Kansas University assistant baseball coach Reggie Christiansen was named the new head coach at South Dakota State on Monday.

Christiansen, also coach of the American Legion’s Lawrence Raiders, was head coach at Menlo (Calif.) College before coming to KU.

“I am excited about the opportunity to become a head coach at the Division One level,” Christiansen said. “My time at Kansas and in the Big 12 Conference have helped to prepare me for the challenge ahead.

“This is an exciting time for South Dakota State baseball, and I am looking forward to building a quality Division One program.”

The Jackrabbits of SDSU will enter NCAA Division One in the upcoming season.

“I’m thrilled for Reggie and for his opportunity to become a head coach at the Division One level,” KU coach Ritch Price said. “I compliment South Dakota State on their terrific hire of one of the finest young coaches in the country. Reggie has had a tremendous impact on our program. Everyone associated with KU baseball — including all the coaches and players — will miss him greatly.

“We wish him success in the future, not only because he is an outstanding coach, but an outstanding person.”