Baseball | 6/28/2012 4:05:00 PM

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Kellen Walker has been named the head coach of the Western Oregon University baseball program through the 2012-13 academic year, WOU Athletic Director Daniel Hare announced today.

Walker will retain the interim title but will take over full rein of a program that has won 12 straight conference championships (11 consecutive in the GNAC) and reached the NCAA West Regional in back-to-back seasons.

"I couldn't be happier to have coach Walker agree to continue serving as head coach through the 2013 season," said Athletic Director Daniel Hare. "What he has helped build here at Western Oregon over the past six years is one of the best baseball programs in all of Division II.  I have no doubt that under his leadership the program will continue its tradition of excellence."

Walker has been with the Western Oregon baseball program for the past six seasons as an assistant coach, during which time the Wolves compiled a 212-93 record. His duties included being the hitting coach, infield instructor and recruiting coordinator. This season he helped three Wolves infielders earn All-West Region honors. He also assisted in guiding Western Oregon to the school's best-ever fielding percentage (.973).

"It is an honor to not only be a head coach, but a head coach at a university of this caliber," said Kellen Walker. "I want to start by thanking President Mark Weiss and Athletic Director Daniel Hare for the opportunity to lead such a quality program. Western Oregon baseball has a great foundation that was set by coach Jeremiah Robbins and previous student-athletes, and I am excited to build on the traditions that have been established here."

A native of Roseburg, Ore., Walker played collegiately for two seasons at Lassen CC in Susanville, California, twice earning all-conference honors. He then played two seasons at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego (2005-06) as a second baseman. As a senior, Walker hit .283 with 32 RBI and 11 stolen bases.

This will be the first head coaching position for Walker at the collegiate level.