Grana Named Interim Head Coach

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Athletics Department has officially announced that Assistant Baseball Coach Jon Grana will serve as the V-Hawks Interim Head Baseball Coach for the 2024 season. Grana will succeed Brian Lewis, who accepted a position at University of South Carolina-Beaufort earlier this month.

"We're very fortunate to have someone like Jon on our baseball staff who is prepared to step into this role," said Athletics Director Barry Fried. "He has been an assistant coach for 7 years, has great familiarity our baseball program and is well respected by our players. This also will help with our continuity and momentum as our team prepares for their spring season."  

During Grana's time with the V-Hawks, he has served as the pitching coach, while also working with catchers, organizing day-to-day activities and focusing on player development.

During Grana's tenure, the V-Hawks have had eight players named to All-Conference teams and two earn Gold Glove Awards.

As a player, Grana started his college baseball career in Norwalk, CA at Cerritos Community College where was a part of the 2014 Conference Championship Team. Following his time at Cerritos Community College Grana played two seasons for the V-Hawks (2014-2016), earning Academic All-Conference once.

Grana graduated from Viterbo with a Bachelors' Degree in Organizational Communications and a Masters Degree in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Leadership.

Here is what Grana had to say:

"First I'd like to thank Coach Brian Lewis for his commitment to Viterbo University over the last 7 years.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and coach alongside an exceptional leader and person. Due to his mentorship, I feel very well prepared to take on this opportunity.  Coach Lewis built a consistent positive culture of accountability and service, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to continue to build upon that legacy.

"Additionally, I'd like to thank President Rick Trietley and Athletic Director Barry Fried for this opportunity.  They have given me their full support and I am grateful they trust me to lead this program.

"I'm extremely excited to continue to work with our coaching staff; Brady Banse (Recruiting Coordinator), Andy Palmer (Hitting/Infield Coach), Justin Maxted (Catching Coach), AJ Lewis (Assistant Coach) and Nick Frey (Student Assistant). With their commitment to service and baseball knowledge I can trust that our team will continue to be supported effectively on and off the field.

"I am extremely excited for this season and this team.  They have put a ton of work in throughout this fall and have demonstrated a high level of commitment and excellence on and off the field.  Our first game is 100 days away and we cannot wait to get the season underway."

Grana will assume his responsibilities as Interim Head Coach immediately.