University of Jamestown Names Tom Hager Deputy Athletic Director, Ryan Iliff Head Baseball Coach
The University of Jamestown announced today that Tom Hager has been promoted to Deputy Athletic Director of Development and Leadership, concluding a remarkable 27-year tenure as head baseball coach and beginning a new chapter of leadership within Jimmie Athletics. Ryan Iliff, a University of Jamestown alumnus and longtime assistant coach, has been named the next head baseball coach.
Since taking over the baseball program in 2000, Hager has helped shape the student-athlete experience at UJ. As a coach, mentor, educator, and administrator, his influence extends far beyond the baseball diamond, impacting generations of Jimmies and helping strengthen the culture of Jimmie Athletics.
“Few individuals have had a greater impact on the University of Jamestown than Tom Hager,” said University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson. “For nearly three decades, he has shaped the lives of student-athletes, built one of the most successful programs in our history, and represented this university with integrity and excellence. While his role is changing, his influence on Jimmie Athletics will continue for years to come.”
Hager graduated from Jamestown College in 1996 before returning to his alma mater four years later to lead the baseball program. Over the next 27 seasons, he compiled 869 career victories—making Hager the winningest coach in Jimmie baseball history. The veteran coach led UJ to eight regular season conference championships, six conference tournament championships, three Region 3 championships, 11 national tournament appearances, and a Super Regional Championship, and two NAIA World Series appearances. Both of Hager’s NAIA World Series-qualifying teams have been inducted into the Jimmie Athletic Hall of Fame.
Under Hager’s leadership, Jimmie Baseball became synonymous with consistency and excellence, both on and off the field. His pillars of success have always been pride, family, tradition, and what generations of Jimmie baseball players know simply as, “Be First Class.”
“While the wins and championships tell part of the story, Tom’s legacy is equally defined by the relationships he built and the countless student-athletes he developed throughout his career,” said Athletic Director Brian Mistro. “For 25 years, Tom has invested in our students, mentored coaches, and helped shape the culture of our department.”
Hager’s leadership earned the respect of coaches throughout the conference, who selected him as Conference Coach of the Year a whopping five times. He was further recognized as Region III Coach of the Year and ABCA Regional Coach of the Year. Along the way, he coached countless all-conference performers, All-Americans, conference award winners, and helped 18 former Jimmies sign professional baseball contracts.
As Deputy Athletic Director, Hager will work closely with Mistro to support strategic planning, departmental operations, coach development, student-athlete success initiatives, and the continued advancement of Jimmie Athletics as a member of NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
“Tom’s experience as a student, coach, administrator, and mentor at UJ gives him a unique perspective on what our programs need to succeed,” said Peterson. “He understands what it means to be a Jimmie. And he cares deeply about our students, our coaches, and this university. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue strengthening our athletic programs and positioning Jimmie Athletics for long-term success.”
The university also recently announced that Hager has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Rollie Greeno
Award, one of the highest honors presented by the University of Jamestown Athletic Hall of Fame.
Established in 1994 by the Jimmie Booster Club, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an
outstanding commitment to youth through careers in education and coaching while exemplifying character, leadership, and service. A graduate of Jamestown College and longtime coach, Hager’s career reflects the very qualities the award was created to honor.
“The greatest part of coaching has always been the people,” said Hager. “I have been fortunate to work with outstanding student-athletes, assistant coaches, colleagues, and alumni throughout my career. I have also received a ton of support from my family. While I’ll miss being in the dugout, I’m excited to continue serving the University of Jamestown and supporting our student-athletes and coaches in this new role.”
As Hager begins his next chapter, the future of Jimmie Baseball will be entrusted to one of his own. The University of Jamestown also announced that Ryan Iliff has been named Head Baseball Coach, succeeding Hager after serving 12 seasons as assistant coach.
A University of Jamestown alumnus, Iliff has been an integral part of one of the most successful eras in Jimmie Baseball history. Since joining Hager’s coaching staff in 2012, he has helped guide the Jimmies to conference championships, national tournament appearances, and continued success on the field while helping develop countless student-athletes.
Before returning to his alma mater as a coach, Iliff enjoyed an outstanding playing career for the Jimmies from 2008-2011. He was a left-handed pitcher and played on the 2008 team that competed in the NAIA College World Series. Iliff also earned Dakota Athletic Conference All-Conference honors in 2011. He remains among the program’s all-time leaders in appearances, games started, complete games, shutouts, and innings pitched.
In 2021, Iliff was inducted into the University of Jamestown Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 2008 NAIA World Series team. He is also a member of the Wyoming American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame and the Gillette Roughriders Hall of Fame.
Mistro said the transition provides continuity for current student-athletes while positioning the program for continued success.
“Ryan knows this program as well as anyone,” Mistro said. “He played here, helped build this program as an assistant coach, and has been instrumental in recruiting and developing many of the student-athletes who wear a Jimmie uniform today. I have complete confidence in his ability to build upon the outstanding foundation Coach Hager established.”
Hager said the transition reflects both careful planning and complete confidence in Iliff’s leadership.
“I have complete trust in Ryan Iliff to lead the Jimmie Baseball Program,” Hager said. “I’ve watched him grow from one of our student-athletes into an outstanding coach and leader. He knows what this program stands for because he helped build it. Our players know him, they believe in him, and I know they’ll continue to grow and compete under his leadership.”
Iliff called the opportunity both humbling and deeply personal.
“Coach Hager built something incredibly special, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from him over the past 12 years,” said Iliff. “It is an honor to lead the program that helped shape my life. Our commitment to pride, family, tradition—and yes, being first class—will remain at the heart of Jimmie Baseball as we continue pursuing championships and developing outstanding young men.”
About University of Jamestown
University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the
bachelor’s level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master’s degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.
