Greg Christodulu
On August 14th 2012, Greg Christodulu was named Head Coach of the Shenendehowa Baseball program. He is only the 5th Head Coach in the history of the program. Since his appointment, Coach Christodulu and his staff have proceeded to write new chapters in the achievement level of the program. Shen Baseball has been to the Sectional Championship game in (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019). Since the establishment of Class ’AA’ in 2003, Shenendehowa Baseball is the only program to repeat as Sectional 2 Champions (2013 & 2014), and the only program from Section 2 to win the New York State Class ‘AA’ Championship (2016).
Since the 2013 season, the program has produced (69) players being recognized by the Suburban Council, (3) ‘Pitcher of the Year’ and (1) ‘Player of the Year’ awards. Seven (7) players have been recognized by the American Baseball Coaches Association, in addition to, multiple draft picks in the M.L.B. June amateur draft. Those draft picks include Brandon Cogswell (2014 Oakland A’s), Justin Yurchak (2015-Chicago White Sox), Ian Anderson (2016-Atlanta Braves #3 overall), Ben Anderson (2016-Toronto Blue Jays/2019 Texas Rangers), Bryan Warzek (2015-Los Angeles Dodgers). Most recently former Shen player, Murphy Smith (2006-RHP) made multiple appearances in the summer of 2018 at the MLB level for the Toronto Blue Jays. Coach Christodulu and his staff have also received recognition during that time receiving the New York State ‘Coach of the Year’ award in (2016) and by the A.B.C.A. as Region 1 Division 1 High School ‘Coach of the Year’ award in (2013, 2014, 2016 and 2019).
Suburban Council All-Star (Pitchers):
2019 – Brendan Disonell, 2nd Team Evan Jones
2018 – “Pitcher of the Year” Brendan Disonell, 2nd Team, Mitch Wright
2017 – Honorable Mention, John Cady, Brendan Roberts
2016 – 1sts Team Nik Malachowski, 2nd Team Ben Anderson, HM Ian Anderson
2015 – “Pitcher of the Year” Ian Anderson, 1st Team Bryan Warzek, 2nd Team Nik Malachowski
HM Ben Anderson
2014 – “Pitcher of the Year” Aaron Kalish, 1st Team Bryan Warzek, Ian Anderson, HM Corey Hommel
2013 – 1st Team Greg Geisel, HM Taylor Vavruick
Suburban Council All Stars (Position Players)
2019 –1st Team, Jake Reinisch, 2nd Team, Thomas Krill
2018 – 2nd Team, Devin Disonell, Evan Jones, Joe Novenche, HM Zack Goldberg
2017 –1st Team, Joe Palko, 2nd Team Kurt Forsell, Brendan Spulnick, HM Brandon Roberts, Devin Smith, Griff Wallner, Devin Disonell, Joe Novenche
2016 –1st Team, Joe Fraser, Frank Pizzo, 2nd Team Nick Jacques, Rich Drum, HM Joe Palko
2015 –1st Team, Brad Pearson, Connor Douglas, 2nd Team Josh Hayner, Rich Drum, HM Andrew Pedone, Frank Pizzo, Joe Fraser
2014 –1st Team, Justin Yurchak, Matt Drum, 2nd Team Josh Hayner, Brennan McCormack, HM John Novenche, Kyle McAlonie, Brad Pearson, Conner Douglas
2013 – “Player of the Year” Justin Yurchak, 2nd Team Matt Buckley, HM Chris Miller, Kyle McAlonie
2012 – 1st Team, Colin Grande, 2nd Team Matt Buckley, HM Nick Giunta, JustinYurchak
2011 – 1st Team, Brandon Cogswell, John Craig, HM Chris Miller, Justin Yurchak
2010 – 1st Team, Brandon Cogswell, Brandon Galluppi, , 2nd Team David Wixted, Andrew Kalish
2009 – 1st Team, Brian Marotta, Brandon Cogswell
Coach Christodulu has presented at the New York State Baseball Coaches Association Clinic and the National High School Baseball Coaches Association in Tucson Arizona. He also has presented at local baseball clinics in Clifton Park and the throughout the Capital District. In addition, Coach has developed strong relationships with the local youth programs of Clifton Park and Halfmoon to assist in player development and programming.
The 2019 culminated in the State Class ‘AA’ Championship game. After winning the Sectional 2 Tournament with a thrilling 9 inning win over Niskayuna 6-1. The team once again advanced to the Regional Championship against Section 3 Champion Fayetteville-Manlius at O.C.C.C. The team came away with an impressive 6-0 road victory. In the State Semi-Finals, Shen pulled through with a spectacular win over a Massapequa team 4-1. The day was highlighted by the superlative complete game pitching performance from Brendan Disonell. Unfortunately, the season would end the next day in the State Championship game losing to McQuad-Jesiut out of Rochester 5-0.
