April 2, 2008

CANYON, Texas - After nine years at the helm of the West Texas A&M baseball program, Mark Jones has resigned as the head coach of the Buffs. The resignation is effective at the conclusion of the 2008 season.

"I have a great deal of respect for Mark and his family," said WTAMU Director of Athletics Michael McBroom. "He is an outstanding baseball coach who knows the game of baseball and works very well with young people. I appreciate his commitment and the many sacrifices he and his family have made for Buffalo baseball."

Jones, the third Buff baseball coach since the revival of the program in 1994, has spent the last 14 season in the WTAMU dugout, the first five as assistant coach before taking the reigns of the program prior to the 2000 campaign. Under his guidance, the Buffs have compiled a 178-278 (.390) record, including a 31-17 record in 2002.

A 1992 graduate of Howard Payne, Jones received his Master's degree from West Texas A&M in 1997. He captured Lone Star Conference South Division Coach of the Year honors following the 2006 season, after he led the Buffs to their first ever LSC Tournament appearance.

A national search for Jones' replacement will begin immediately.