We believe top players like you deserve a top team of coaches, trainers, and travel
coordinators. That is why we only hire the best! Our staff of current collegiate
coaches, former major league players, pro scouts, and top high school coaches
throughout the United States look forward to the challenge of making your baseball
experience worthwhile and memorable.
You will benefit from our outstanding coaches
who are as committed to your personal development as they are to your success
on the field. They will drill you in every aspect of the game and help you improve
your self-confidence, conditioning techniques, and ability to excel in competitive
situations. They will provide a clearer picture of your abilities and what you
need to accomplish in order to become a successful high school and collegiate
player.
As former top athletes themselves, they know what
it is like to compete at the highest levels and they are eager to show you how
to attract the attention of college recruiters. We'll even have a certified
athletic trainer on staff to keep an eye on your health and fitness during the
tour.
You can also depend on our staff of program directors
and administrators to make sure you get from place to place safely and comfortably.
And since there's at least one staff member for every four players, you'll always
get the attention you deserve.
You will also find the administrators at
our Ohio headquarters, Arizona office, and New York regional office eager and
willing to help address any concerns every step of the way.
"My son got a lot out of the college
seminars. The coaches gave so much more hands on information than his high school
advisor has given him. I would not hesitate to recommend your program to others,
even to let parents know that their children are safe in your hands."
-Liz Bonici, mother of Peter, age 16, Staten Island, NY
Full Time Staff
KEVIN RITTER (President)
In
addition to his current post as the President of Coast to Coast Athletics, Coach
Ritter has a long and varied background in baseball. After playing four years
(1987 - 1990) of Division I baseball at Central Michigan University, Ritter
went on to coach at both the high school and college level (Case Western Reserve
University). From 1996 - 1998 Kevin spent three summers playing and coaching
for the Aalen Strikers Baseball Club in southern Germany. His involvement with
international baseball has also taken him to China, Australia, Puerto Rico, the
Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands where he has served both
as a coach and as a delegation leader. Kevin holds a B.S. in Education (Central
Michigan, 1990), an M.A. in Political Science (Central Michigan, 1992) and he
is ABD in the Modern European History doctoral program at Western Michigan University.
Coach Ritter now resides in Marietta, Ohio and works full time for Coast to Coast
Amateur Athletics.
CHIP STAHL (Baseball Program Director)
Coach
Stahl earned his B.A. in Healthcare Administration from Northland University and
his M.A. from the University of Ravenhurst in Education. He played college baseball
at Eastern Illinois University and played internationally for 6 years as a member
of the Armed Forces Ambassadors.
High school coaching career:
12 years in the Arizona high
school state tourney
6 years Conference Champions
4 years Regional Champions
1 year Arizona State high school runner-up
2 years Arizona State high school Champions.
Collegiate coaching career:
2 years Head Coach of the Havasu
Heat summer collegiate team
2 years qualified for the U.S. Open International
tournament
1 year U.S. Open tournament Champions
Coach Stahl has coached in international competition in Australia, Germany, France,
Hawaii and Puerto Rico. He is currently serving as the Baseball Program Director
for Coast to Coast Athletics.
Trip Staff
ROBERT ARROYO -
Coach Arroyo is a former player with the Coast to Coast Baseball program. In 2002
he attended a tryout in his home state of Illinois and was selected to participate
for the tours beginning in 2003. Rob chose to play for the teams going to Europe
in the summer of 2003. He played against foreign competition in Germany and the
Netherlands. While in the Netherlands his team participated in the Dom Kolsh Cup
tournament, one of the most prestigious amateur baseball tournaments in Europe.
At the conclusion Coach Arroyo was selected the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Although he has no prior coaching experience he feels he has a lot of valuable
knowledge as well as a sincere love for the game to pass on to younger players.
Rob will be attending Dakota Wesleyan University on an athletic/academic scholarship
this next school year.
