MONTGOMERY, Ala. ---- Auburn University at Montgomery Associate Head Baseball Coach Marty Lovrich has been named the new Head Baseball Coach at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Ga.

Lovrich began his career at AUM as a catcher during the 1989 season, where he hit .342 and helped the team to its first winning season in program history. The following season he joined the coaching staff as a graduate assistant coach, before being hired as the assistant coach in 1993.

"This is certainly a bittersweet day," Lovrich said. "I have made so many great memories at AUM and have such a respect for the institution. The athletic department is such a close group, who will do anything for each other. I am so appreciative of Q.V Lowe for giving me the opportunity to learn from a legend and see first-hand what it takes to run a top-notch program. He was not just the head coach, but a friend, a father, a grandfather to my children and someone I knew I could count on at all times. However, I am also excited about the opportunity to be a head coach and starting a new chapter in my career."

During his tenure with the team, the Warhawks have won five Conference Championships, made 20 NAIA Regional Appearances, and three trips to the NAIA World Series, with a runner-up finish in 1990.

In 2008, Lovrich was selected as the Assistant Coach of the Year by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association. While at AUM, he coached 34 All-Americans, 76 All-Conference, 40 All-Region, and 25 players that have advanced to professional baseball. With Lovrich on its coaching staff, AUM has won nearly 63 percent of its games.

"This is a great opportunity for Marty and his family and certainly one that is well deserved," AUM Head Coach Q.V. Lowe said. "A lot of the success that we have experienced is a reflection of his hard work. I greatly appreciate his dedication and loyalty to the AUM baseball program and wish him the best."

Lovrich earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from AUM.

Southern Poly, a conference foe of the Warhawks in the Southern States Athletic Conference, finished the 2012 campaign with a 36-25 overall record and qualified for its sixth consecutive NAIA Opening Round Tournament.