Frank Keating, Jr. will enter his second season at the helm of the softball program in 2014.
Keating led the Nittany Lions to instant success in his first year with the softball program. In 2013, the team finished 36-5, easily suprassing the previous high of 19 set in 2008. The Nittany Lions hosted the NEAC Tournament after finishing 19-1 in conference play. At the tournament, Berks defeated SUNYIT and then won its first NEAC title after knocking off six-time conference champion Keuka College. The Nittany Lions were then awarded their first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, where they went 0-2 at the Atlantic Regional in Ithaca, N.Y.
The 2013 squad set the single-season team record for batting average (.341), slugging percentage (.455), at-bats (1094), runs scored (316), hits (373), doubles (64), home runs (13), RBI (256), walks (151), ERA (1.65), batting average against (.198), complete games (34), shutouts (18), innings pitched (257.0), and strikeouts (251).
Keating had three players named to the All-NEAC First Team and two selected to the second team. In addition, Jess Epler was named NEAC Player of the Year, NFCA All-East Region First Team, and NFCA All-America First Team. Casey Hafer was named the NEAC Tournament MVP.
Prior to joining the Nittany Lions, Keating coached at Governor Mifflin High School for nine years. He spent the last seven years as the head coach and the Mustangs compiled a record of 121-46 in that time.
Under his guidance, Governor Mifflin won six consecutive Berks I titles (2006-11), one Berks County Championship (2011), one District 3 Championship (2009), and reached the PIAA State Semifinals (2010). During his tenure, the Mustangs appeared in the state tournament four times and made three trips to the District 3 Championship.
In addition to coaching, Keating is an accomplished athlete and general manager in men’s fast pitch softball. He was a member of seven Pennsylvania State Champions and five National Champions. He is a five-time ASA All-American, two-time NAFA All-World selection and won the ASA National batting title in 2001.
Keating resides in Leesport with his wife, Suzanne, and their son, Trey. He graduated from Wilkes University in 1988 and was a member of the men’s basketball team. Keating is a vice president in the Commercial Real Estate Division at Customers Bank in Wyomissing.
