Bishop Ireton Hires New Varsity Baseball Coach

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Bishop Ireton High School has hired a new head coach, Michael Olerta, to lead its varsity baseball program, the school announced Tuesday. Olerta is a graduate of Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where he was a four-year player as a pitcher and designated hitter. Founded in 1964, Bishop Ireton is a Catholic high school located at 201 Cambridge Road in Alexandria.

Olerta has been active in baseball coaching at a variety of levels, the school noted. He comes to Bishop Ireton from West Potomac High School where he was the varsity assistant coach and a key contributor to that program’s rise to the upper echelons in the Northern Virginia public school baseball circles. Olerta has also served as an assistant for American Legion Post 176 baseball for four seasons and led the Marrucci Stars U-16 travel program.

“I am excited to be joining Bishop Ireton,” Olerta said. “I have prepared myself since college for the opportunity to lead a high school baseball program. Bishop Ireton has a great baseball tradition, is respected in the area, and member of a great baseball conference. I want to be part of what’s going on here!”

In his coaching experience, Olerta has worked with pitchers and infielders, he was a strong hitter in college and eventually found himself as a designated hitter when injury ended his pitching career.

“Mike radiates energy and enthusiasm, and a vision for our program,” said Bishop Ireton Athletic Director Bill Simmons. “He knows the game, he is passionate as a teacher, and he is one of the most positive guys you will meet. I know he will teach lifelong lessons to every player that has the opportunity to play in our program.”

“Michael inherits a program with nearly a dozen rising seniors, and sees the potential they bring to next season,” said Principal Denise Tobin. “Bishop Ireton baseball is getting a coach that is excited about our players, our program, and the game of baseball.”

PHOTO: Michael Olerta; photo courtesy of Bishop Ireton High School