Tyler Junior College baseball has a new face on the team. Doug Wren was named the new head coach in November. Wren has some pretty big shoes to fill considering the kind of carrier that former coach Jon Groth had at TJC. The past 20 plus years TJC Baseball was led by Groth who, back in June, decided to retire from the program. “I’m honored to be here. TJC has a great baseball program and it’s great to be able to try and take over after what all Groth has done here,” said Wren.Wren joined the coaching staff as an assistant in 2007. Wren stood along-side Groth helping out all over the diamond. He helped coach players in the infield, outfield, catching, base running and batting. He feels that being here the last few years and seeing how Groth coached that he will be able to continue to carry on a good name for TJC baseball.”I’ve spent the last few years by Coach Groth’s side. I saw how he handled different situations, and now I just need to pick up where he left off,” said Wren.Considering that Wren is just 26 years old, he is not worried about how his age will affect the team in this year’s season.”I’m not worried at all. I have a lot of respect for the kids and they have the same respect for me. Together we will get through the season,” said Wren.Wren graduated from Arlington High School where he was a standout infielder. During his senior year he was named All-District and Team MVP. From high school Wren came to TJC and was a great aspect for Groth.”It was fun to play for Groth, he was a great coach and to be able to play for him then come back and coach with him was just amazing,” said Wren.From TJC, Wren went to play two years at Howard Payne. During his time at Howard Payne, Wren had a successful career. He was selected to the All Region team, was named Academic All-Conference, and was selected as team MVP in 2006. “Playing college ball was amazing. I got to see how all the hard work that I had put into the game paid off,” said Wren. After college ball, Wren coached several teams, but one he really takes pride in was being head coach for the U.S.A. Athletes in Action in 2009, which traveled to Nicaragua. “This was just unreal. I was head coach of a team that got to go play baseball for a team in Nicaragua,” said Wren. “I got to coach some great kids from all over the nation.”Wren has already started his carrier at TJC off strong leading the Apaches to a start with a winning record. Although Wren just started his carrier as head coach at TJC, things are looking up for the team as this young coach takes on a very large task.
