Jan. 25, 2010

Mark Sakelakos (Peabody, MA), a former standout River Hawk pitcher, will join the UMass Lowell baseball staff as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2010 season, announced head coach Ken Harring.

Sakelakos will work in several key areas for the River Hawks, coordinating the bullpen and coaching first base during games. He will also work independently with the team's catchers.

"Mark really wants to coach and will be a valuable asset to the program," said Harring. "He played here and had tremendous success during his tenure. He knows what we expect at UMass Lowell and he also knows what it means to put on the uniform everyday."

The three-year pitcher appeared in 40 games during his career, starting eight. Sakelakos compiled a 6-2 record through 88 innings with a 2.45 earned run average. During his final season, Sakelakos emerged as an outstanding closer with a 0.68 ERA and six saves.

Prior to attending UMass Lowell, Sakelakos shined as a member of Peabody High School, twice earning recognition as a Greater Boston League All-Star. Sakelakos still resides in his childhood home in Peabody.