COACH MATT ITTNER
Head Varsity Coach
Coach Ittner begins his sixth year at the helm of the Cox baseball program. He is a 2008 graduate of Cox High School, where he was a 3-year varsity letterman for the baseball team. Coach Ittner went on the play for two years at College of the Albemarle from 2010-2011 and then at Virginia Wesleyan College for his remaining two years 2011-2013. In the fall of 2014, Coach Ittner was hired as the junior varsity head baseball coach at Cox High School. After a 9-1 campaign with the Cox JV baseball team in the spring of 2014, he was hired by Salem High School in Virginia Beach to be their varsity head baseball coach and spent the last three seasons there from 2015-2017. Coach Ittner is currently a special education teacher with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Coach Ittner may be reached at [email protected]
Head Varsity Coach
Coach Ittner begins his sixth year at the helm of the Cox baseball program. He is a 2008 graduate of Cox High School, where he was a 3-year varsity letterman for the baseball team. Coach Ittner went on the play for two years at College of the Albemarle from 2010-2011 and then at Virginia Wesleyan College for his remaining two years 2011-2013. In the fall of 2014, Coach Ittner was hired as the junior varsity head baseball coach at Cox High School. After a 9-1 campaign with the Cox JV baseball team in the spring of 2014, he was hired by Salem High School in Virginia Beach to be their varsity head baseball coach and spent the last three seasons there from 2015-2017. Coach Ittner is currently a special education teacher with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Coach Ittner may be reached at [email protected]
COACH GRAYSON BAILEY - Head Junior Varsity Coach
Coach Grayson Bailey enters his 7th season on the coaching staff at Cox High School and his fourth season as the Junior Varsity Head Coach. He played at Cox High School his senior year in 2010 where he was 1st team Beach District, Eastern Region, Tidewater, and AAA honorable mention all-state. He was one of the team captains and finished with .538 batting average and 8-2 record on the mound with a 1.45 ERA. He played as a two-way player at Louisburg Junior College and then moved on to pitch for East Carolina, Lee University, and Old Dominion University. At Lee, he was an Academic All-American and led the team in era and strikeouts out of the bullpen where they were runners up in NCCAA World Series two years in a row. At Old Dominion he led the team in ERA and received a win against the defending national champions, University of Virginia. He also won two Coastal Plain League Championships with the Peninsula Pilots and is top five in Strikeouts in Pilot history. Throughout his college career he has been invited to pro tryouts and was offered a contract to play in Europe. He also is the assistant/pitching coach for the Old Dominion Hitters 2019 team where they were ranked top 70 in the country by Perfect Game. He was the assistant/pitching coach for both varsity and JV last year. He helped coached JV to a 9-1 record and team ERA of 2.08. He helped varsity compile a 22-5 record (ERA 2.51) as they were Coastal Conference and Tournament Champions, Region 6A South Champions, and 6A State Finalists.
Coach Grayson Bailey enters his 7th season on the coaching staff at Cox High School and his fourth season as the Junior Varsity Head Coach. He played at Cox High School his senior year in 2010 where he was 1st team Beach District, Eastern Region, Tidewater, and AAA honorable mention all-state. He was one of the team captains and finished with .538 batting average and 8-2 record on the mound with a 1.45 ERA. He played as a two-way player at Louisburg Junior College and then moved on to pitch for East Carolina, Lee University, and Old Dominion University. At Lee, he was an Academic All-American and led the team in era and strikeouts out of the bullpen where they were runners up in NCCAA World Series two years in a row. At Old Dominion he led the team in ERA and received a win against the defending national champions, University of Virginia. He also won two Coastal Plain League Championships with the Peninsula Pilots and is top five in Strikeouts in Pilot history. Throughout his college career he has been invited to pro tryouts and was offered a contract to play in Europe. He also is the assistant/pitching coach for the Old Dominion Hitters 2019 team where they were ranked top 70 in the country by Perfect Game. He was the assistant/pitching coach for both varsity and JV last year. He helped coached JV to a 9-1 record and team ERA of 2.08. He helped varsity compile a 22-5 record (ERA 2.51) as they were Coastal Conference and Tournament Champions, Region 6A South Champions, and 6A State Finalists.
