GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Mercyhurst Associate Head Coach Charlie Spano was honored by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Baseball America as the Division II Assistant Coach of the Year. 

Spano along with the honorees from 10 other divisions will be honored at the ABCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee on Jan. 3, 2020. 

The Assistant Coach of the Year honor has been awarded since 1999 with coaching expertise, recruiting, loyalty to the program and respect for the game as just some of the many criteria examined.  

Spano finished his 18th season with the Lakers. In his time at Mercyhurst, Spano has coached the infielders helping 23 players earn all-conference honors. During his tenure as the recruiting coordinator, 14 Mercyhurst players have been drafted by MLB teams with eight still active at various levels of professional baseball. 

"Charlie has been the backbone of our program for almost 2 decades, his knowledge, hard work and dedication are a primary reason for the success we have enjoyed," said head coach Joe Spano. "I am beyond grateful for his service and thankful to the ABCA for awarding him this honor that is so well deserved!"