SALEM – Roanoke College announced this week that Larry Wood will retire from his position as head coach of the Maroons Baseball program.  He will remain on staff until June 30.

“We are appreciative of Larry's (Wood) time and dedication to the baseball program over the past seven years,” stated Roanoke College Athletic Director, Scott Allison.  “He always had the kid's best interest at heart and established himself as one of the hardest workers in the hallway.  We wish him the best moving forward.”

Wood took over the reins of Roanoke's baseball program in 2006, the third coach since the program was restored in 2002. In seven seasons at the helm, Wood led the team to three 15+ win seasons, 88 total wins, and 42 wins in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.  In his final season this spring, Wood guided the Maroons to 16 wins, tying the most wins in a single season, originally set in 2004.

Prior to joining the Roanoke coaching staff in 2006, Wood held an extremely successful head coaching career at nearby Glenvar High School. Prior to his retirement from Roanoke County School District in 2007, Wood had served as the school's head baseball coach for the previous 20 years.

In that time, the 2003 Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame inductee was the Region C Coach of the Year on three occasions, Three Rivers District Coach of the Year three times, and the Pioneer District Coach of the Year twice. He led the 1994 Highlanders to the Single-A State Championship, capping his three appearances in the state final four.

“After 42 years of being around baseball, it's time,” said Wood.  “I have had a great run and have enjoyed and grateful for the opportunity given by Roanoke College to coach collegiately.  I will miss the comradely I've built with the kids and my coaching staff.”

A formal search will be performed for Wood's replacement beginning immediately.