MARIETTA, Ohio – Marietta College Head Baseball Coach Brian Brewer was honored at the annual American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) convention held in Anaheim, Calif. Brewer was named the 2011 ABCA/Diamond NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year after guiding the Etta Express to its NCAA-record fifth Division III National Championship.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire coaching staff,” Brewer said. “I am very fortunate to have some of the finest teachers of the game on my staff.”

Under Brewer’s leadership, the Pioneers finished the season with a record of 47-4 overall and 17-1 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Marietta won the OAC Tournament for the 29th time and also claimed the program’s 21st NCAA Mideast Regional title.

In his eight seasons at the helm, Brewer has led the Pioneers to three World Series appearances and the national championship in 2006 and 2011. In addition to the national coach of the year award, Brewer was named the Mideast Region and Don Schaly OAC Coach of the Year.

The start of preseason practice is right around the corner and the Pioneers are scheduled to open the 2012 season with a doubleheader at Rhodes College (Tenn.) on March 3rd. First pitch is slated for noon.