Head Coach - Mike Corn
Bachelors of Science, Coker College 1998
Phone: (931) 540-2633
Email: mcorn@columbiastate.edu
Mike Corn enters his second season as head coach at Columbia State. Corn is serving as only the fourth head baseball coach in Columbia State’s rich baseball history that includes 6 trips to the NJCAA World Series.
“I’m excited of my return to the town of Columbia and to Columbia State after 17 years to take over the program,” said Corn, who began his collegiate playing career at Columbia State in 1994. “Columbia State has a winning tradition with the program in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, and I am looking forward to get Columbia State back on top and in the national spotlight.”
Corn replaced Kelly Bratton, who served as Columbia State's head coach from 2006 - 2009. Bratton left Columbia State after accepting the position of head coach at Martin Methodist College.
Corn came to Columbia State Community College from the University of Tennessee where he served as Director of Baseball Operations during the 2008/2009 season. Corn joined the baseball program at University of Tennessee in August of 2008. His primary responsibilities at Tennessee included managing all baseball camps, oversight of student managers, serving as an academic liaison to the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center and assisting with on-campus recruiting.
Prior to his position with the University of Tennessee, Corn spent the previous nine seasons as an assistant coach at Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee. He mentored the varsity infielders and also assisted with the outfielders. In addition, Corn monitored the team's academic progress and served as recruiting coordinator during his last two years with the Pioneers. Corn acted as head coach of Tusculum's junior varsity baseball team during his last seven seasons.
His nine year tenure at Tusculum saw the program post eight consecutive winning seasons, four straight 40-win campaigns, three South Atlantic Conference championships, two SAC Tournament titles and four trips to the NCAA Division II Tournament. In Corn's last four seasons in Greeneville, the Pioneers went 175-60-1. Tusculum turned in a sterling 50-14 record in 2007. The 50 wins remain a school and conference record and included a record 23-game winning streak. The Pioneers finished the 2007 season ranked 18th nationally and were one of only seven teams in the nation with 50 wins.
Corn's time at Tusculum saw the program produce 7 All-Americans, 13 All-Region honorees and 41 All-Conference selections. Included among that list are three South Atlantic Conference Players of the Year, two SAC Pitchers of the Year, two SAC Freshmen of the Year and one SAC Male Athlete of the Year. Additionally, 32 Pioneers garnered SAC All-Tournament distinction, including a pair who garnered MVP honors.
The Erwin, Tennessee native received his Bachelor's Degree in Fitness Programming from Coker College in 1998. Corn played collegiately at Columbia State and Coker College. Corn resides in Columbia, TN. Corn has been an active member of the American Baseball Coaches Association for 12 years. Corn enjoys spending time with family and friends in his free time. Corn also enjoys hunting in his free time as well.
Assistant Coach - Jim Painter
Bachelors of Science, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) 1962
Masters of Science, MTSU 1963
Few coaches have reached the level of success that Coach Painter has achieved in his 41 year career at Columbia State. Inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2003, Coach Painter has amassed an impressive 1074 career wins during his tenure at Columbia State. Painter arrived at Columbia State in the Spring of 1970 and served as assistant to head coach Dave Hall until the 1973 season. In 1973, Coach Painter was named the head baseball coach and served in that role until the 2006 season when former Charger baseball player Kelly Bratton was named head coach. Coach Painter still attends all Charger practices and games sharing his infinite baseball wisdom, good humor, and warm personality with all.
Coach Painter resides in Columbia, TN with his wife Faye. They enjoy spending time with family and friends and supporting the Chargers.
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