In 2018, the Plainsmen once again won the Blue Division of the Suburban Council and received the number one seed for sectional play. The team posted an overall record of 14-7, which included a thrilling and dramatic come from behind post season win over Guilderland. The team advanced to the Sectional Semi-Finals but lost to Ballston Spa and failed to advance to the Championship Game. Six players were recognized by the Suburban Council with junior Brendan Disonell being named ‘Pitcher of the Year.
The 2017 season returned only one everyday player from the 2016 State Championship team. Throughout the regular season the team continued to develop and won impressive playoff games against Troy, C.B.A. and Saratoga to get to the Sectional Finals for the 5th consecutive year. Eight players were recognized on the All-Suburban Team, with Joe Palko also being named to the A.B.C.A. Region 1 All-Region Team. In addition, the June 2017 MLB amateur draft also witnessed former Shen A.B.C.A. All-American Justin Yurchak taken in the 12th round by the Chicago White Sox. Justin had just finished a successful spring season at Binghamton University and in the Cape Cod League with the Bourne Braves the previous summer where he was an named a starter for the All-Star summer classic held in Chatham.
The 2016 season is considered the most memorable in the programs history. One of the most highly anticipated seasons in program history finished with a climatic come from behind victory to secure the programs’ first ‘State Championship’. Post season victories over Columbia, Guilderland and CBA, along with Cicero North Syracuse, West Islip and Webster-Schroeder propelled the Plainsmen to New York State Class ‘AA’ final ranking of #1. Leading up to ‘Championship Weekend’ the program also had 2 players drafted by MLB. RHP Ian Anderson was taken 3rd overall by the Atlanta Braves and twin brother Ben Anderson was also taken by Toronto in the 26th round.
The 2016 team methodically worked its way through the revamped Suburban Council and secured their 3rd League Championship in the last 3 years. With hard fought victories in sectional play, the Plainsmen beat CBA in front of a crowd of over 4,000 people at Joe Bruno Stadium for the Section 2 title. The victory advanced the team to the Central Regional Championship. Another capacity crowd at Joe Bruno Stadium witnessed senior (RHP) Ian Anderson striking out 16 batters in the 5 – 1 victory over Cicero-North Syracuse. In the state semi-finals against West Islip, the team advanced themselves to the state finals with a 3-0 victory. The finals were culminated with a thrilling and dramatic bottom of the 7th inning 3 run rally that gave the Plainsmen a 7-6 victory and the programs 1st State Championship! In addition, the 2018 team also included centerfielder Kevin Huerter, who would become the #19 pick by the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) out of the University of Maryland in 2018.
At the conclusion of the season, Ian Anderson was named ‘Player of the Year’ by the New York State Sportswriters Association and the Times Union. Additional players named to the state team were: (C) Ben Anderson 1st team, (1B) Joe Fraser and (UT) Nik Malachowski 2nd Team, (3B) Frank Pizzo 5th team, (SS) Nick Jacques 9th team, and (OF) Rich Drum 10th Team. Ian Anderson was named 1st team All-American by the A.B.C.A. Coach Christodulu and his staff were named the New York State ‘Coach of the Year’ by the New York Sportswriters Association, Times Union, and the A.B.C.A. for H.S. Region 1 Division 1.
The 2015 team proceeded to repeat as Suburban Council Champions and continued their success to the Section 2 Championship game. Unfortunately, a late season rebirthed Saratoga Springs High team won the championship with a thrilling 1-0 score. Saratoga would eventually advance to the State Class “AA” Finals. Shen placed 11 players on the Suburban Council All-Star team with special recognition to junior right handed pitcher Ian Anderson who was recognized as ‘Pitcher of the Year’. Once again, 4 pitchers were selected for the League All-Star team from the Shenendehowa Staff. Ian Anderson was also named to the ABCA Region 1 team and ABCA 3rd team All-American. The All-State recognition was bestowed upon (P) Ian Anderson 2nd Team, (P) Bryan Warzek 4th team and (OF) Conner Douglas 8th Team.
The 2014 season once again brought a Suburban Council Championship to Shenendehowa. The Sectional Finals witness a convincing win over (C.B.A) to secure their second Section 2 Championship in as many years. The team proceeded to continue their success right to the State Finals. After winning the Central Region Championship with a (3 – 1) victory over Auburn H.S. out of Section 3, they advanced to the State Semi-Final and beat R.C. Ketcham (5-0). Unfortunately, the team lost to eventual State Champion Victor H.S. out of Section 5 in the State Championship game. At the completion of the season the team had set a school record for wins in a season (24) and winning percentage for a season of .923%.