JANET BALOWSKI (certified athletic trainer)
- Janet is a Cum Laud graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s
honors program where she received her B.S. in Sports Medicine before going on
to receive her M.S. in Health Education from the University of Wisconsin. She
currently works on the faculty of EMU in the Athletic Training Educational Program
as well as a Staff Athletic Trainer regularly serving in the Athletic Training
Room. She has worked for several years at the Division I baseball level as well
as for other sports. Janet’s list of international credentials includes
a trip to Puerto Rico with the Roberto Clemente All-Stars. She has been a member
of NATA since 1988 and is also currently a member of MATS and GLATA
CURTISS
BROWN - Coach Brown was the Head Baseball Coach at Solano
Community College (Fairfield/Suisun, CA) for 12 years, where he sent many of his
ball players to the 4-year level and has had nine players move to the professional
ranks. Coach Brown has been coaching since 1980, including Los Gatos high school
(Los Gatos, CA), Stanford University, University of California - Berkeley
and Canada College (Redwood City, CA). He has also worked as a scout for the Kansas
City Royals. Coach Brown has spent the last four summer’s as the Head Coach
for the Sandpoint Idaho American Legion baseball team, taking them to the district
tournament each year. He received his B.A. from California State University -
Chico and his M.S. from the University of Oklahoma where he was a graduate assistant
on the baseball team.
HERMAN
BROXTON - Herman makes his home in Tampa, FL. He is a graduate from
Florida A & M University, receiving a BS Degree in Physical Education. An
outstanding baseball player, he was selected to the All-SIAC and MEAC conference
team 3 years in a row. Following college he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins,
for whom he played minor league ball. His coaching experiences include 4 county
championships in track and field, 13 years coaching experience at Hillsborough
HS (FL), Head JV Football Coach - 5 years undefeated, varsity running back coach
2 years, receiver coach, and defensive coordinator. At Hillsborough High he had
the pleasure to coach Gary Sheffield of the New York Yankees, Carl Everett of
the Chicago White Sox, Jason Ramon of the Cincinnati Reds and a number of players
who are currently playing minor league baseball or in the NFL. He is currently
the strength and conditioning coach for the Lakeland Moc’s AAU baseball
team, a scout for the Boys and Girls Club RBI baseball program, and Assistant
Baseball Coach at Middleton HS (FL). He has been a teacher in the Hillsborough
County School system, and currently a career consultant with the Tampa Bay Workforce
Alliance.
DANA
CAVALEA - The highlight of Dana’s career has been serving as
the Spring Training Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the New York
Yankees. He has trained greats such as Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte,
Alfonso Soriano, Mike Mussina, John Leiber, Mariano Rivera, Homer Bush, and many
other professional athletes. Dana is a graduate of the University of South Florida
where he earned a B.S. in Exercise Science. He has spent time with the Toronto
Bluejays, Pittsburgh Pirates, USFL Football, and Velocity Sports Performance.
He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified
Strength and Conditioning Specialist, by the US Weightlifting Committee, and by
the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He spends time between Long Island, New
York and Tampa, Florida.
JOE EPPLE - Coach Epple served
as the Head Coach at Mt. Pleasant high school in Michigan for 24 years before
retiring. His very impressive record of 534 wins, 211 loses and 5 ties is one
of the all time best in the nation. Other highlights of his career:
13 Conference Championships
1 State semi-finals
2 State quarter finals
Many District and Regional Championships
1975 voted Class B “Coach of the Year”
1987 inducted into the Michigan High School Hall of Fame
1990 voted Class A “Coach of the Year”
1995 inducted into the Mt. Pleasant H.S. Hall of Fame
1995 inducted into the Central Michigan University Hall
of Fame
STEPHEN FIGUEROA (certified
athletic trainer)- Stephen received his B.S. in Sports Medicine from the
University of Charleston and his M.S. in Athletic Training from the University
of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He currently serves as the Head Athletic Trainer
for Concordia University (Irvine, CA). In addition to assigning coverage of the
11 athletic programs and the typical duties of running an athletic training room,
Stephen has responsibility for the supervision and education of the student athletic
trainer program, assisting in the development of an Athletic Training curriculum
program and teaching Athletic Training courses. His certifications include not
only Athletic Trainer but he is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist,
SCUBA Open Water, Scuba Lifesaving and Accident Management, Oxygen Care Provider
for Divers Alert Network and Arthritis Aquatics Instructor. He is also a member
of the California Athletic Trainer’s Association, a professional member
of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a NATA Home Study Reviewer
and a NATA Certification Exam Model. While a student Stephen played 4 years of
varsity soccer, 1 year of varsity basketball and was a 2 time All-American Scholar,
Dean’s List and member of Who’s Who.