COACH PAT WERNIG
Assistant Coach
Pat Wernig enters his sixth year with the Falcon Baseball program to serve as pitching coach. Wernig previously was with Falcons from 2006 to 2012, where he was a part of two district championships (‘07 & ‘09), three eastern regional appearances (‘07, ‘09, & ‘10), one eastern region championship (‘09), and one state semi-final appearance (‘09). During this stretch he was responsible for producing five all-district and two all-region pitchers. From 2012 to 2015 Wernig was the pitching coach at Landstown High School where he was a part of the 2013 team that made the eastern region tournament which was only the second time that had occurred in school history. Wernig then moved on to coach at Salem High School during the previous two seasons (2015 to 2017).
Pat Wernig graduated from James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia where he was a two time all district and all region selection (‘82 & ‘83) as well as an all-metro and all-state selection in 1983. Wernig was inducted into the James Madison High School Hall of Fame in 2006. Wernig went on to play his college baseball at Oklahoma City University (1983-1985) and Texas A&M University (1985-1987). Wernig took part in three NCAA regionals (‘84,’86,’87) and two NCAA regional finals (‘84 & ‘87) between his times at both schools. Wernig was then drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fifteenth round of the 1987 Major League Baseball Draft. He played six years of professional baseball making it to the AAA level for the both the Oakland Athletics and the San Diego Padres. On June 10, 1991 in AAA with the Oakland Athletics Wernig threw a 9 inning no-hitter.
Assistant Coach
Pat Wernig enters his sixth year with the Falcon Baseball program to serve as pitching coach. Wernig previously was with Falcons from 2006 to 2012, where he was a part of two district championships (‘07 & ‘09), three eastern regional appearances (‘07, ‘09, & ‘10), one eastern region championship (‘09), and one state semi-final appearance (‘09). During this stretch he was responsible for producing five all-district and two all-region pitchers. From 2012 to 2015 Wernig was the pitching coach at Landstown High School where he was a part of the 2013 team that made the eastern region tournament which was only the second time that had occurred in school history. Wernig then moved on to coach at Salem High School during the previous two seasons (2015 to 2017).
Pat Wernig graduated from James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia where he was a two time all district and all region selection (‘82 & ‘83) as well as an all-metro and all-state selection in 1983. Wernig was inducted into the James Madison High School Hall of Fame in 2006. Wernig went on to play his college baseball at Oklahoma City University (1983-1985) and Texas A&M University (1985-1987). Wernig took part in three NCAA regionals (‘84,’86,’87) and two NCAA regional finals (‘84 & ‘87) between his times at both schools. Wernig was then drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fifteenth round of the 1987 Major League Baseball Draft. He played six years of professional baseball making it to the AAA level for the both the Oakland Athletics and the San Diego Padres. On June 10, 1991 in AAA with the Oakland Athletics Wernig threw a 9 inning no-hitter.
COACH TJ BARTAKKE
Assistant Coach
TJ Bartakke, returns for his 10th season with the Falcons. He is a native of Northern VA, where he graduated from Oakton HS in 2009. He was a catcher/middle infielder and lettered three years at Oakton under coaches Scott Rowland and Justin Janis. TJ was part of a team that made the State Final in 2006 and won the Region Championship in 2007. He went on to a brief stint at Christopher Newport University, graduating from CNU in 2014. TJ began coaching at Cox in 2014 and has coached at the high school level during his whole adult life. In addition to his time at Cox where he helped guide the Falcons to the 2017 Regional Championship and state title game, he spent 2 years on the Woodside High School coaching staff and 2 years as the Denbigh High School head JV coach.
