| Title: |
Assistant Director of Athletics |
| Email: |
mrizzo@whittier.edu |
| Phone: |
(562) 907-4967 |
| College: |
Whittier '86 |
Mike Rizzo reached a milestone in 2009 as the head coach of the
Whittier College baseball team. The 11-year front man earned his
200th career victory since he took over the program prior to the
start of the 1999 season.
Rizzo picked up his 200th win on March 17 in a 10-2 win over
Rutgers-Camden. Whittier totaled 17 hits in that affair and were
led by a seven run third inning. The 17 total hits in that game was
nothing new to the '09 Poets as they ranked in the top 20 percent
in the country in doubles per game (2.25), top 15 percent in
triples per game (0.45) and top 10 percent in total triples
(18).
Originally from Pittsfield, Mass., he has amassed a 203-231-3
career mark, 112-113 conference record, with six 20+ win seasons
which includes five straight from 2002 to 2006.
Last year's squad posted a 12-28 record, 6-15 SCIAC, and was led
by Anthony Cappelletti who earned his second consecutive bid on the
All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
first-team. In addition to his conference recognition he also
became the third All-American under Rizzo.
In the last 11 years Whittier has had 32 students-athletes named
all-conference, six garner All-West Region honors and two Major
League draftees.
In 2008 Rizzo saw Thomas Phelps drafted in the 38th round of the
Major League Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Phelps joined 2006
draftee Tom Vessella who was selected in the 11th round by the
Houston Astros.
Prior to being named head coach Rizzo was an assistant for the
Poets for 11 seasons (1988 to 1998).
Rizzo began his collegiate playing career at Western New England
College in 1983 and in his second season with the Golden Bears he
was named MVP of the 1984 NAIA District 5 Tournament. He
transferred to Whittier in the fall of '84 and was twice named
all-conference (1985 and 1986). Rizzo still holds the single season
record for innings pitched and he posted a 17-9 record on the hill
for the Poets.
In '86 he earned the Presidential Scholar Athlete Award and was
also named the team's MVP. He earned his bachelor's degree in
Political Science.
In addition to his duties with the baseball program he also serves
as an Assistant Director of Athletics.
Rizzo and his wife Susan live in Cypress, Calif., with their two
children, Ryan and Kylie.
