Tony Cougoule joined head coach Robert Ruiz at Westmont in the summer of 2009. As the Warriors’ pitching coach, the staff has seen improvements in numerous statistical categories. From 2010 to 2013, the Warriors lowered their ERA by over a run each year. In 2014, the staff posted its lowest ERA (3.39) since 1977, only to be further reduced to 3.22 in 2015. In 2016, the staff ERA broke below 3.00, finishing at 2.97, which was eighth lowest in the NAIA.
The 2015 staff recorded the most strikeouts in program history (421) and the 2016 pitchers set the single-season record for most saves (17). The 2019 staff tied the program’s single season saves record while breaking the shutout record (9). Cougoule has coached nine All-GSAC pitchers, including two-time GSAC Pitcher of the Year Russell Harmening. In his time as Westmont’s pitching coach, the Warriors have seen seven pitchers move on to play professional baseball, including Andrew Vasquez, who made his Major League Baseball debut for the Minnesota Twins in 2018.
In addition to his duties on the field, Cougoule takes part in all facets of the Westmont baseball program, including recruiting, fundraising and administration.
Cougoule spent two seasons as an assistant coach for Southeastern Community College where he contributed to the program’s single-season win record (41), a top-ten national ranking and a top-ten ranking in fielding percentage (2009). He helped develop ten all-conference players in his time as an assistant coach. He also served as interim head coach for 12 games in the 2009 season.
Cougoule spent the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons at Azusa Pacific University, where he and current Westmont head coach Ruiz served as assistants. Cougoule helped lead Azusa Pacific to its most successful season in school history in 2007 while serving as the Cougars’ pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. The Cougars broke single season records for wins (51) and conference wins (32) while capturing the GSAC championship and the NAIA Region II championship, returning to the NAIA World Series for the first time in 23 years. During his time at Azusa, Cougoule coached six future MLB Draft picks and two future Major Leaguers.
During the summer of 2016, Cougoule served as the pitching coach for the Santa Barbara Foresters of the National Baseball Congress (NBC) that plays in the California Collegiate League. The Foresters won the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kansas and 12 pitchers on the Foresters’ staff went on to get drafted by MLB Organizations.
Cougoule’s first coaching experience was in 2005 as an assistant to Coach Justin Schulte at his alma mater, Mount Mercy (42-28).
As a player, Cougoule’s best year came as a junior in 2003 when he recorded an 8-3 record with a 3.62 ERA and earned all-conference and team MVP honors. Cougoule was part of two regional teams and twice received academic all-conference honors. He graduated cum laude with a degree in administrative management.
In 2007, Cougoule completed his master’s degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Warrior program and adds tremendous value to the staff.
In addition to his responsibilities as the Warriors’ pitching coach, Cougoule serves as the Facilities Liaison for Westmont Athletics. Cougoule and his wife Heidi have two daughters, Madison Stella, born in December 2012 and Sadie Grace, born in June 2015.
