Aug. 12, 2011
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By Sarah Tarasewicz
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Along with the responsibilities that come with being the head coach for the UCF baseball team, Terry Rooney takes pride in the fact that he continues to mentor young pitchers into the Major Leagues as the Knights' pitching coach.
In his coaching career, Rooney has had 40 pitchers sign professional contracts, including three hurlers that made their Major League debuts in the past few weeks: Kyle Weiland for the Boston Red Sox, Charlie Furbush for the Seattle Mariners and Louis Coleman for the Kansas City Royals.
In addition to the trio of hurlers, Rooney also had three additional players see action in the Major Leagues in 2011 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs.
Evidence of Rooney's positive effect on his pupils was witnessed during the Knights' impressive run to the NCAA Regionals last season. UCF's pitching staff completed the year with its lowest team ERA since 2005 under Rooney's guidance, with the staff being anchored by two sophomores in Brian Adkins (No. 1 starter, 6-5 record) and Joe Rogers (closer, nine saves). Meanwhile, Danny Winkler had 92 strikeouts, the most by a UCF pitcher since 2005, and Johnny Sedlock (2.00 ERA) and Nick Cicio (2.23 ERA) dominated the bullpen as the Knights combined for five team shutouts.
If the past is any indication as to the success that Rooney brings to his pitching staffs, the Black and Gold and its fans certainly have a lot to look forward to in 2012.