TJ works as a Private Wealth Advisor for Integrated Financial Partners, where he and his team help simplify the lives of busy people, by giving them financial peace of mind. TJs favorite part of the Cox Baseball program is the brotherhood created among the players, coaching staff, alumni and the community. TJ maintains his enthusiasm to be part of the Cox Baseball staff and expects the program to continue to build upon their successes.
Assistant Coach
TJ Bartakke, returns for his 10th season with the Falcons. He is a native of Northern VA, where he graduated from Oakton HS in 2009. He was a catcher/middle infielder and lettered three years at Oakton under coaches Scott Rowland and Justin Janis. TJ was part of a team that made the State Final in 2006 and won the Region Championship in 2007. He went on to a brief stint at Christopher Newport University, graduating from CNU in 2014. TJ began coaching at Cox in 2014 and has coached at the high school level during his whole adult life. In addition to his time at Cox where he helped guide the Falcons to the 2017 Regional Championship and state title game, he spent 2 years on the Woodside High School coaching staff and 2 years as the Denbigh High School head JV coach.
TJ works as a Private Wealth Advisor for Integrated Financial Partners, where he and his team help simplify the lives of busy people, by giving them financial peace of mind. TJs favorite part of the Cox Baseball program is the brotherhood created among the players, coaching staff, alumni and the community. TJ maintains his enthusiasm to be part of the Cox Baseball staff and expects the program to continue to build upon their successes.
COACH RYAN PISTON
Assistant Coach
Coach Ryan Piston enters his sixth season as a coach at Cox High School. He is a 2017 Cox graduate. Before beginning his career as a coach, Ryan lettered two years as a pitcher under former Cox head coach Bill Conroy. During his senior season, Ryan helped clinch the regular season championship to get the number one seed in regionals after closing an 8-6 ballgame against the Kellam Knights. His team went on to win the 6A South Region and play in the 6A State Final for the first time since 1996. Outside of coaching, Ryan is currently attending ODU to complete his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He hopes to continue his growth in coaching further into his adult life. Ryan is also an Eagle Scout from BSA Troop 375, which helps him excel in leadership while teaching young players to build character.
Assistant Coach
Coach Ryan Piston enters his sixth season as a coach at Cox High School. He is a 2017 Cox graduate. Before beginning his career as a coach, Ryan lettered two years as a pitcher under former Cox head coach Bill Conroy. During his senior season, Ryan helped clinch the regular season championship to get the number one seed in regionals after closing an 8-6 ballgame against the Kellam Knights. His team went on to win the 6A South Region and play in the 6A State Final for the first time since 1996. Outside of coaching, Ryan is currently attending ODU to complete his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He hopes to continue his growth in coaching further into his adult life. Ryan is also an Eagle Scout from BSA Troop 375, which helps him excel in leadership while teaching young players to build character.
COACH TYLER RASSMUSEN
Assistant Coach
Coach Tyler Rassmusen enters his fifth season on the Cox Falcon Baseball coaching staff. Tyler played at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, from 2009-2012, for Coach Steve Denard and Coach Mike Meadows . He earned a varsity letter for each of the four years he was at Gar-Field, being a team captain his junior and senior seasons. During his four years at Gar-Field he was primarily a catcher while also playing outfield and pitching. He earned All-Cardinal District team honors in 2012 as a Catcher. After Graduation, he assisted as a JV Coach at Gar-Field. During the Summer of 2018, he assisted Mike Matta with the 2019 Stars Showcase team. Tyler states "I am excited and thankful to continue to be a part of the staff and for what the future of Cox Baseball holds."