The 2014 season witnessed a slew of recognition directed to the State Finalist. Twelve players received Suburban Council recognition. Most notably, four pitchers were named to the Suburban Council All-Star Team. Shortstop Justin Yurchak was named to the ‘Region 1’ team and 3rd Team All-American by the A.B.C.A. Three players were named to the New York State team in 2014, Justin Yurchak (SS) 1st team, Bryan Warzek (P) 4th team and Aaron Kalish (P) 7th team. Locally, Coach Christodulu and his staff were recognized as the Suburban Council and Times Union “Coach of the Year” recipients. Nationally, the A.B.C.A. once again awarded the High School Division 1 Regional ‘Coach of the Year’ award to Christodulu and the staff.
The 2013 season witnessed SHEN beating Shaker in the Section 2 Championship Game. The playoff run began with decisive wins over C.B.A, and LaSalle. The 2013 team advanced to Regional play but lost to eventual Class ‘AA’ State Champion Baldwinsville High School. The program ended the season with an impressive 20-4 overall record. At the completion of the 2013 season, Coach Christodulu was named by such media outlets as the Times Union and The Saratogian as “Coach of the Year”. He was also named the A.C.B.A. – Region 1 “Coach of the Year”. Seven players received All-Suburban Council recognition. Shortstop Justin Yurchak was also named to the Region 1 A.B.C.A. team as well as, being recognized by Rawlings as A.B.C.A. National “Golden Glove Award” winner. In addition, Yurchak was named “Player of the Year” by the Suburban Council and the Times Union. All-State recognition was bestowed upon (SS) Justin Yurchak 1st Team and (3B) Matt Buckley 6th team. Coach Christodulu was named A.B.C.A. High School Division 1 Regional “Coach of the Year.”
Coach Christodulu had brought a wealth of experience in the game of baseball to the Shenendehowa program when he was named Junior Varsity Head Coach in 2003. He served in that capacity until his promotion to the Varsity level in 2009. Under his guidance, the Junior Varsity level teams accumulated a record of 108-28 (.794). His teams averaged 9 runs per game, a .330 batting average, an E.R.A. of 2.54 and a fielding percentage .934. The 2007 team set the JV school record for wins in a season and finished with a (20-2) record. During that span, his teams also had two (19) win seasons in 2006 and 2008.
In the spring of 2009, Coach Christodulu was promoted to Associate Head Coach – with the responsibilities of program offensive coordinator/hhitting coach/third base coach/outfield coach. With one senior in the everyday line-up in 2009, the team responded with a 6.6 runs per game average and a team batting average of .334. In 2010, the offense responded with a school record .374 team batting average. They also had a .511 team slugging percentage, and 9.9 runs per game, which were all historical highs for the program. The 2011 season witnessed four sophomores and a freshman in the everyday line-up and the offense still answered with a team batting average over .315 and 6.5 runs per game. The 2012 team set the school record for stolen bases with 59 steals during the season. Over a four year period as offensive coordinator the offense has batted at a .334 clip and averaged 7.2 runs per game.
From 1991-1996, Coach Christodulu was Head Coach of Baseball at NCAA Division III Susquehanna University (104–85–3) in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. During that span, the University witnessed its greatest era in the programs history. Under his direction the program twice set the school records for wins in a season (1992 – 22 and 1995 – 25), competed in the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship, (1992, 1995), participated in the Division III National Playoffs, (1992, 1995), and won the Middle Atlantic Conference for the first time in the school’s history (1995). In addition, the program won its first NCAA playoff game (1995) vs future MLB pitcher Wade Miller and Alvernia College while competing in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the NCAA Division III Playoffs. By 1996, Coach Christodulu had coached five of the six all-time hit leaders in the history of the program. Mark Mussina younger brother of MLB/HOF Mike Mussina played for coach Christodulu during that span. All six Susquehanna teams accumulated a team batting average of .300 or better during his tenure. Numerous Susquehanna players were named to the All-Conference team, three of his players were named to the All-American Academic team and five were named All-Region. Coach Christodulu had also served on the M.A.C. Games Committee, and the N.C.A.A. Mid-Atlantic Region National Playoff selection committee. In 1995, the Middle Atlantic Conference and Louisville Slugger recognized him as “Coach of the Year”. In 1996, Coach Christodulu served as the Mid-Atlantic Region site director. Most recently, 4 of his former baseball players have been inducted into the Susquehanna University Athletic Hall of Fame in recent years and three of his former players signed professional contracts.
