The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire baseball program is excited to announce the addition of Dalton Roach and James Dunlap as assistant coaches for the 2025 season.
 
Roach, a standout pitcher at Minnesota State University – Mankato (MSU) and Eau Claire Memorial High School alum, returns to Eau Claire to help guide the next generation of Blugolds.

A native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Roach enjoyed an exceptional collegiate career with the Mavericks. While at MSU, he became the Mavericks' all-time leader in strikeouts with 371, set the single season strikeout record with 128, became the winningest pitcher in program history, and became the all-time program leader in career innings pitched with 281 2/3. Roach was also awarded many awards throughout his collegiate career including:
 
Following his collegiate playing career, Roach was selected in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros in the 21st round with the 642^nd pick overall. He went on to play Independent League baseball in the Frontier League for the River City Rascals. Following his stint with the Rascals, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and played within their system from 2019-2023, making it up to the AAA level. Following his time with the Cardinals, he signed with the Chicago White Sox organization, playing with them for the 2024 and 2025 seasons in both AA and AAA.

Head Coach, Patrick Reilly, expressed excitement about bringing Roach back into the program. "Dalton is a tremendous addition to our staff," said Reilly. "He brings firsthand professional experience, a deep understanding of our success in both sport and life, and a passion for player development. Our pitchers and position players alike will benefit from his knowledge and approach."

"This city helped shape who I am as both a player and a person," said Roach. "It's special to come back and contribute to something that means so much to me. I'm excited to get to work with our players and help continue building on the foundation that's been set."

Roach will work closely with the Blugold pitching staff, focusing on mechanics, game preparation, and in-season development. He will also assist with recruiting, scouting, and day-to-day player instruction. His return marks a full-circle moment for both him and the Eau Claire baseball community.
 

Dunlap, a Tulsa Oklahoma native, comes to Eau Claire following a season with the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League to begin his collegiate coaching career.

Dunlap attended Dodge City Community College (DC3) from 2021-2022. While at DC3, he led the team with a .373 batting average and was awarded First Team All-Conference at Shortstop.

Following his time at DC3, Dunlap transferred to North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he played from 2022-2024. During his time as a Bison, he earned multiple All-Conference selections as well as a Summit League All-Tournament Team selection. 

After his colligate career ended, Dunlap played a year of Independent League baseball in the Frontier League with the Windy City Thunderbolts. With the Thunderbolts, he appeared in 67 games, primarily as a shortstop. He led the team with a .316 batting average in his single season. 

Head coach Patrick Reilly said of Dunlap "James' ability to quickly connect with our student-athletes has been very impressive." said Reilly. "He played at both the D1 and D2 level and brings great knowledge of the game.  We are excited to get James more involved with the development of our position players."

Dunlap will be working with the infield position group on fielding and hitting as well as coaching first base for the Blugolds this spring. 

With the addition of Roach and Dunlap, the Blugolds strengthen an already talented and experienced coaching staff heading into the upcoming season.