Irlbeck Named SIC Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach

Southeastern Illinois College has named a new athletic director and head baseball coach.  Jeremy Irlbeck, will be heading to Illinois from Dodge City, Kan., where he has been the associate head baseball coach at Dodge City Community College (DCCC) for the past four years.“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the Southeastern Illinois College athletic department and baseball program,” said Irlbeck. “I want to thank the committee for their faith in my ability to lead the Falcons. I am looking forward to working with all the coaches and student athletes of Southeastern and plan to bring some stability and guidance to the athletic department.”

Irlbeck, originally of Hinkley, Minn., played 13 years of amateur baseball in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and started his coaching career as a volunteer at University of Wisconsin- Superior. He later became an assistant baseball coach for Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y., and Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo., before accepting a head coaching position at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington.

Throughout his career, he has first-hand experience in the levels of NJCAA Divisions I, II and III; NCAA Divisions I and III; and NAIA.  At DCCC, his team won back-to-back region VI championships and had 30 wins in a season for the third time in the school’s 75-year history.  Irlbeck also served as academic advisor and recruiter during his time at DCCC –roles he will continue at Southeastern.

“Coach Irlbeck brings incredible drive and passion to SIC. His presence here will not only be a boost to the baseball program, but to the athletic department as a whole,” said Chad Flannery, dean for student services and enrollment at SIC.  “With his years of experience as an academic advisor and personal history as an honor roll athlete, we feel Irlbeck will emphasize not only the physical abilities of our student athletes, but also their academic strengths, in order to prepare them for success at the university level.”

Irlbeck earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education with a coaching minor from University of Wisconsin-Superior and his master’s in secondary education from Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. 

He looks forward to moving to the Harrisburg community and starting his new career at SIC.

“I feel this is a great opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started and be able to work with all of the Southeastern Illinois College family as we continue to move the school and athletic programs forward in a positive manner,” said Irlbeck. 

Irlbeck enters the SIC arena as the baseball and softball fields are under reconstruction, due to the Leap Day Tornado.  New fencing, press box and scoreboards are part of that reconstruction. 

“With a new coach and athletic director, as well as a new facility and some award-winning students returning as sophomore athletes this year, we have high hopes for next season’s teams,” said Flannery.

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