Building Champions: Muskingum Athletics Celebrates Coaches of the Year

Muskingum Athletics celebrates a standout group of leaders as its 2024-2026 Coaches of the Year, recognizing a two-year run defined by conference success, national recognition, and program milestones across the department.

Fueled by strong leadership, the Fighting Muskies have combined for conference Coach of the Year honors, national championship appearances, historic firsts, and record-setting seasons, marking one of the most successful stretches in recent history.

Coaches of the Year Honorees

Jake Krupar – Baseball
Krupar has guided Muskingum baseball to consistent success, including a school record-tying 28 wins in 2025 and multiple 20-win seasons, while producing All-OAC performers and a conference Player of the Year. Krupar was named OAC Coach of the Year this past spring after leading Muskingum to the OAC Tournament for the first time since 2010.

Doug Smith – Women's Bowling
Smith has led a dominant era for Muskingum bowling, highlighted by back-to-back national tournament appearances, a club national championship, and top-20 national finishes. He was the Ohio Bowling Conference Women's Bowling Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 campaign.

Nathan Wahle – Men's Basketball
Wahle earned OAC Coach of the Year honors in 2025 after leading the Muskies to a conference tournament berth and first home OAC game since 2006, continuing the program's upward trajectory.

Taylour Huey – Volleyball
Huey was named OAC Coach of the Year after guiding Muskingum to a top-three league finish and postseason run, while continuing to develop all-conference and academic standouts.

Christian Hall – Men's Lacrosse
Hall delivered a historic season, earning OAC Coach of the Year honors while leading the Muskies to their first OAC Tournament appearance and setting program records.

Craig Holycross – Archery
Holycross, the USA Archery National Collegiate Coach of the Year in 2025, has built Muskingum into a national contender with champions, All-Americans, and continued program growth.

Joelle Bice – STUNT
Bice guided STUNT to three straight national appearances, including back-to-back Division III runner-up finishes, earning National Coach of the Year honors in 2025.

David Jones – Men's Bowling
Jones has played a key role in Muskingum's nationally competitive bowling program, contributing to top-20 finishes and a club national championship. He was named Ohio Bowling Conference Men's Bowling Coach of the Year this spring after leading Muskingum to the OBC Championship.