Chatham University Athletics

Nic Rush enters his fourth season as Head Baseball Coach at Chatham University in the 2024-25 academic year as the winningest coach in program history.

In 2024, the Cougars amassed the second most wins in program history.  The 2024 squad set new program records in numerous offensive statistical categories including: batting average, OPS, runs, hits, home runs, and slugging percentage, and on the mound in strikeouts, batting average against, H/9, and K/9.  Four Chatham Cougars were All-PAC honorees with Angelo DeLeonardis becoming the program's second ever 1st Team All-PAC honoree.  Senior Benny Dottle was also named to the ABCA Region 7 All-Defense Team.  The Cougar Baseball program earned its second consecutive ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award in 2024.
  
In Rush's second year leading the Cougars, the program recorded the winningest season in program history en route to the program's first-ever winning season.  The Cougar offense had the program's best statistical season to date, and set a dozen new program bests in the process.  On the mound, the pitching staff achieved program bests in multiple statistical categories, including strikeouts.  Defensively, the Cougars fielded at the highest clip in program history.  A program best five Chatham Cougars were All-PAC honorees for the 2023 season, including Chatham Baseball's first ever 1st Team All-PAC honoree, Benny Dottle.
 
In his first season with the Cougars, Rush was responsible for several program-firsts. He led the team to a new single-season wins record while also setting new program-bests in over 15 statistical categories. Additionally, Rush took over as the PAC Baseball Chair.
 
Rush came to Chatham after a successful three-year stint as Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at Washington and Jefferson College where he helped lead the team to the 2019 NCAA Division III World Series and a #2 national ranking in 2021.
 
"Coach Rush is an excellent fit for Chatham," said Director of Athletics Leonard Trevino. "He is committed to our goal of making Chatham Baseball into an elite program."
 
He was also instrumental in the development of individual players, leading to two ABCA All-Americans, a PAC Player of the Year, PAC Pitcher of the Year, PAC Newcomer of the Year, seven First Team All-PAC players, and two Second Team All-PAC players in 2021 alone. 2019 saw similar success, with an ABCA Third Team All American, three All-Mideast Region players, six First Team All-PAC players, a Second Team All-PAC Player, and a PAC Pitcher of the Year.
 
Rush has been actively engaged in the larger baseball community during his college coaching career.  In September 2020, Rush founded 726 Sports, a company dedicated to providing the most comprehensive baseball tournament and showcase experience possible.  In 4 years, 726 Sports has served over 600 baseball teams from a dozen states at events hosted in both Pennsylvania and Ohio.  

From 2018 to 2021, Rush held roles as Social Media Director and Field/Data Coordinator for Crossroads Baseball Series, making him responsible for game coverage and operations during the company's showcases. 
 
Prior to his arrival at W&J, Rush gave his expertise to the Bluffton University Baseball program for two seasons. He served as the Infield and Outfield coach while assisting with the hitters, and also gaining experience in recruiting, scouting, fundraising, and more. While with the Beavers, the team had the conference's best fielding percentage, second highest win total in program history and went on to earn their first ever HCAC playoff berth. Under Rush's guidance, the program would also receive HCAC Freshman of the Year honors and All-HCAC First Team selections.
 
"I'd like to thank James Grandey, Jeff Mountain, and each of the players that I have had the chance to coach at Bluffton University and Washington and Jefferson College. Coach Grandey and Coach Mountain have both been two incredible mentors to work for and learn from. The players that I have had the chance to coach at both institutions have helped shape me into the person and coach I am today."
 
Rush also has ample experience coaching youth teams as he served as the Head Coach for Ohio Elite at the 14u and 15u age groups, and also as the Head Coach for the Midwest Marlins at the 16u, 17u, and 18u age groups.  In addition to coaching responsibilities, Rush handled daily operations, recruiting, and tournament direction with both organizations. He has also served as a camp instructor and evaluator at numerous camps, clinics, and showcases across the region.
 
Rush played his own college ball at Division II Fairmont State University as a first baseman, right-handed pitcher, and designated hitter. A 2016 graduate of the program, he was named a CoSIDA Baseball Academic All-American, a Mountain East Conference Scholar Athlete, and was a recipient of both the William and Doretha Clayton Barnes Prize in History and the Eston K. Feaster Award, given to the senior student-athlete with the highest GPA.
 
In December 2015, Rush earned his bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education before beginning his Master of Education degree in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism Endorsement, from which he graduated in May 2018. He received Summa Cum Laude honors for both his undergraduate and graduate studies.  

Rush currently resides in Washington with his wife Marissa, who is Head Softball Coach at fellow PAC institution Washington & Jefferson College, and their son, Raymond.

The Rush File

Year	Record	PAC Record	Winning Percentage
2022	13-25	5-22	.342
2023	19-18	10-10	.514
2024	18-21	9-11	.462
2025	18-21	10-10	.462
Total	68-85	34-53	.444