Viterbo University Promotes Grana to Head Baseball Coach
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University has announced Jon Grana as the 10th Head Coach in team history. Grana served as the Interim Head Coach during the 2024 season.
"I am honored and humbled to accept the position of head baseball coach at the Viterbo University," said Grana. "This program is built on the hard work and dedication of past, present and future Viterbo V-Hawks. As I enter into this role, I am committed to upholding the values and excellence that define Viterbo University and our baseball program."
Originally from Downey, Calif., Grana played baseball at Cerritos Community College in Norwalk, Calif., and won the 2014 Conference Championship before transferring to Viterbo, where he played for two seasons (2015-16).
Grana holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Communications degree and a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Leadership—both from Viterbo University.
"Jon embodies so many of the qualities I was looking for in our head coach" said Athletics Director, Barry Fried.
"First, he's a person of high character who does things the right way and treats others with respect. Secondly, his hard work and coaching style have quickly earned the trust and confidence of our players. And finally, I know Jon has a strong commitment to our baseball program as he played here, coached here and is also a Viterbo graduate."
"It was an easy decision to promote him, and I know our current players and future recruits will love playing for him."
Grana served seven years as an assistant coach for the V-Hawks before being named the Interim Head Coach and OAC Manager in October of 2023. In his first year, the V-Hawks went 12-38 (10-13 NSAA). Viterbo produced one first-team all-conference performer (Blake Warner), two second-team athletes (Brett Stuessel, Brandon Jaenke), and two honorable mentions (Jake Ouweneel, Kyle Burns). Warner was also selected as the Gold Glove First Baseman, the first for VU since 2021.
"I want to thank President Rick Trietley and Athletic Director Barry Fried for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity to lead the Viterbo Baseball program," continued Coach Grana.
"Thank you to my coaching staff, Brady Banse, Andy Palmer, Justin Maxted and AJ Lewis, these coaches are the definition of servant leaders and are a huge reason why this program continues to grow and move in the right direction. Thank you to our student-athletes, as they demonstrated respect and commitment throughout the transition in leadership this last year; we are extremely proud of this group. This program accomplished a ton last year and we are excited for what the future holds. Lastly, I'd like to thank my wife Laura, family and friends for all their support, I would not have this opportunity without them."
Grana will assume his duties immediately.