PUEBLO, Colo. (June 30, 2016) – The Colorado State University-Pueblo Athletic Department, the University, and the entire CSU-Pueblo community is saddened by the passing of former Assistant Baseball Coach David Lange.
Lange began his 16-year stint with CSU-Pueblo in 1993 when the Pack announced its intentions to re-launch the baseball program. He would be a part of the program until retiring after the 2009 season.
"Dave approached the athletic department years ago to volunteer his services in the baseball program," said Director of Athletics Joe Folda. "He was a great ambassador for the baseball program as well as the athletics department and the University."
During Lange's tenure, the Pack won 573 games compared to just 347 losses. He helped lead the Pack to the NCAA Division II College World Series in 1996, where then-University of Southern Colorado finished fifth.
"Dave was very passionate about CSU-Pueblo, college athletics, and especially CSU-Pueblo baseball," said Head Coach Stan Sanchez. "He played a big part in bringing community support to our program."
Originally from Edmore, Michigan, Lange played baseball collegiately at Central Michigan University. Lange then attended Eastern Michigan University, where he received his master's degree in 1971.
Lange would coach baseball for more than 30 years, primarily Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, Mich. Lange earned the league's Coach of the Year award five times. The Bears posted a 351-278 record in his time there.
Seven of Lange's former players were drafted by Major League Baseball teams, including Kevin Richardson, the fifth player taken in the 1977 draft. In 1991, Lange served as head coach during the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star game played in Detroit's Tiger Stadium.
Two years later, Lange moved to Pueblo to help Sanchez bring the baseball program back. Lange guided Pack players for 16 years.
During that time, Lange played a pivotal role in the Pack's recruiting. Sanchez credits Lange's ability to relate to the student-athlete with the team's success.
"He was just very kind and generous to the student-athletes in our program," Sanchez said. "He had a huge impact on our program and baseball in Southern Colorado. We're really going to miss him."
After leaving his post as assistant coach, Lange continued to contribute to both the University and the athletic department. Lange is survived by his wife Carol and daughter Nicole.
"The baseball student-athletes that he worked with loved and respected him a great deal," Folda said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the Lange family during this time of mourning. Coach Lange will be missed by so many people that he developed relationships with during his time in Pueblo."
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University – Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
