Schemmel steps down at Xavier

CEDAR RAPIDS - Dave Schemmel has resigned as head varsity baseball coach at Cedar Rapids Xavier, the school announced Friday.

Schemmel has been the Saints' only coach, coming to Xavier when it opened in 1998. Prior to that, he was head coach at both Cedar Rapids Regis and Cedar Rapids LaSalle.

He had a 431-234 career record at Xavier, including a state championship in 2006. Xavier advanced to the Class 3A title game in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

'This has been something that's been on my mind for a few years now,” Schemmel said in a press release from Xavier. 'Because I look forward to the challenges that each new year brings, it's just been difficult trying to find the right time to make the announcement.

'I'm so thankful for the opportunity and privilege to coach at Xavier. I am grateful for the backing of the administration, the hard work of my assistant coaches and the tremendous support of the parents and families of the players I've worked with. We've been blessed with some very talented and hardworking athletes. Hopefully we've made them better baseball players and that they've enjoyed their baseball experience at Xavier. I will cherish the great memories that I have from each team.”

Schemmel is a Monticello native with a career record of 564-402. He will remain at Xavier as Director of Guidance.

'Coach Schemmel has always shied away from the spotlight and is the first one to credit the success at Xavier to our students, families and assistant coaches,” said Xavier Activities Director Mike Winker. 'His love of the game and his attitude of humble leadership have made him an instrumental factor in helping so many of our former Saints to go on to participate in college and professional baseball.”