The Riverland baseball program has had a turbulent go of it lately, but new head coach Scott Koenigs intends to be the stabilizer.

Koenigs, a Southland High School graduate, is the fourth head baseball coach in the past three seasons. He has coached high school boys' basketball for the last six years, including two seasons at Lyle/Pacelli. Koenigs' debut was as head baseball coach of LeRoy-Ostrander/Grand Meadow in 1992 and '93.

"I'm excited about Scott's enthusiasm for and knowledge of the game of baseball," said Riverland men's athletic director David Lillemon. "We hope he can provide stability in our program."

The baseball program's tumultuous ride began with the acquisition of Chris Jones as head coach in November of 2001. Jones replaced Lee Brand as the intramurals activities director but quit the position one month before the baseball season began.

Austin native Dave Meyer stepped in as baseball coach and guided Riverland to a 21-13 season that included a runner-up finish in the MCCC's South Division (17-7) and trip to the Region XIII Tournament.

After a banner summer season with the local amateur Class B Austin Greyhounds, Meyer moved out of town.

Koenigs was named the successor in late January and has been assembling this spring's squad ever since.

"That's why my job has been pretty busy," Koenigs said. "I think it's paying off.

"I'm trying to build this into a powerhouse program and a stepping stone to the next level. You've got to go out and go after the kids. There's some good baseball around the area."

Koenigs played baseball at Southland under current head coach Larry Luke, who plans to retire after this season.

Koenigs hopes the new baseball complex at Riverland will help his run as head coach. The Blue Devils will have extra incentive to qualify for the MCCC State Tournament as Austin is host to the event this spring and the next.

"We've got all kinds of great plans for the field," Koenigs said. "And it's a tool for recruiting."