Chris LaMange joined the Aquinas Athletic Department in the summer of 2019 and serves as the head coach of the AQ baseball program. LaMange is the 13th head coach in AQ baseball's storied history.
Over his five seasons as the Aquinas head coach, LaMange has accumulated a career record of 108-114, including three winning seasons over the past five years. The Saints had the most postseason sucess in 2024 under LaManage's direction, making a run to the WHAC tournament pod championship game against Indiana Tech.
In terms of individual success, AQ's manager has had one WHAC Pitcher of the Year (Travis Keys, 2021), one NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, two WHAC Gold Gloves, Two First Team All-WHAC selections, and six Second Team All-WHAC Selections.
Academically, the Saints have recognized in incredible 83 WHAC All-Academic athletes from the baseball program over the past five years.
Prior to coaching Aquinas, LaMange's high school resume speaks for itself. After playing at Aquinas and graduating in 1994, LaMange took over the East Grand Rapids varsity baseball program in 1996. Over his 24-year coaching career at EGR, he led the Pioneers to 554 victories and the 2009 Division II state championship. LaMange was named the Division II State Coach of the Year after winning the 2009 title. The team also advanced to the 1999 state semifinals, while also capturing six regional championships, seven district titles, and seven conference rings.
With an overall record of 554-307, LaMange was inducted into the Michigan High School Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. He coached the MHSBCA East-West All-Star Game in 2012. LaMange also served as varsity assistant boys basketball coach from 1993 to 1999, helping the Pioneers finish as state runner-up in three consecutive seasons (1994-96). For a pair of years - 2000 and 2001 - he was the head junior varsity basketball coach at EGR.
LaMange was the head junior varsity baseball coach at Grand Rapids Catholic Central in 1995, after two seasons as the varsity assistant boys basketball coach at GRCC in 1992 and 1993.
Having played at Aquinas from 1991 to 1994, LaMange and the Saints posted a 158-65 overall record during his collegiate career. AQ won at least 38 games in three of his four seasons, while also totaling a 31-15 record in 1992. LaMange was a part of the 1994 Saints team that won a school-record 50 games and earned the WHAC championship before capturing the NAIA state title.
LaMange also played for the Sullivans Baseball Club from 1993 to 1999. He is a decorated high school and collegiate football and basketball official. LaMange has officiated MHSAA basketball and football games since 1992, including the 1998 MHSAA Division 7 state championship game.
Since 1998, LaMange has served as an NCAA football official. He has officiated in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), and the Mid American Conference (MAC). LaMange has officiated several postseason football bowl games, including the 2018 Hawaii Bowl, the 2017 New Mexico Bowl, the 2016 FCS playoffs, the 2012 NCAA Division II semifinals, the 2006 NCAA Division III semifinals, and the 2002 NCAA Division III national championship game.
Chris and his wife Amy live in Grand Rapids with their three children: Eliana, JT, and Vivian.
