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Donegal Fergus was named the ninth head coach of the Lions baseball program on June 24, 2023.
Fergus joins the Lions athletics staff after successful stints at UCSB and with the Minnesota Twins of the MLB.
Fergus’s coaching philosophy is very player-centric, focusing on player empowerment and setting foundations for growth in order to reach that final goal of getting drafted into Major League Baseball.
His experience stretches more than two decades, with success following every stop he has been at. Fergus has made stops at three Division I programs prior to leading the Lions. From 2010-2012, Fergus was the hitting coach at Seattle University where he increased the RedHawks hitting proficiency significantly from year to year. His next DI opportunity came at the University of Washington. During his tenure with the Huskies, the team made three NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to Omaha, Neb. for the 2018 College World Series. He finally landed in Santa Barbara as an assistant on the Gauchos staff where in 2019, he helped them capture their first Big West Championship since 1958. The 2019 Gauchos also produced the second most MLB draft picks in the country. After a brief hiatus from coaching at the college level, Fergus returned to the Gauchos staff in 2022 to help them to another Big West Championship. His three years in Santa Barbara led to two conference titles, two NCAA Regional trips, two broken school records for homers in a season, and a multitude of offensive improvements.
During his hiatus from the Gauchos, Fergus served as the hitting coordinator for the Twins in which he oversaw all of their minor league hitting staff across MILB. The Twins had seven MLB debuts during his tenure and have transformed into a perennial AL Central contender in recent years. One of his biggest takeaways from being with the Twins was learning the ability to manage large groups of individuals, something he no doubt will utilize on the Bluff.
Fergus also oversaw the Irish National Baseball Team for a pair of seasons in 2018 and 2019, helping them to attain a gold medal and a Top 50 international ranking.
A native of Powers, Ore., Fergus played baseball at Linfield College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and later earned a graduate degree in homeland security from American Military University.
Justin Dedman named as assistant coach in July of 2023 ahead of 2024 baseball season.
Dedman’s baseball experience has taken him across the country, most recently a member of the Missouri Tigers of the Southeastern Conference. Acting as the Director of Player Development, Dedman and the Tigers set program records in homeruns, batting average, slugging percentage and OPS. The Tigers went 30-24 in 2023, with a sweep against College World Series participant Tennessee and a win against CWS semifinalist TCU.
Dedman has also made stops at Ole Miss and at Division II and NAIA powerhouse Lee University in Tennessee. The Flames went 291-116 during his tenure and made five World Series appearances, finishing as runners-up on two occasions.
“Justin is one of the best offensive minds in the country, but also one of the best people. I’m so lucky to be able to get him to join me here on the Bluff,” said Fergus.
Mathew Troupe was named the LMU pitching coach for the 2024 season.
Troupe spent the previous pair of seasons as the pitching coach at Hawaii under former USD head coach Rich Hill. The Rainbow Warriors set school Big West Era records across multiple pitching categories. Hawaii led the Big West in ERA (3.94) and recorded 454 strikeouts, their most strikeouts in a season since 2006.
Travis Buck announced as assistant coach for 2024 baseball season.
Buck’s impressive journey through professional baseball, as well as his coaching background, uniquely position him to contribute to LMU’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Travis Buck’s professional baseball career saw him excel as an outfielder with several major league teams, including the San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, and the Oakland Athletics. As a 1st Round Pick (35th Overall) in the 2005 MLB Draft, Buck’s dedication and talent allowed him to thrive at the highest level of the sport.
Buck’s transition from player to coach has been seamless, marked by his tenure with esteemed baseball organizations. He served as the Director of Scouting and Player Development, Assistant Coach, and Assistant Recruiting Coordinator at Arizona State University, where he played a vital role in developing future talent, coordinating outreach, and assisting in day-to-day operations. Buck’s leadership extended to the Boise Hawks, where he oversaw hitting and outfield play and played an instrumental role in player recruitment. At Boise State University, he contributed to the implementation of hitting philosophy and outfield play development.
As the owner of TBuck Training LLC, Buck demonstrated his dedication to nurturing young talent, providing private lessons, and mentoring players on their journey to success. His leadership and coaching acumen extended to Baseball Northwest, where he guided and supported collegiate-bound athletes in regional and national tournaments.
Conner O’Neil assumes the role of Director of Pitching Development for the upcoming 2024 season, bringing with him a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to a distinguished career in baseball.
Post-high school, Conner’s path to success was anything but conventional. Facing the absence of scholarship offers from four-year institutions, he forged his own destiny by walking on at Central Arizona College. After a standout season, his talent garnered recognition, earning him a scholarship to Cal State Northridge.
During his three-year tenure at CSUN, Conner left an indelible mark on the program. Setting records as the single-season and all-time saves leader (29), boasting the sixth lowest career ERA in school history, and achieving the lowest career ERA in the school’s Division 1 era (2.53), Conner’s impact extended to the fifth most games pitched in school history (78). His accolades include multiple All-Conference honors, 2016 pre-season All-American recognition (NCWBA), and consistent appearances on the Stopper of the Year watch list (NCWBA). The Detroit Tigers drafted him in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB Draft, but Conner opted to return for his final year, ultimately graduating with honors.
Notably, Conner’s journey continued with a seventh-round selection by the New York Mets in the 2017 MLB Draft, marking the highest draft position for a player from his school since 2006. His pro career spanned five successful years with the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox, during which his gritty character and relentless work ethic became synonymous with his name. Beyond personal achievements, Conner assumed a mentoring role, guiding fellow players through the demanding challenges of professional baseball.
His college coach attested to Conner’s unparalleled consistency, describing him as a value-driven individual with a deep toughness that places him in the 99th percentile of student-athletes. Now, Conner brings this uniquely committed and resilient attitude to LMU, where his firsthand knowledge of the effort, skills, and mindset required for improvement and success will undoubtedly prove invaluable to both staff and players in the program.
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Loyola Marymount University Baseball Camps
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Who can participate in the LMU Baseball Camps?
Our camps are open to all baseball players, regardless of skill level, age, grade level, or gender. We welcome beginners looking to learn the game as well as advanced players seeking to enhance their skills.
What age groups do the LMU Baseball Camps cater to?
We offer camps that cater to a wide range of age groups, typically spanning from elementary school to high school. We ensure that each camp is tailored to meet the specific needs and skill levels of the participants.
What is the camp schedule like?
The camp schedule may vary depending on the specific camp, but typically, each day is structured with a combination of development broken up by age, skill-building drills, game simulations, and friendly competitions. Rest assured, we create a balanced and engaging schedule to maximize the campers’ learning and enjoyment.
What is the instructor-to-camper ratio at the LMU Baseball Camps?
We take great pride in maintaining an exceptional instructor-to-camper ratio, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and guidance. This ratio allows for effective communication, individualized instruction, and ample opportunities for skill development.
What should my child bring to the LMU Baseball Camps?
Participants should bring their own baseball equipment, including gloves, bats, helmets, and appropriate footwear. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and any necessary medications or allergy information.
What safety measures are in place during the LMU Baseball Camps?
The safety of our campers is of utmost importance to us. We maintain a safe and secure environment by adhering to all necessary health and safety guidelines. Our staff is trained to provide proper supervision and ensure that all equipment is in good condition.