Jim Bagnall Retires as EAC Athletic Director 

Jim Bagnall Retires as EAC Athletic Director 

After 27 years of dedicated service, Jim Bagnall, Eastern Arizona College director of athletics, has retired. 

Bagnall started his career at EAC in 1997. He was responsible for resurrecting the College’s baseball program and served as head coach for 20 years. In 1999, he was appointed as EAC’s athletic director and took on the roles of division chair and curriculum director for the Health and Physical Education Department. 

During his time at EAC, Bagnall was active in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference, where he served terms as president, master scheduler, and the chair for the Health and Safety Committee. He was also the president of the Western States Football League and had a huge impact on the football program at EAC, leading teams to appearances in multiple bowl games.  

Throughout his career at EAC, Bagnall gave back to his community. He was the  president of the local Little League program and coached various teams. He was an active member of the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus. He emphasized recruiting athletes who would serve as local volunteers, picking up trash, setting up tents, and distributing food for local events.  

“EAC has been blessed to have Jim Bagnall serve as athletic director for more than two decades,” said Todd Haynie, EAC president. “His leadership and direction allowed for tremendous growth and he’s truly changed our students’ lives for the better.” 

Bagnall was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz. He attended Salpointe Catholic High School where he is enshrined in the school’s Sports Hall of Fame. 

He continued his education at the University of Arizona where he was a walk-on for the baseball team. He was on the national championship team in 1980 and in his senior year he was voted team captain. He went on to play baseball for the Kansas City Royals. 

Bagnall began his baseball coaching career at Old Dominion University before moving on to the University of Georgia, where the team won the 1990 National Championship. He has the distinguished honor of being a National Champion as both a player and coach.  

“It’s been a distinct honor serving with Jim at EAC,” said Kenny Smith, dean of student services and interim athletic director. “He’s been an outstanding representative for the College and we wish him the best during this new period of his life.”