Jon Hunter throws batting practice during the 2023 preseason. [UCO Photo Services]

Softball 1/31/2024 9:00:00 AM Chris Brannick

Jon Hunter Promoted To Associate Head Coach

Central Oklahoma Softball Assistant Has Helped Team To More Than 400 Wins In 10-Year Tenure

EDMOND – Central Oklahoma's Vice President for Athletics Stan Wagnon announced Tuesday the promotion of Jon Hunter to Associate Head Coach of the Broncho softball team.

"Jon has earned this title through years of commitment, service and proven results," Wagnon said. "He has a heart for the UCO softball program, and those associated with the program have great affection and respect for Jon and the impact he makes. I believe greater things are to come for the Bronchos with Jon in this elevated role."

"We are so thrilled for Jon, he deserves this so much," UCO head softball coach Cody White said. "His dedication to the team, year in and year out, has been incredible. He works so hard and does so much for this program. I'm happy for him and we're looking forward to more success with him and this program."

Hunter joined the UCO staff in 2013 as an assistant coach at the same time White was promoted from assistant to interim head coach, and ultimately, head coach. The duo coached their first game together in February 2014 and has amassed 403 wins in 10 seasons since.

UCO won the MIAA title in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. The Bronchos have qualified for the NCAA tournament eight times in 10 years with Hunter helping the cause – and one of the two years Central didn't make it was 2020 after the season was canceled.

Central Oklahoma has also had 59 All-MIAA selections, 30 All-Region picks, and 14 All-Americans in the last 10 years with Hunter on staff.

UCO is ready to begin the 2024 season this weekend in Louisiana. The Bronchos, ranked No. 3 in the country in the NFCA Preseason Top 25, are scheduled to take on No. 22 Oklahoma Baptist in the season opener – a rematch from last year's Central Regional playoff in Edmond. Central Oklahoma also has Augustana, Harding (another regional playoff team in 2023), Tuskegee, and Texas A&M Kingsville on the schedule for the Mardi Gras Invitational in Lafayette Feb. 2-4.

The Bronchos make their home debut at award-winning Gerry Pinkston Stadium Friday, Feb. 9 in a second matchup with OBU. Central also hosts Southern Nazarene and Maryville Feb. 10 to wrap up the two day UCO-OC Festival.

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