8 league mark -- good for third place in the WVIAC Central Division. He helped Zac Campbell to WVIAC Pitcher of the Year honors, the first time a Fairmont State player had earned that award since it was given in 1975. Campbell also earned numerous regional honors, in addition to earning Academic All-America recognition.

In his first five seasons with Fairmont State, Yanchak served as the team’s hitting coach. In 2003, FSU’s .351 batting average ranked seventh in the country, and its 8.2 runs per game was the 20th-best average in the NCAA. He also mentored four first team All-WVIAC selections during that span.

In 2007, Yanchak took over as the team’s pitching coach. He helped guide Tony Magnanelli to first team All-WVIAC honors and numerous other regional accolades.

Prior to coming to Fairmont State, Yanchak spent two seasons at West Virginia University assisting with the baseball operations. During that time he also coached Morgantown Post 2 and led the team to a record of 70-15 in two seasons and a runner-up finish in the state championships. Yanchak coached 10 players who went on to play Division II baseball, and two who went on to play Division I.

Yanchak began his coaching career at his alma mater, West Liberty. He spent three seasons with the Hilltoppers (1990-93) and coached three players who were drafted into the majors: Bill Dreisbach, C, Cincinnati Reds; Joe Maskivish, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates; Jason Pollock, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals.

Yanchak was a standout player for coach Bo McConnaughy at West Liberty. A three-year starter, he was a three-time all-conference selection for the Hilltoppers helping the squad to three WVIAC Northern Championships and three WVIAC Championships. West Liberty captured the WVIAC Tournament Championship in each of his four seasons, and advanced to the NAIA Tournament each of those years. As a senior and team captain, the Hilltoppers advanced to the NAIA World Series.

Yanchak earned his degree from West Liberty in English in 1990, and has a master’s degree in Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia University.

A member of the Brooke High School Hall of Fame, Yanchak currently serves as the interim director of financial aid at Fairmont State. He and his wife Margaret have three children: Joseph, Thomas and Mary Jane.