MOBILE, Ala. – As the University of South Alabama baseball program prepares to play host to rival Troy in the final regular-season series of the year, assistant coach Alan Luckie visited with "Inside JagNation" to record this week's episode of the official podcast of Jaguar Athletics.

On the podcast Luckie discusses the groundwork that was laid in the fall that has led to the team's defensive success this spring, what makes a good baserunner and how he can aid in that area, and the reasons for the Jags' performance at the plate — they lead the Sun Belt Conference in six statistical categories — this season.  He also explains how the coaching staff goes about scouting opponents throughout the year, his schedule on a day with no game in the spring and his confidence in the season's squad as it prepares for postseason action.

Luckie talks about his love of baseball going back to his childhood, how his long-time friendship with Dan Jennings helped him meet with and learn from multiple Major League baseball coaches, and why he waited to enter the coaching profession.   He discusses his decision to join the Jaguar coaching staff in 2007, the differences between former head coach Steve Kittrell and current head coach Mark Calvi and how long he would like to continue coaching as well.

Click here for Episode 41 of "Inside JagNation"

Originally from Spanish Fort, Ala., Luckie attended Fairhope High School before going on to Faulkner State (Ala.) C.C.  He transferred to Spring Hill in 1983 — where he would play under Kittrell — and was an all-conference selection the following spring while also earning his undergraduate degree prior to entering the private business sector.  In 2002 he joined the staff at Fairhope High, and after helping the Pirates to a 127-65 overall record and five outright or shared region championships he came to South before the start of the 2007 campaign.  In his role working with infielders and baserunners, and assisting with hitting, the Jaguars have tied or set the school record for fielding percentage three times during his tenure highlighted by last year's .979 mark, and he has helped both Zach Grichor and Cole Billingsley win American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Division I Gold Glove Awards.

Click here for "Inside JagNation" archives

South supporters can use a search for "South Alabama Jaguars" on iTunes to download previous episodes of "Inside JagNation" for free.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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