“We are honored to have Mark Standiford join the Tabor athletic department,” President Jules Glanzer said. “He is a person of impeccable character who knows baseball and what it takes to produce a winner. God has provided an outstanding man to lead our program.”

Rusty Allen, vice president of athletics, added, “We could not be more excited about welcoming Mark to Tabor College. Coach Standiford has an outstanding baseball background, a strong faith, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

“He shares our vision of building ministry through excellence.”

After being drafted in the 16th round by the San Francisco Giants in 1988, Standiford has for the past 13 years operated Wichita Sluggers, a 50,000-square-foot baseball academy and athletic complex, helping young players sharpen their skills.

He has helped more than 100 athletes advance to college-level baseball.

“I’m excited to be a part of Tabor College,” said Standiford, who will maintain his business and teach physical education courses at the college.

“The administration’s dedication to athletics and to the student athlete both spiritually and academically made me want to be a part of Tabor.”

Standiford played for the Shockers from 1985-88. During that time he became the most prolific power hitter in WSU baseball history, delivering a Shocker-record 69 home runs in his career, including a season-best 28 as a senior in 1988 when the Shockers made their second College World Series appearance.

The 5-foot-7 second baseman was led the Shockers in home runs in three of his four years and established a team and NCAA record with 94 career doubles.

His 301 career runs batted in ranked third behind only the totals of fellow WSU All-Americans Phil Stephenson and Joe Carter.

A two-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, Standiford was chosen a first-team All-American in 1988 by Collegiate Baseball Magazine, and was a member of the silver medal-winning U.S. team that competed in the 10-team International Cup Tournament in Cuba in 1987.