Marion, IL – The Southern Illinois Miners announced the resignation of their Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Erik Haag Wednesday. Haag has been with the Miners since the organization’s inception in August 2006.

The Miners are conducting a search for a replacement for Haag’s responsibilities. Leading this search committee is Thad Leach, Co-Manager of Business for the Miners.  “Erik has been a great asset to the Miners team,” said Leach. “His support and leadership have been instrumental in the success of the Miners.”
 

Haag leaves the Southern Illinois Miners for a position with Total Sports Entertainment and will be relocating to South Bend, IN. Total Sports Entertainment is a sports software and consulting business.

“Taking this position will allow me to work in the sports industry as a consultant for existing sports franchises as well as building franchises like we did here in Southern Illinois,” said Haag.   “This move also allows my wife, Susan, to continue her career as her office is near our prior home in South Bend.”

Jayne Simmons, Owner and Co-Manager of Business for the Miners, supports Haag in his decision to leave the Miners and pursue the new position. 

“Since 2006 we have had the goal of bringing a quality sports venue to the area of Southern Illinois in Marion,” said Simmons. “With Erik’s assistance we have built this beautiful stadium and have a wonderful staff and team that make Rent One Park a truly fun and family friendly entertainment location. While we will certainly miss Erik’s leadership, we are happy for him and his family as he continues to work in the sports industry.”

Simmons also presented Haag with a commemorative baseball bat in appreciation for his valued contributions.      

Assisting in the transition is Tim Arseneau, General Manager of the Southern Illinois Miners since 2007. Mike Pinto, the Miners Manager, will also continue to be a strong presence in the organization. Pinto signed a five-year contract in 2011 to keep his position as team manager through 2016.

“As I step down today, I leave knowing the Miners are in good hands moving forward with committed ownership, strong support from our corporate office and with Tim and Mike leading the operations in Southern Illinois along with our creative, hard-working staff,” states Haag.

The Southern Illinois Miners have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year three times since its inception. It has also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007.

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