Coach Ed Servais has become a fixture in Omaha, and his reputation precedes him. Known as Creighton’s winningest baseball coach, he racked up nine conference championships and six Coach of the Year awards. His logistical support of the College World Series has also helped solidify his status as a local legend.
While the accolades are meaningful, sitting down with him on a sunny April afternoon makes it clear they pale in comparison to the relationships and memories built over his 28 years with the Bluejays. The plaques on the walls hold weight—but the framed pictures of past players, his wife, children and grandchildren clearly mean more.
The Heart of a Boy: Early Days
When asked how he developed his love for baseball, Servais describes his childhood in La Crosse, Wisconsin, fondly. With seven brothers and supportive parents, competition and camaraderie were part of daily life.
“My parents wanted to get us out of the house,” he says. “Anything that involved a ball—basketball, football, baseball—that’s what we did. We were very active, and I was just consumed by it.”
His passion led him to coaching, starting in 1982 at Rib Lake High School in Wisconsin, where he led the team to a 24-11 record. He would go on to coach at four colleges, including Iowa State, before joining Creighton as an assistant coach in 1998.
He credits his father for helping him pursue a life in baseball.
"My dad was a great man. He didn’t know much about the game, but he told me, ‘Ed, find something you’re passionate about and you’ll be happy,’" Servais says. "I was fortunate to find that in coaching."
The Heart of a Leader: Growth and Impact
In his early years at Creighton, Servais was known for being tough but fair. His first season as head coach in 2004 started with a disappointing loss.
“I’ll never forget it,” he says. “I didn’t think we should’ve lost. I was uptight—I wanted to get off to a good start.”
That fire fueled the rest of the season, and the Bluejays went 35-24, a sharp improvement from 2003. A win over Air Force marked a turning point, setting the stage for 2005’s record-breaking season.
Over time, Servais’ philosophy, strategy and methodology helped shape Creighton into a major powerhouse. During his 28-year tenure—including six years as assistant coach and 22 as head coach—he led the Bluejays to 698 wins, nine conference titles and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.
One standout memory is the 2011 Missouri Valley Conference tournament, held at Creighton’s then-new stadium, TD Ameritrade Park. It was the first tournament played at the ballpark, making its champion the first team ever crowned on that field.
“We won the Missouri Valley Conference tournament at our new stadium, with 8,800 fans there,” he says. “When they played ‘Sweet Caroline’—I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it—it was so special to hear that many people singing and cheering us on.”
In 2019, Servais led the team to a Big East title and earned his sixth Coach of the Year award. His defensive focus resulted in 12 top-10 national fielding rankings. Off the field, he helped support the College World Series by coordinating practice sites.
Throughout his success, Servais kept the focus on his players.
“I never wanted this to be about me,” he says. “I wanted it to always be about our players.”
Colleagues and athletes admired his ability to balance high standards with deep care.
“As a leader, you have to serve the people you work with,” Servais says. “Anything I ask our players to do, I’m doing with them. I’m not above anything. Sometimes they don’t realize that until they leave and look back—then they see I was right there with them.”
The Heart of a Team: Faith and Community
Servais’ faith has shaped how he carries himself on and off the field, guiding him to view players as more than athletes.
“I’m a big believer in faith. I don’t wear it on my sleeve, but it’s important to me,” he says. “I think our players here at Creighton know that—it shows in how I conduct myself. They know this is a special place, and we treat them well because they matter.”
As college athletics evolve, Servais has made it a priority to build a culture of community, and his approach has softened with time.
“I’m probably a lot more patient now than when I started,” he says. “I’m more compassionate toward what they’re going through as student-athletes. I didn’t always see it that way.”
The Heart of Family: Legacy and the Next Chapter
Behind every great coach is a strong support system. For Servais, it’s his family—his wife, daughter and two sons.
“I couldn’t have done anything without their support,” he says. “My wife has really been a trooper through all of this. We’re not home very often this time of year. She made sure the kids got to their events. She deserves a ton of credit.”
It truly was a family affair. Servais’ son, Joe, played for the Bluejays in 2008. Looking back, Servais admitted it was a challenge for both of them.
“I didn’t do a particularly good job. I think I made it difficult for him,” he says. “But we look back and realize that was a special opportunity.”
These days, it’s the grandchildren who steal his heart.
“Everything they say about being a grandparent is true. It’s so much fun to watch these little ones grow up,” he says.
With six grandchildren, his life is full. He especially enjoys seeing them at games.
“My daughter’s oldest is now keeping score—she has her own scorebook,” he says. “It’s great having them there. After games, they’ll come on the field and run around a bit.”
As Servais prepares to retire and pass the baton to Mark Kingston—a coach he deeply respects—his voice softens with emotion.
“I look forward to maybe doing some things my wife wants to do instead of always doing what I need to do,” he says. “I look forward to walking off the field with her and enjoying the next phase of our life.”
Final Reflections
Humility has been described as “of the earth”—to be humble is to embrace one’s truest self: grounded, temporal and deeply valuable. When many think of Coach Servais and the legacy he has built—not only marked by wins but by the lives he touched—one word often comes to mind: humble.
Humble, leading a small-city baseball team to nine conference championships. Humble, the first to arrive and the last to leave. Humble, working quietly in hotel rooms and on school buses after long days and strategy sessions. Humble, cultivating the potential in each of his players—just as Pat Venditte, an Omaha native and Creighton alum, experienced firsthand. Venditte is Major League Baseball’s last ambidextrous pitcher.
“Coach Servais had the ability to get every ounce of potential out of any player willing to commit to his direction. Playing for him prepares you to be an elite baseball player, but more importantly teaches you how to be a man, husband and father.”
Coach Ed Servais laid himself low and made himself of the earth—the same earth that sits on the mound at Charles Schwab Field.
This story shines a light on the legacy Coach Servais has built—not just on the field, but in the hearts of Omahans. For many in this city, including those who grew up in the stands at Rosenblatt Stadium as wide-eyed children, the feeling is simple: gratitude.
Gratitude that he came to Omaha. Gratitude that he stayed.
Coach Servais leaves behind more than a record of wins—he leaves a legacy of lasting impact on Creighton, his players, his family and this community. Happy retirement, Coach. Job well done.
You have to serve the people you work with. Anything I ask our players to do, I’m doing with them. Sometimes they don’t realize that until they look back—then they see I was right there with them.
My dad told me, Ed, find something you’re passionate about and you’ll be happy. I was fortunate to find that in coaching.