Rich Cook begins his third year as a part of Rob Avila’s coaching staff for Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2008-2009.
A seasoned veteran coach at the collegiate, high school, and summer league levels, Cook brings his expertise to the Sailfish baseball team in a variety of ways.
Having been an assistant or head coach at such institutions as Lynn University, Trinity Christian College (Illinois), Hollywood Christian School, Florida Bible Christian School, and the Northwest Christian Academy, Cook provides Avila and the Sailfish baseball team a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Cook’s playing career mostly consisted of playing semi-pro baseball during the summer months in the Stan Musial League in such areas as Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Monroe, Michigan.
Having spent a good amount of time in the Midwest, Cook completed his undergraduate work in Physical Education at the University of Toledo in 1991 before going on to attain his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida in 2005.
Beyond his coaching duties with PBA, Cook is also employed full-time at Bethany Christian School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as a Physical Education teacher and the school’s Athletic Director.
“Having rededicated my life to Jesus Christ in 1984 and having trusted Christ as my Savior at twelve years old, I believe God has called me to the ministry of teaching, coaching and spiritually mentoring young people and the athletes I coach. I share Coach Avila's vision of impacting our players for Christ and building a championship caliber baseball program at PBA,” said Cook.
Married to his wife Alison for over 20 years, the couple has one daughter, Brianna, who will be attending the University of North Florida as a freshman in the fall. The Cook’s reside in Hollywood, Florida.
To contact Rich by email contact him at: hiheat25@aol.com
