Sept. 3, 2008

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray announced the hiring of former New York Yankees pitcher Joe Ausanio as interim head softball coach for this season on Wednesday. Ausanio served as an assistant coach for the Red Foxes in the 2007 season, in which Marist advanced to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament championship round.

"I am confident that Joe will do a great job with our softball team in the upcoming season," Murray said. "His familiarity with Marist and the program will be beneficial."

A native of Kingston, N.Y., Ausanio enjoyed a 10-year professional career. He pitched for the New York Yankees in the 1994 and 1995 seasons, compiling a 4-1 record with one save in 41 appearances, all as a reliever.

Ausanio has served as a softball official for the last seven years, umpiring local high school and Pony league games. He also works for the Hudson Valley Renegades, the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, as Director of Food Services.

Ausanio has also been contacted by the Yankees in recent years to throw a knuckleball for batting practice prior to when the team would be facing knuckleballer Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox.

"I am excited to be a part of Marist softball," Ausanio said. "I know that we have a great nucleus of returning players, and some exciting freshmen who are going to continue the standard this program has set. I'm very happy to have the opportunity to coach here."

The Marist softball team has advanced to the championship round of the MAAC Tournament each of the last three years, capturing the conference crown in 2006. The Red Foxes return six starters from last year's team, including senior Melissa Giordano (Stamford, Conn.), a First Team All-MAAC selection last year.