Interim no more, Roth to coach Grace Baseball

Closing out a nation-wide search, Grace College announced on Tuesday that the interim tag will be removed from Ryan Roth.

Roth will become the next head coach in the 60-year history of Grace’s baseball program.

He has been with the Lancers for two seasons, serving as an assistant in 2018 and the interim coach alongside Tom Roy in 2019.

Athletic Director Chad Briscoe and newly named Head Baseball Coach Ryan Roth.

“We are extremely pleased with Ryan Roth leading the baseball program at Grace College. His desire for Christian excellence in all areas of leadership is aligned with our mission at Grace College,” said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe. “His ability to recruit at a high level and his connections in northern Indiana will serve him well as he takes the helm of the program. We look forward to the future of the Grace baseball program under his leadership.” Roth led the Lancers to a storybook season this spring. Grace qualified for the Crossroads League Tournament for the first time since 2014 and quickly made an impact.

The Lancers upset top-seed Huntington in the opening round of the tournament thanks to a walkoff squeeze bunt.

Grace continued its run, taking down the host Taylor and Marian to land in the championship game for the first time in program history.

The Lancers won the third-most games (17) this spring in its 60-year history. Grace also had four players earn honors on the postseason All-Crossroads League Team.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to grow the program spiritually and competitively. I’m also honored to serve at a school that I believe in very deeply and that aligns with my spiritual values and worldview,” Roth said. “I’m thankful to Dr. Katip and Coach Briscoe for their support of me to guide this program into the future.”

Roth pitched collegiately at Huntington University before joining the US Navy where he served from 2010-13.

He was an All-County player at Manchester High School, helping the Squires to the 2A state championship in 2002. He batted .403 in 2003 while adding a .969 fielding percentage.

Roth, who also played football at Manchester, was inducted into the Manchester High School Hall of Fame along with his 2002 state championship team.