JUDD FOLSKE- Coach
Folske earned his bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University in 1974
and a masters/specialist in Physical Education from Central Michigan University
in 1976. He began his college coaching career at Ferris State as an Assistant
Coach for both football and baseball in 1970. He became the Head Baseball Coach
in 1984 and over the next eleven years guided them to seven Great Lakes Intercollegiate
Athletic Conference Titles. He was named the GLIAC “Coach of the Year”
seven times and finished with a conference mark of 122 wins with only 54 loses.
Folske became Central Michigan University’s 19th Head Coach on May 5, 1998,
after serving as an Assistant Coach in 1998. He replaced veteran skipper Dean
Kreiner who retired after 28 years of coaching at CMU. Coach Folske retired himself
after the 2003 season leaving a mark of 131 - 98 during his 4 years as the
Head Coach of the Chippewa’s.
MATT FONTENO -
Coach Fonteno earned his B.A. in Physical Education while attending York College
in York Nebraska. He began his college playing career at the College of Marin
in California where he was a two year starter and was selected as an All-Conference
player his sophomore season. He then went on to become a two year starter at York
College where he led the conference in stolen bases and was again chosen All-Conference.
He served one year as an Assistant Coach at York College before moving to his
present position as an Assistant with California Lutheran University.
STU
FRITZ - Coach Fritz has been the Hope College (Holland, MI) head coach
since 1994 during which time he has guided the Flying Dutchmen to the championship
of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) four times in six
seasons (1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999). His collegiate coaching record is 123 -
119 and 79 - 50 against conference opponents and his 1998 team competed
in the NCAA Division III championships, a first in school history. An assistant
professor of kinesiology, Fritz also coaches the quarterbacks on the Hope College
football team. In recent summers he has traveled as a baseball coach with teams
of American all-stars competing in Puerto Rico and Australia. Coach Fritz is a
1988 graduate of Wartburg College where he lettered in baseball and football.
He received a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from the University
of Northern Colorado in 1992, and served as a graduate assistant coach with their
baseball program.
BILL
GENTRY - Coach Gentry is an associate scout for the St. Louis Cardinals,
head coach for the Cardinal (A) Scout Team, and assistant coach for the Cardinal
Sunday Scout, and Cardinal Scout Elite Teams in Southern California. Coach Gentry
coaches high school baseball at Bakersfield Christian High School (Bakersfield,
CA) and previously coached at Liberty High School (Bakersfield, CA) and Buena
High School (Ventura, CA). Coach Gentry currently serves on the coaching staff
for Future of America Baseball Camps, and Coastal Pro Sports Baseball Camps, as
well as being a successful head coach for the Coastal Rockies Baseball Club, and
the Camarillo Rockies Baseball Club competitive traveling teams. Coach Gentry
had 27 players from the 2003 - 2004 Cardinal Scout Ball program sign letters of
intent to play in 4 year college baseball programs, and ten former players selected
in the June 2004 MLB draft. Coach Gentry was signed as a middle infielder by the
Pacific Suns Baseball Club of the Western Baseball League (independent professional
AA) in their inaugural season, and also played semi pro baseball with the SC Killer
Chickens and the Buenaventura Red Sox. Coach Gentry’s International playing
experience came as a member of the armed forces all-star team playing in Japan,
Korea and Taiwan. Coach Gentry is an active member in the Major League Baseball
Players Alumni Assoc, the American Baseball Coaches Assoc, the National High School
Baseball Coaches Assoc, the National Pitching Assoc and the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes. Coach Gentry is the current owner of the Pro Player Academy of Baseball
and Coastal Pro Sports.
