KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Coach's corner is a weekly segment where fans get acquainted with Kutztown University head coaches. Our final coach in the spotlight is KU baseball coach
Eric Folmar.
Folmar completed his first season as the head baseball coach at Kutztown University in 2020. In a shortened first season at the helm in 2020, Folmar led the Golden Bears to a 7-4 overall record, the program's first winning record to end a season since 2014. Folmar began his tenure on July 8, 2019. He most recently spent three seasons as associate head coach at the University of Louisiana Monroe from 2015-17.
A standout infielder and catcher at Old Dominion University from 1996-99, Folmar led the Monarchs to three Colonial Athletic Association championship game appearances, the 1996 CAA championship and a spot in the NCAA Clemson Regional. He started 168 consecutive games and was a team captain. Folmar earned his degree in health and physical education from ODU in 1999.
What makes Kutztown University the destination to be a coach? "It starts with the people. KU has great people in the athletic department, great professors, and great advisors. I am extremely fortunate to go to work every day with so many great coaches from all of our athletic programs that are so willing to help each other out. My colleagues are great coaches, but even better people. Kutztown's location is a major factor. It is in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania and the campus is gorgeous. KU is in such a great pocket for baseball. You can go a short distance from campus and find schools and teams that are both talented and passionate about baseball. Also, the tradition. We have had so many great players, teams, and coaches that make it a place to be."
Favorite place on campus and/or in town? "North Campus Field."
Why did you get into coaching? "I have always wanted to be a coach. My dad was a high school football coach and I had the opportunity to be around him and at the field since I was very young. He was my hero and I wanted to be exactly like him. The passion and drive he had for doing what he loved was something I shared with him and I knew being a coach was something I would pursue."
Favorite memory as a coach and athlete? "I would like to think I have several great memories as both a coach and a player. But, my favorite memories are of those helping guys reach their potential on and off the field. Helping them reach their goals. Watching them succeed."
What are any gameday rituals? "I don't really have any rituals. I just try to prepare our players and myself the best I can to give our team the best chance to have success."
Favorite professional team and/or player? "The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers."
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? "I would probably be teaching or be a High School Athletic Director."
Favorite thing(s) to do outside of coaching? "Family! Anything that involves my family."
Any sports heroes growing up? "In baseball, I really admired Tony Gwynn. The way he handled himself on the field, his work ethic, and his consistency."
Favorite movie and tv show? "Movie – Braveheart. TV Show - Live PD."
What advice would you give prospective collegiate student-athletes? "Enjoy the process. Make sure to pick the school that is the best fit. There are so many factors that go into making a good decision about the school you will attend. Prioritize those factors and look for a school that matches what is most important to you and your family. Be honest with the coach who is recruiting you. I would be leery of any coach promising you anything. Opportunities are earned once you are on campus through the work you put in and ultimately your performance."
Any inspirational quotes you've heard that stays with you? ""It's not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." Paul "Bear" Bryant (legendary Alabama football coach).