JONESBORO, Ark. (5/11/12) — Arkansas State head coach Tommy Raffo announced Friday that assistant coach Chris Cook has resigned his position on the ASU coaching staff, effective at the end of the season, after being named head coach at New Mexico Military Institute.

Cook will become the Broncos' head coach after spending the last six seasons as an assistant at ASU, coaching infielders and hitters.  Cook helped coach the Red Wolves to some of the most productive offensive seasons in ASU history, finishing in the top 10 in school history in hits, runs scored and RBIs in each of the last three seasons leading up to 2012.  Additionally, the 2009 and 2010 ASU teams both finished in the top-10 rankings in school history in batting average.

Since arriving at ASU, he has coached 10 players who have gone on to play professional baseball, including five taken in the Major League Baseball Draft.

“We are very excited for Chris and this opportunity for him,” said Raffo.  “It is a wonderful opportunity for him and his family.  He is more than ready to become a head coach.  He has done a fantastic job here at Arkansas State over the past six years, and has done a wonderful job with recruiting, with our hitters and developing our infielders.  We couldn't ask for more, and the time he has spent working on our playing field has made it one of the best in the Sun Belt.  We wish him and his family the best and we know he will do a terrific job.”

Cook will complete the 2012 season before moving on to NMMI, and a search for his replacement will begin immediately.