End of an Era: Frank Jeney steps down from Windsor Lancers Baseball

By Massimo Duronio

Longtime Windsor Lancers baseball coach Frank Jeney has officially walked off the field for the final time, stepping down from the position he has held since founding the program in 2009.

Jeney announced his decision to step away from the program during the University of Windsor Lancers baseball banquet on November 7 at Ambassador Golf Club. His departure marks a historic moment for the program, as it represents the first coaching change in Lancers baseball history — Jeney had been the only head coach the team had ever known.

The announcement came near the end of the banquet, in plain view of everyone. The

reaction in the room indicates this transition wasn’t expected by many. “It was mostly shock and disbelief. You could’ve heard a pin drop,” said assistant coach

and former player Jacob Prsa.

Prsa described the moment as one that immediately shifted the tone of the evening.

“All this program has ever known is Frank.”

Jeney started the Lancer baseball program in 2010 at a time when university baseball in

Ontario was still developing – in some ways it still is. The early years required building

everything from scratch. The first roster consisted largely of Windsor-area athletes, and

walk-ons still learning what university baseball could be like.

The team grew slowly but steadily. The Lancers began to establish a presence in

winning. In 2013 the Lancer’s won the Intercollegiate Baseball Association

championship in a 1–0 walk-off victory over Concordia. They built a reputation as a

disciplined, hard-working group. The program eventually found competitive stability

putting together multiple winning seasons.

The program continued to grow, advancing to the NCBA World Series in 2016 and

defeating the University of Minnesota in the opening round. Most recently, the Lancers

reached another milestone when they officially joined Ontario University Athletics (OUA)

baseball in 2022.

Former first baseman Nick Zinyk, who played from 2020 to 2024, reflected on the

lasting impact of Jeney on both the program and its players. “He showed us every single person mattered — whether you were a starter, a role player, or someone grinding for a spot.”

Zinyk also said Jeney was influential in instilling leadership traits in his players and set

the standard and the value of responsibility that has guided the team. Those who played

under Jeney described his coaching style as firm but supportive, demanding but fair.

The emphasis was always on character.

Current outfielder Jack Marcotte said Jeney balanced intensity with a personable

energy that kept players engaged through long weeks and compact fall seasons.

“He instilled a no-excuses attitude and pushed us to give maximum effort, but he always

kept things fun,” Marcotte said. “One thing he always preached was to be a good

person first and a good baseball player second. That’s something I’ll carry with me.”

Prsa said the foundation Jeney built focused on work ethic, dedication, and genuine

belief in one another which will guide the program through the transition. “Frank made it his mission to ensure players left the program better equipped for real life,” he said. “Strong leaders, capable citizens, caring family members.”

The Lancers are seeking a replacement and the program will continue. Offseason team

workouts have already begun. As players and staff left the banquet hall, there was a sense of both gratitude and uncertainty. For Lancers baseball, Jeney’s departure represents more than a coaching change, it marks the end of the program’s founding era and the beginning of a new one.

“We all wish him nothing but the best,” Prsa said. “But it’s going to be a major

adjustment. He built this program from the ground up, and his impact will be felt here for

a long time.”

The search is on for a new coach. Application deadline is January 16th.