Contact: Sarah Hintz, Beloit College Sports Information Director, hintzs@beloit.edu
 
BELOIT, Wisconsin — Beloit College Head Baseball Coach and former Athletic Director Dave DeGeorge has received the Meritorious Service Award from the Midwest Conference. The Award honors individuals for significant contributions and outstanding service to the MWC and its member institutions. DeGeorge becomes just the 10th individual to be honored with the award.
 
Few names are as synonymous with Beloit College Athletics as DeGeorge. The family has been a constant presence on campus for the past 48 years. The legacy began with Dave’s father - Ed DeGeorge, the winningest coach in Buccaneer football history. He was followed by Dave, who started as a student-athlete before returning to serve as head baseball coach and, most recently, athletic director.

During a campus presentation on December 5, Beloit College President Eric Boynton remarked that "Dave truly embodies the spirit of this honor. With over 34 years of dedicated service, he has not only met the eligibility criteria but has far surpassed expectations through his unwavering commitment. Congratulations, Dave, for receiving this award."

He went on to say that the college submitted a nomination letter that highlighted Dave's contributions, which have been transformative – as a coach, as an athletic director, and as a valued member of the Beloit College community and the wider Midwest Conference.

President Boynton finished with, "His engagement with the institution reflects a profound dedication that inspires those around him. Dave exemplifies what it means to be a steadfast leader. Please join me in congratulating Dave DeGeorge, a truly deserving recipient of the Midwest Conference Meritorious Service Award."

Midwest Conference Executive Director Heather Benning had this to say about DeGeorge: "Dave exemplifies what it means to serve at a small liberal arts Division III institution. Colleges like Beloit thrive because of individuals who are dedicated, tireless and deeply rooted in purpose. Conferences sustain and better themselves because of members like Dave who meaningfully engage and contribute beyond their prescribed role."

Since 1991, Dave has been at the helm of the Buccaneer baseball program. He is the winningest coach in Midwest Conference Baseball history and Beloit Baseball history.

Dave and his Buccaneers claimed the past three Midwest Conference Tournament titles ('25, '24, '23) as well as the 2023 Midwest Conference Regular Season title. This was the latest chapter in an unprecedented run in program history. From 2007 through 2023, the Bucs won more games than any other team in the MWC. During that time span, Beloit has claimed three MWC Championships ('09, '16 & '23) and three MWC North Division Titles ('11, '16 & '21). DeGeorge has been named MWC Coach of the Year five times ('09, '11, '16, '21 & '23) and, in 2009, was honored by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association as the College Coach of the Year.

DeGeorge's athletes have collected over 100 All-MWC accolades. In his career of over 30 years, he has coached 21 players to 36 All-Region honors and brought the program its first All-Americans. His tenure has seen nearly every individual and team record for game, season, and career come and go as he continues to bring in high-caliber players year in and year out. Additionally, he has coached over 200 Academic All-Conference honorees since the league began recognizing students in 2006.

Furthermore, DeGeorge has seen eight former players inducted into the Beloit College Athletic Hall of Honor.

"Dave DeGeorge has excelled as a leader for Beloit student athletes and administrators in the Midwest Conference during his time at Beloit College," stated Monmouth College Director of Athletics Roger Hayes. "His calm demeanor and well-thought-out guidance are helpful to all that he comes into contact with. His knowledge and leadership have built the Beloit College baseball team into a force to be dealt with in the MWC and beyond."