The former high school three sport Sectional 2 Champion (football/basketball/baseball) is from Gloversville New York. During his interscholastic experience, Greg was recognized as the New York State ‘Player of the Year’ and a High School All-American for multiple publications in the sport of football. Collegiately, the former Syracuse University quarterback, and University of Delaware graduate, earned 7 Varsity letters at the collegiate level. Syracuse University Football (1982-1983), University of Delaware Football (1985-1986), University of Delaware Baseball (1985-1987).
Greg Christodulu is the firs
t “true freshman” to start at quarterback in the history of the Orange football program. The fall of 1982 witnessed Greg start against the University of Maryland and Boomer Esiason in the Carrier Dome. In 1983 he quarterbacked the Orange to the programs 500th win on November 5th 1983 vs. the U.S Naval Academy (14-7) in Annapolis Maryland. He also competed against the likes of Dan Marino (Pitt), Doug Flutie (BC), Tony Eason (Illinois), Babe Laufenberg (Ind), Jeff Hostetler (WV), Todd Blackledge (PSU), Turner Gill (Neb) and Boomer Esiason (MD). Tim Green and Doug Marrone are a few classmates that teamed with Greg while at Syracuse. After transferring in 1984 to the University of Delaware, teammate Rich Gannon started at quarterback for the ‘Fightin’ Blue Hens’ and were led by College Football Hall of Fame Coach Harold ‘Tubby’ Raymond. The Hens went on to win the 1986 Yankee Conference Championship and advanced to the National Quarter-Finals of the IAA NCAA playoffs. Greg started at split end in the famous ‘Delaware Wing–T’ offense and also backed up Gannon at the quarterback position while earning 2 letters. At the completion of his senior year of football at the University of Delaware, the Newark Touchdown Club named him the recipient of the ‘Unsung Hero Award’. In 2011, Christodulu was inducted into the Capital District Football Hall of Fame.
In the spring of 1985, the new Fightin’ Blue Hen found his way to the diamond and played under the tutelage of A.B.C.A. Hall of Fame Coach, the highly respected Robert Hannah. The Hens went 37-11-1 and Greg proceeded to hit .387 with 49 RBI’s and 14 home runs. At the time, his home run total was the second highest total in UD program history. The 1985 Blue Hen offensive unit finished ranked 9th in runs per game and 11th in the nation in batting average. During that season, Greg was also part of a 5 home run inning against Hofstra that tied a N.C.A.A. record at the time. While at Delaware the Hens won two East Coast Conference Regular Season Championships. Coach Christodulu also played in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball Summer League (1985) for the Orleans Cardinals, which are now known as the Firebirds. This opportunity provided a chance for him to play with and against many future MLB caliber players. One of his former teammates on the Orleans team was former MLB manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks Chip Hale (U. of Arizona).
Since his arrival to Shenendehowa, Coach Christodulu had also contributed to the Shenendehowa football program. From 2002-2007 his contribution to varsity football witnessed three Section 2 Championship appearances, winning back to back titles in 2002 & 2003. It also included two trips to the Regional Championship and a State Final appearance in the Carrier Dome for the Class ‘AA’ state championship game in 2002. During his time with the varsity as an assistant coach, the team accumulated a record of (49-10). He also served as an assistant coach on the freshman football team at Shenendehowa where they recorded a record of (31-3) from 2008-2011. Greg has authored numerous articles for national publications regarding offensive football philosophy. He has also served successfully as the Head Coach of the North Squad in the Section 2 Exceptional Senior All-Star Game in 2010 & 2011. Greg’s previous football coaching stints were at University at Albany with legendary Bob Ford (1987-1988), James Madison University (1989), and Susquehanna University (1990-1995) as offensive coordinator.
Greg received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Delaware and his master’s in Education Administration from the University at Albany. He has also been tenured teaching Physical Education at Gloversville (1996-1999) and as Director of Athletics at Johnstown (1999-2002). While at Shenendehowa, he has previously served the district in the capacity of “Dean of Students” and ‘Athletic-Faculty Manager’. Currently, he teaches Physical Education at High School East and is the Director of G.C. Sports Camps. He has been named A.B.C.A. Region 1 Large Schools ‘Coach of the Year’ by Rawlings following the 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019 high school seasons. In addition, Coach Christodulu serves on the Section 2 Baseball Committee. In the summer, Greg has been an assistant coach for the Amsterdam Mohawks of the P.G.C.B.L. since 2017. The Amsterdam roster includes players form the S.E.C., A.C.C. and many of the power 5 conferences at the Division 1 level. In 2017 season, the Mohawks had been ranked as high as 4th in the nation during the extensive summer schedule. In 2018, the organization advanced to the championship series but lost the deciding game three to Jamestown. The 2019 summer season witnessed (23) former Mohawks taken in the June amateur draft and also culminated with the Mohawks winning the P.G.C.B.L. Championship