Xavier University Athletics

Xavier Baseball's Nick Otte Promoted to Associate Head Coach Position
07.13.17 | Baseball
Otte enters his eighth season with the program in 2017-18
CINCINNATI – Xavier baseball head coach Billy O'Conner announced Thursday that Nick Otte has been elevated to the position of associate head coach. Otte will enter his eighth year with the program during the 2017-18 school year and works primarily with the team's pitchers.
"Nick is very deserving of this title change," said O'Conner. "He's played an integral role in our success and will be relied on heavily by me as we continue to grow as a program. His passion for development and his diligent work in recruiting are the foundation for the continued success of the program."
Under Otte's guidance, Xavier has posted six of the top-10 team ERA's in school history. The Musketeers have also had their two highest-ever draft picks, both pitchers, during Otte's time on staff.
Last season, the XU pitching staff set a single season school record for strikeouts (461) as junior Zac Lowther posted one of the most dominant seasons by a starter in school history. The lefty, who was drafted 74th overall by the Baltimore Orioles, set XU's single season mark with 123 punchouts in 83.1 innings.
The 2012 pitching staff closed the season with a 3.87 ERA, third-best in program history. Otte's crew also set top-10 marks in 2013 (3.95), 2011 (4.25), 2014 (4.47), 2017 (4.50) and 2016 (4.57).
Otte has been instrumental in the success of several future professional pitchers at XU, including three MLB Draft selections Zac Lowther (Comp. Round B, 74th Pick), Garrett Schilling (18th Rd.), Greg Jacknewitz (22nd Rd.) off last season's roster.
Former XU pitchers Jacob Bodner (2015, 27th Rd.), Vinny Nittoli (2014, 25th Rd.), Seth Willoughby (2012, 4th Rd.) and Tommy Shirley (2010, 9th Rd.) have also been drafted during Otte's time with the program.
Otte has 14 years of coaching experience overall, also spending time at Miami (OH) and Georgetown College. The former college pitcher played and studied at Indiana, where he graduated in 2002 with a degree in public health education and a minor in human development and family studies.
He and his wife, Erin, reside in West Chester with their daughters, Anna and Paige.
"Nick is very deserving of this title change," said O'Conner. "He's played an integral role in our success and will be relied on heavily by me as we continue to grow as a program. His passion for development and his diligent work in recruiting are the foundation for the continued success of the program."
Under Otte's guidance, Xavier has posted six of the top-10 team ERA's in school history. The Musketeers have also had their two highest-ever draft picks, both pitchers, during Otte's time on staff.
Last season, the XU pitching staff set a single season school record for strikeouts (461) as junior Zac Lowther posted one of the most dominant seasons by a starter in school history. The lefty, who was drafted 74th overall by the Baltimore Orioles, set XU's single season mark with 123 punchouts in 83.1 innings.
The 2012 pitching staff closed the season with a 3.87 ERA, third-best in program history. Otte's crew also set top-10 marks in 2013 (3.95), 2011 (4.25), 2014 (4.47), 2017 (4.50) and 2016 (4.57).
Otte has been instrumental in the success of several future professional pitchers at XU, including three MLB Draft selections Zac Lowther (Comp. Round B, 74th Pick), Garrett Schilling (18th Rd.), Greg Jacknewitz (22nd Rd.) off last season's roster.
Former XU pitchers Jacob Bodner (2015, 27th Rd.), Vinny Nittoli (2014, 25th Rd.), Seth Willoughby (2012, 4th Rd.) and Tommy Shirley (2010, 9th Rd.) have also been drafted during Otte's time with the program.
Otte has 14 years of coaching experience overall, also spending time at Miami (OH) and Georgetown College. The former college pitcher played and studied at Indiana, where he graduated in 2002 with a degree in public health education and a minor in human development and family studies.
He and his wife, Erin, reside in West Chester with their daughters, Anna and Paige.
Players Mentioned
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