The head coach for the 2026 Tarp Skunks is Joe Reitebach, who served as the pitching coach at Hilbert College this year.

“Joe is someone we are incredibly excited to have leading our club,” said Christian Dolce, Tarp Skunks general manager. “His familiarity with Jamestown, his connection to our organization, and the respect he has earned from players make him a perfect fit for this role. Joe understands what it means to wear Tarp Skunks across his chest, and we believe he is the right person to continue building on the culture and success we’ve established here.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a historic 2025 campaign that saw the Tarp Skunks record a franchise-best 30 wins and secure the organization’s first-ever playoff victory in the PGCBL.

Sporting a strong background as both a collegiate hurler and developer of arms at the collegiate and summer-collegiate levels, including in Jamestown in 2025, Reitebach had an outstanding playing career as well.

P-J photo by Christian Storms Gowanda native and Canisius University freshman Blake Herman fields a groundball at shortstop during Tarp Skunks practice on Thursday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown.

After spending four years on the Gannon University pitching staff, he took his talents his graduate year to Hilbert, where he earned First-Team AMCC All-Conference honors as a relief pitcher. During that season he struck out 31 batters in 31 innings pitched, walked eight and posted a 2.61 ERA.

A 2024 Gannon University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Reitebach completed his master’s degree in athletic administration at Canisius University earlier this month.

“We are confident Joe can lead this team to another successful season,” said Bruce Dudgeon, president of Jamestown Community Baseball, LLC. “This will be a seamless transition as Frank and Joe will work together closely to continue building a championship-caliber roster and organization.”

Reitebach replaces Frank Jagoda III, who was the Tarp Skunks head coach last season. Jagoda has transitioned into a new role as director of player procurement and scouting for the organization.

The organizational shift signals continued growth within the Tarp Skunks operation, as the club expands its baseball operations department while maintaining continuity throughout the program. Although Jagoda will no longer manage from the dugout, he will remain heavily involved in all aspects of team operations and roster development.

Today’s pregame activities, which begin at 5 p.m., will include a tailgate party with music provided by the Porcelain Bus Drivers. There will also be postgame fireworks.

Jamestown will travel to Olean on Saturday and, after off days on Sunday and Monday, will return to Diethrick Park on Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. game, also against Olean.