Assistant Coach
Coach Tyler Rassmusen enters his fifth season on the Cox Falcon Baseball coaching staff. Tyler played at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, from 2009-2012, for Coach Steve Denard and Coach Mike Meadows . He earned a varsity letter for each of the four years he was at Gar-Field, being a team captain his junior and senior seasons. During his four years at Gar-Field he was primarily a catcher while also playing outfield and pitching. He earned All-Cardinal District team honors in 2012 as a Catcher. After Graduation, he assisted as a JV Coach at Gar-Field. During the Summer of 2018, he assisted Mike Matta with the 2019 Stars Showcase team. Tyler states "I am excited and thankful to continue to be a part of the staff and for what the future of Cox Baseball holds."
COACH ROSS CARDWELL
Assistant Coach
Middle School Program Director
Coach Cardwell enters his fourth season with the Cox Falcon Baseball program. Coach Cardwell is a three year letterman from Princess Anne High School. A first-team All-Beach District and second-team All-Eastern Region and All-Tidewater performer as a senior in 2009. A first-team All-Beach District and second-team All-Eastern Region and All-Tidewater performer in 2008 as a junior. And second-team All-Beach District in 2007 as a sophomore. In college, Coach Cardwell played along side Coach Ittner from 2010-2011 at the College of The Albemarle where they qualified for the NJCAA Regionals both years. From 2012-2014 Coach Cardwell played for Norfolk State where he was named to the 2014 All-Tournament Team, and was the Norfolk State Joseph Echols Award Winner. In 2015 Coach Cardwell was named Salem High School's JV Baseball Coach. From 2017-2018, Coach Cardwell joined the Virginia Wesleyan University baseball staff as an Assistant Coach. Responsible for outfield, offense, and a first base coach, the team hit for an average of .294 with 29 home runs. That year VWU went 31-16 with a 3rd place finish in the NCAA Regionals in York, PA. In 2018, Coach Cardwell was name as Princess Anne High School's Head Baseball Coach. Leading the team to a 15-7 record and a birth in the 5A East Region Semi-Final game for the second time in program history and the first time since 2005. The team earned the 2018-2019 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award with 3.12 G.P.A. In 2019 Coach Cardwell came to Cox where he is currently a teacher and valued addition to the coaching staff of the Cox Falcon Baseball Team.
Assistant Coach
Middle School Program Director
Coach Cardwell enters his fourth season with the Cox Falcon Baseball program. Coach Cardwell is a three year letterman from Princess Anne High School. A first-team All-Beach District and second-team All-Eastern Region and All-Tidewater performer as a senior in 2009. A first-team All-Beach District and second-team All-Eastern Region and All-Tidewater performer in 2008 as a junior. And second-team All-Beach District in 2007 as a sophomore. In college, Coach Cardwell played along side Coach Ittner from 2010-2011 at the College of The Albemarle where they qualified for the NJCAA Regionals both years. From 2012-2014 Coach Cardwell played for Norfolk State where he was named to the 2014 All-Tournament Team, and was the Norfolk State Joseph Echols Award Winner. In 2015 Coach Cardwell was named Salem High School's JV Baseball Coach. From 2017-2018, Coach Cardwell joined the Virginia Wesleyan University baseball staff as an Assistant Coach. Responsible for outfield, offense, and a first base coach, the team hit for an average of .294 with 29 home runs. That year VWU went 31-16 with a 3rd place finish in the NCAA Regionals in York, PA. In 2018, Coach Cardwell was name as Princess Anne High School's Head Baseball Coach. Leading the team to a 15-7 record and a birth in the 5A East Region Semi-Final game for the second time in program history and the first time since 2005. The team earned the 2018-2019 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award with 3.12 G.P.A. In 2019 Coach Cardwell came to Cox where he is currently a teacher and valued addition to the coaching staff of the Cox Falcon Baseball Team.
COACH MIKE DeJAEGER
Assistant Coach
Coach DeJaeger is in his third year on the Cox Baseball Coaching Staff. He is a 1966 graduate of Riverview High School, Riverview Michigan. He played two years of varsity baseball for the Riverview Pirates. Coach DeJaeger joined the military shortly after graduating from high school. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1972 to pursue higher levels of education. In 1977, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Eastern Michigan University. Shortly afterwards, he completed his Master's degree in Industrial Hygiene and found employment in the U.S. Navy as a Medical Services Corps Officer. After 26 years in the Navy he retired in 2003. Following his Navy retirement, he was a Civil Service employee for 12 years and retired in 2015.
