TISHOMINGO, Okla. - Murray State College Head Baseball Coach - Sam Bjorling - has announced the promotion of Justin Eclavea to Associate Head Baseball Coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Eclavea enters his seventh season with the Aggies after serving as the program's pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, he has played a vital role in the continued success of the Murray State baseball program, helping develop one of the top pitching staffs in the NJCAA while establishing the Aggies as one of the nation's premier recruiting destinations.

"I couldn't be more proud to name Justin Eclavea our Associate Head Coach," said Bjorling. "The impact he has made on this program goes far beyond the tremendous job he has done developing our pitching program. He is also an invaluable part of our recruiting efforts and everything we do to build this program. Anyone who has coached alongside him or had the opportunity to play for him knows how special he is. He is a relentless competitor, a tireless recruiter, and, most importantly, a caring coach who is an outstanding advocate for our players. He pours everything he has into Murray State Baseball and players in our program, and there is nobody more deserving of this recognition."

Under Eclavea's leadership, the Aggie pitching staff has consistently ranked among the nation's best. In 2026, Murray State finished 43-13 overall and advanced to the Rhttps://mscaggies.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/justin-eclavea/313egion II Tournament Championship game while recording 481 strikeouts and limiting opponents to a .245 batting average. It marked the fourth time in five full seasons under Eclavea that the pitching staff eclipsed 480 strikeouts.

His impact on player development has been equally impressive. Since arriving in Tishomingo, Eclavea has helped guide two MLB Draft selections, including Colby Langford by the Houston Astros in 2023 and Cash Kuiper by the Detroit Tigers in 2025. The Aggies also set single-season program records with 485 strikeouts in 2022 before breaking that mark with 541 strikeouts in 2023, when Murray State finished second nationally in strikeouts.

Eclavea has also been instrumental in helping Aggie student-athletes continue their playing careers at the next level. During his time at Murray State College, 33 pitchers have signed with four-year programs, including 19 NCAA Division I institutions.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as a Murray State Aggie," said Eclavea. "I am excited to get going this fall with our players to continue to try and elevate and make an impact on the program."

Before joining Murray State College in 2020, Eclavea coached at Edmond North High School, Blackburn College, and St. Gregory's University. A native of South San Francisco, California, he earned his bachelor's degree in business from Bloomfield College before completing his master's degree in secondary education with an emphasis in sports administration from East Central University.

Sports Information Director: Justin Wagner | jgwagner@mscok.edu
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