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Bluefield baseball coach Mike White has been chosen as the recipient of the 2013 NAIA Coach of Character award.

Trey Wilson

February 4, 2013

BLUEFIELD, Va. -- Bluefield baseball coach Mike White has been chosen as the recipient of the 2013 NAIA Coach of Character award.

White, entering his eighth season as the head coach for Bluefield’s baseball program, was selected as the Mid-South Conference recipient of the award.

“It was an honor just to be nominated with the great coaches we have here at Bluefield, let alone in the Mid-South,” said White.

Bluefield athletic director Peter Dryer is one of the people who initially nominated White for the award.

"We are excited to see the conference award a very deserving Coach White for his efforts as a Coach of Character,” said Dryer. “Mike has consistently demonstrated the character qualities of the NAIA as well as those of Bluefield College. While our baseball program has worked hard to be successful in competition over the years, Coach White recognizes the priority to lead with character and instill those qualities in his student-athletes."  

White said the award reflects the Bluefield athletic department’s commitment to developing athletes on and off the field.

“I think the award is an overall reflection of the program and how we hope to do things the right way,” said White.

White reached a milestone in 2012 when he earned his 200^th career win against No. 7 Tennessee Wesleyan. His wife, Michele, came up with an idea to celebrate the event.

“Coach (Ryan) Lambert texted me earlier in the week when they won game 198 and asked what I was going to do for game 200,” said Michele White. “I woke up the next morning with an idea. His favorite charity is St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, so I decided to raise $200 in honor of his 200^th win.”

The initial goal of $200 was far surpassed. Within a matter of days, donations topped $500.

White has built an impressive resume since he took over coaching duties in 2006. In 2009, Bluefield won 39 games en-route to the school’s first-ever NCCAA National Championship. The same year, he was named the NCCAA National Coach of the Year.

The following season, White led the Rams to the most wins in school history, going 41-16 and making a second consecutive appearance in the NCCAA National Championship.

White has also propelled players into professional baseball careers. 

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