His coaching career started shortly after his military retirement. Coach "Mike" coached at Great Neck for over ten years as well as being a Great Neck League Board Member. Coach Mike coached at GN for various age groups during his tenure. In 2008, Coach DeJaeger joined the Eastern Virginia Officials Association and is still a member of that fraternity.
Currently he is a volunteer with the Church of the Holy Family Social Outreach Program. Beside talking baseball (especially Detroit Tigers Baseball) his favorite discussion topic is his grandchildren.
Assistant Coach
Coach DeJaeger is in his third year on the Cox Baseball Coaching Staff. He is a 1966 graduate of Riverview High School, Riverview Michigan. He played two years of varsity baseball for the Riverview Pirates. Coach DeJaeger joined the military shortly after graduating from high school. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1972 to pursue higher levels of education. In 1977, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Eastern Michigan University. Shortly afterwards, he completed his Master's degree in Industrial Hygiene and found employment in the U.S. Navy as a Medical Services Corps Officer. After 26 years in the Navy he retired in 2003. Following his Navy retirement, he was a Civil Service employee for 12 years and retired in 2015.
His coaching career started shortly after his military retirement. Coach "Mike" coached at Great Neck for over ten years as well as being a Great Neck League Board Member. Coach Mike coached at GN for various age groups during his tenure. In 2008, Coach DeJaeger joined the Eastern Virginia Officials Association and is still a member of that fraternity.
Currently he is a volunteer with the Church of the Holy Family Social Outreach Program. Beside talking baseball (especially Detroit Tigers Baseball) his favorite discussion topic is his grandchildren.
COACH ZAK HINES
Assistant Coach
Coach Zak Hines enters his second season with the Cox Falcon Baseball staff. Zak is a 2012 graduate of First Colonial High School where he lettered two years as an outfielder. He would go on to play Club Baseball at Boston College, helping the program reach its first Regional Tournament appearance in program history. After graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and proceeded to Pensacola, FL for flight training in the Spring of 2017. Zak began his high school coaching career at the powerhouse Pace High School Patriot baseball program under Coach Jason McBride and the late Coach John Viveiros. Coach Hines was instrumental in helping lead the JV Patriots to a 15-5 record in the Spring of 2019. After earning his “Wings of Gold” as a helicopter pilot, he received orders back to his hometown of Virginia Beach. Since returning in 2019, he has continued his coaching journey, spending 3 years at his alma mater working with both Varsity and JV outfielders and hitters. Concurrently, as the Associate Head Coach of the Lynnhaven Middle School Blues, he helped lead the team to the 2022 Virginia Beach City Championship.
Assistant Coach
Coach Zak Hines enters his second season with the Cox Falcon Baseball staff. Zak is a 2012 graduate of First Colonial High School where he lettered two years as an outfielder. He would go on to play Club Baseball at Boston College, helping the program reach its first Regional Tournament appearance in program history. After graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and proceeded to Pensacola, FL for flight training in the Spring of 2017. Zak began his high school coaching career at the powerhouse Pace High School Patriot baseball program under Coach Jason McBride and the late Coach John Viveiros. Coach Hines was instrumental in helping lead the JV Patriots to a 15-5 record in the Spring of 2019. After earning his “Wings of Gold” as a helicopter pilot, he received orders back to his hometown of Virginia Beach. Since returning in 2019, he has continued his coaching journey, spending 3 years at his alma mater working with both Varsity and JV outfielders and hitters. Concurrently, as the Associate Head Coach of the Lynnhaven Middle School Blues, he helped lead the team to the 2022 Virginia Beach City Championship.