Doug Besozzi Position: Graduate Assistant Coach Experience: First Year

Doug Besozzi begins his first season on the bench for the Vikings after a distinguished four-year career as Cleveland State's starting catcher. Besozzi will assist in the day-to-day operations of the team, as well as aid in coaching the Vikings' hitters and catchers.

A second team All-Horizon League pick as a senior, Besozzi closed out his career with a .289 average, starting in 193 of his 202 games played behind the dish. He is second in school history with 724 at bats, fourth with 209 hits and fifth with 36 doubles.

Last season, he produced some of his best numbers, hitting .301 average with three homeruns and 24 RBI while touting a .985 fielding percentage behind the plate. A four-year letterwinner with the Vikings, Besozzi received the prestigious Luke Easter-Wahoo Club Memorial Scholarship in 2001 for his leadership, unselfish concern for teammates, keen loyalty and enthusiasm for the game of baseball. He also is a four-time member of the Athletic-Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a grade point average above 3.00 throughout his playing career. Last year, he was awarded the Jim Rodriguez Endowment, given to a senior baseball player who excels both on the field and in the classroom.

A two-time all-league selection at Claymont High School, Besozzi set school records with a .524 batting average and 43 hits in a season. He lettered in football, basketball and baseball in high school.

A native of Uhrichsville, Ohio, Besozzi will graduate in May with a degree in middle childhood education. He currently resides in Cleveland.