Meet the Coaches

Gregg Thompson
Head Coach

Head Coach Gregg Thompson enters his 13th season at the helm of the Fighting Muskies as Muskingum’s all-time career wins leader.

Thompson etched his name in the record book as the all-time career wins leader for the Muskie baseball program following the Muskies’ doubleheader sweep of Notre Dame College on March 6, 2007. With the pair of victories, Thompson passed his former mentor and late skipper Ron Mazeroski with 240 wins. Thompson now stands at 258 victories in only 12 seasons at the helm of the Black & Magenta.

Thompson has gained the reputation as one of the top offensive coaches in the game. In 2007, Muskingum averaged 6.8 runs per game and batted over .300 as a team. Additionally, the Muskies set the school record with a 15-game winning streak, which also allowed the Black & Magenta to set the school mark for best start of a season at 15-1. In 2006, the Black & Magenta led the nationally-ranked and powerful Ohio Athletic Conference in batting average and runs per game (7.02 rpg). Furthermore, the talented pitching staff was ranked fourth in the 10-team conference. Under Thompson’s tutelage, his players have amassed a record of achievements. In 1998, Muskingum broke the OAC single season record and ranked third in the nation in home runs with 72 (1.85 per game). The .372 team batting average in 1998 broke the school record for the highest batting average in a season. In 1999, catcher Brad Mercer broke numerous single season records when he hit .486 with 69 hits, 59 runs scored, and 56 runs batted in. In 2001, first baseman Justin Shaw rewrote the record book with 77 hits, 68 runs batted in, and 124 total bases. In 2003, Mike Van Schepen finished his career as the all-time leader in at bats (591), hits (206), and doubles (44). The Muskies continued to show its offensive power in 2003 by hitting 41 home runs, scoring 264 runs (6.60 per game), and having a .328 team batting average. In 2004, Muskingum smashed 41 home runs which ranked 12th in the nation and had a team batting average of .320. In 2005, Scott Ringhiser capped off his career as the all-time leader in career doubles (48) and second all-time in home runs (33) and RBI (158). Furthermore, Bill Rockwell led NCAA Division III in sacrifices per game.

During Thompson’s tenure, the Muskies have had numerous first team All-OAC selections, both for athletic and academic accomplishments. In 2003, Ryan Alexander became the second first team Academic All-American under Thompson. The baseball program has also produced five Clyde Lamb nominees, the highest award given to a scholar-athlete in the OAC.
Thompson is in his 15th year as a coach at Muskingum. The 1992 graduate of the University of Delaware is also a lecturer in the Physical Education Department.

Thompson and his wife, Heather, reside in New Concord and have three children, Gavin, age seven; Payton, who will be five in April; and Gates, who will be two in March.

Nathan Prati
Assistant Coach

Nathan Prati enters his first season as an assistant coach for the Muskingum College baseball program.

Prati was a four-year letterwinner for the Fighting Muskie baseball team. While at Muskingum, he was a two-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference honoree. He ended his Muskie career ranked in the top 10 in home runs (22), RBI (118) and walks (65). Furthermore, Prati ranks in the top 10 for a single-season in home runs with 10.

Prior to returning to his alma mater, he served as varsity baseball assistant coach at Pickerington Central High School. Prati also was a student coach for Muskingum during the 2005-06 year.

Prati graduated from Muskingum in 2006 with a bachelor of arts in physical education and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in adult education.

Prati and his wife, Kristie, reside in New Concord.

George Ringhiser
Assistant Coach

George Ringhiser enters his fifth year as an assistant coach.

Ringhiser brings with him tremendous knowledge of the game and has been a long-time coach in the Grove City summer league programs. He will assist with the pitchers and defense. George and his wife, Pat, reside in Orient and have two children, Kelly and Scott.

Mark Rider
Assistant Coach

Mark Rider is in his ninth total year on the Muskie baseball staff.

Rider was a four-year letterwinner at Muskingum. He previoulsy held the school record for most pitching appearances in a season and batted .300 during his playing tenure.

In addition to his work at Muskingum, he is the former head varsity baseball coach and athletic director at John Glenn H.S.