West Lawn native named 2018 baseball head coach at Saint Rita High School

St. Rita High School has named John Nee to the position of

John Nee

head baseball coach--effective in the 2018 season.

Nee currently serves as the associate head baseball coach, alongside head coach Mike Zunica, who will complete his 21st and final season at the helm of the program in 2017. 

Nee will continue as an assistant varsity football coach and English teacher.

Zunica will retain the responsibilities of president, athletic director and chief advancement officer. Zunica also retires as the most winning baseball coach in St. Rita history, with more than 600 wins, including three summer state titles and three state champion runner-up finishes.

Nee, who grew up in West Lawn, is a 1989 graduate of Queen of the Universe School and starred in baseball with West Lawn Little League.

He went on to St. Rita, where in addition to being a football standout, Nee was a three-year member of the varsity Mustangs baseball team. He helped lead the Mustangs to a 1991 regional championship, a 1993 number-one state-ranking and a 1993 Catholic League championship. He graduated in 1993.

Nee then attended the University of St. Francis to play baseball and football. He honed his baseball skills at the collegiate level under legendary coach Gordie Gillespie. After graduation from college, Nee served the St. Rita baseball program for more than 19 years, including the last eight years as associate head baseball coach.

Zunica said, “I know John is the best man to lead the Mustang baseball program in the next era. His skill set is unique because he combines an amazing baseball knowledge with an exceptional ability to motivate his players. He also understands the St. Rita philosophy. He’s always prepared when he comes to the diamond. I am happy to pass the torch to John and look forward to seeing him succeed as the 13th head coach in St. Rita history.”

Nee said, “I am unbelievably humbled by and thankful for this great opportunity to continue the tradition that is St. Rita baseball. Working under Mike Zunica over the past 19 years has been a tremendous experience, and I will forever be in debt to him for all that he has taught me on and off the baseball field.”

The 109-year old St. Rita baseball program is known as one of the most storied athletic programs in the state.

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