VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUVikings.com)- Valley City State University baseball coach Casey Olney announced today the hiring of three new staff members to complete the Viking Baseball coaching staff.

Jacob VanVacter and Michael Keeran have been hired as assistant coaches. Additionally, Lukas Johnson joins the staff as a graduate assistant coach.

VanVacter played one season for the Vikings as a starting pitcher in 2016-17. Keeran starred for fellow NSAA school Waldorf University from 2013-17, and Johnson brings local connections as a graduate of West Fargo High School.

“I am excited about the new group of young coaches that we have on staff,” said Olney. “They have familiarity with our league, the level of play and the areas that we recruit. They are all driven young men with diverse backgrounds in the game and are excited to help VCSU Baseball be successful.”

The three were hired on after the departure of Anthony Kliniske, who worked four seasons for the Vikings as the pitching coach.

VanVacter will primarily work with the pitchers and catchers this season. Following his senior year at VCSU, VanVacter worked as the pitching coach for Northland Community and Technical College during the 2017-18 season. He helped the team to a second-place finish in the 15-team MCAC.

Keeran’s main responsibilities will be working with outfielders and hitters. After completing his playing career at Waldorf as an outfielder and pitcher, Keeran worked last season as an assistant coach for the Grinnell College softball team. He also was head coach of the Albert Lea Lakers in the Pioneer Collegiate Baseball League this summer, leading his team to the league championship.

Johnson played his collegiate baseball at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, helping the team to a fifth-place finish at the 2014 NJCAA DIII World Series. Johnson will primarily work with infielders and hitters at VCSU.

Valley City State University opens the 2018-19 season Sept. 19 with a game at the University of Jamestown. The Vikings are scheduled to play six counting games during the fall, and then will resume play in March.