Pompano Beach Officially Names Ryan Combs New Head Coach

Ryan Combs has been named head coach at Pompano Beach.

Pompano Beach kept their head coaching search a secret to many for much of the summer. On Friday, they officially ended their silence when they named Ryan Combs their new head coach. Combs will take over a program that has been led in recent years by legendary Broward coach George Petik.

“I was at Indiana University when Coach (Bobby) Knight was head coach,” said Combs, who started his baseball coaching career at IU. “…and I remember everyone talking about how difficult it would be to take over a program that had been run by a coaching legend. Everyone said how hard it would be, but I always thought with all the hard work and effort that the previous coach had put in, it would make an easier transition. The foundation has been set and it is my responsibility to build upon what Coach Petik has done, and lead this team going forward.”

Combs will take over a Golden Tornadoes program that went 14-6 last season. The team returns a large majority of their team, but they have lost some key seniors. Pompano will receive some relief after spending several seasons in the toughest district in Broward. Next year with the districts realigned, Pompano will be competing with Dillard, Hallandale, and American Heritage for a playoff spot. The new coach has made it clear where he wants his team to be next season.

“Our short term goal is to take the talent we’ve inherited and take it to new levels. I know that we lost a couple of key components from last year, but I know with this senior class we have the talent to do great things. We want to compete for district, regional, and state championships both now and in the future.”

As for Combs’ coaching history, he spent five years as a varsity assistant at Indiana. From there, the new Pompano coach took the hitting coach job at Frank Phillips College in Texas. After one season, Combs moved on and became the pitching coach at Webber International. With a desire to coach at the high school level, Combs then spent three years as the head coach at Lake Worth Christian. Last year, he coached at Horeb Christian, where he also served as the school’s athletic director.

Returning Pompano players looking to impress their new head coach should understand that there is a prototypical player that Combs takes a liking to.

“I love the player that will do whatever it takes to make the team successful. Baseball is a sport that credits players for making sacrifices for the team, and that is what we will expect from our players. That is the type of guy I looked for when I recruited players at the collegiate level, the guy that will run through a brick wall for the good of the team.”

Neil Andreoli and Kelly Wright will be joining Combs’ staff this upcoming season. Wright is a holdover from Petik’s staff, and Pompano Athletic Director Jason Frey is excited about bringing in the two new coaches.

“The addition of Combs and Andreoli brings years of quality coaching experience as well as a great understanding of the college scene,” said Frey. “We look forward to making a deep run in the playoffs and continued success of our student athletes under Ryan’s leadership.”

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