Winkin expected to get Husson post School to name baseball coach today

John Winkin will get the opportunity to add to his impressive college baseball win total.

The former Colby College and University of Maine coach, who has 934 career wins, is expected to be named the head baseball coach at Bangor’s Husson College today.

The 84-year-old Winkin has been an assistant at Husson under John Kolasinski for eight years, and he is also the vice president for sports leadership at the school.

Kolasinski resigned earlier this month to become the head baseball coach at Siena Heights University (Mich.).

Winkin led Maine to six College World Series appearances in his 22 seasons after spending 20 years at Colby College. He was the Colby athletic director for several of those years.

He has a career record of 934-670-11.

Husson athletic director Gabby Price wouldn’t confirm or deny Winkin’s elevation to head coach.

Winkin donated approximately $250,000 from the sale of his summer camp to improving the baseball facility at Husson and it now bears his name: the John Winkin Baseball Complex.

Winkin could not be reached for comment but stated last week that he was interested in the job and confident he could continue the program’s successful run.

Husson made the playoffs 14 times in Kolasinski’s 15 seasons and had won six Maine Athletic Conference and Sunrise Conference championships.

“I feel I can coach with anyone,” said Winkin.

Kolasinski said he had been in Michigan and hadn’t heard who will succeed him.

But he endorsed Winkin.

“He is a great friend. He has been dedicated to the program and to the kids,” said Kolasinski. “The players have come to realize what he can teach them. He communicates well with them. They have fun with him, but they also learn. And the best thing is that [if he is the choice], it will be a smooth transition for the players.”

Winkin had said last week he would thoroughly enjoy coaching the current group of players.

“We’ve got a fine group of kids with great attitudes,” said Winkin.

Kolasinski said Winkin may be the best baseball clinic speaker around.

“The kids are riveted on every word,” said Kolasinski, who would fully expect Winkin to continue the winning tradition at Husson if he does get the job.

“I don’t see why he wouldn’t,” said Kolasinski.