www.proplayeracademy.com www.coastalprosports.org
JIM
GRIEF - Coach Grief received a B.A. in Business Administration from
the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Murray State University. He has worked
baseball camps for several years and has coached internationally in Italy, Holland,
Puerto Rico and Australia. Grief coached youth baseball for 20 years and organized
a traveling team called “The Storm” from Paducah, KY. The Storm was
one of the top amateur teams in the country and won the AABC World Series in 1991.
Grief also coached Junior College baseball for 7 years serving as the pitching
coach at Paducah Community College and then as Head Coach at Shawnee Community
College. Shawnee was ranked in the top ten and hit .368 as a team in 1995. He
has had 20 former players sign professional contracts including a first, second
and fourth round draft choice. Five of them have played in the Major Leagues including
Gold Glove centerfielder Steve Findley of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Grief began
scouting for the Cincinnati Reds in 1987 and continues to work as a part time
scout.
BRIAN
GIVENS - Coach Givens has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and works for the 3M Company. He played 5 years professionally with the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers after a standout career at Kent State University. At KSU and professionally, Givens played shortstop. During his pro career he earned two Golden Glove awards. Coach Givens has continued to work with youth baseball programs in Texas, South Carolina and Indiana. He currently serves as the Vice President for the Jefferson Township Softball and Baseball League that includes players from ages 4 to 16. Coach Givens managed Jefferson Twp. 10 and under team to State Runner Up in 2004 and 8 and under team to State Champions in 2002.
PHIL
GOODWIN - Phil Goodwin enters his sixth campaign as the Head Baseball
Coach of the Christian Brothers University Buccaneers. A veteran of the Memphis
Baseball scene since 1976, Goodwin returned to Christian Brothers University as
its Head Baseball Coach in August of 1999. Coach Goodwin replaced long time Head
Coach and current Director of Athletics Joe Nadicksbernd, whom he assisted from
1988 - 1990. Goodwin has served as a high school coach at Kingsbury, Whitehaven,
Christian Brothers, and Cordova High Schools, amassing a .720 winning percentage.
Goodwin’s teams won Memphis City and District Championships on two occasions
and has sent several players on to the college level. Goodwin began the high school
program at Cordova High School in 1997 and with Sophomores only, took his second
squad to a third place finish in the traditionally tough District 15 AAA. From
1990 - 1996, Coach Goodwin served in several capacities for the Memphis
Chicks Professional Baseball Club. At the time, the Chicks were the AA affiliate
of the Kansas City Royals. A 1976 graduate of the University of Tennessee @ Martin,
Coach Goodwin and wife Debbie have two sons, Casey and Jeff.
JUSTIN HAIRE - Justin began
his collegiate playing career at Bowling Green State University from 1999-2001.
He was part of the MAC East champion squad of 2001 that was guided by Head Coach
Danny Schmitz. After transferring to the University of Indianapolis , he helped
lead the Greyhounds to a 39-22 record, a Regional Final appearance and a #5 National
Ranking in NCAA Div. II, in 2003. Haire began his coaching at Sterling College
(KS), and helped them to a NAIA regional appearance and its first ever Top 25
ranking in 2004. He then moved to Ouachita Baptist University , a NCAA Division
II program in the Gulf South Conference. During his first year with the Tigers,
the squad set a record for most wins in a season in 32 years, and their first
ever National Ranking in school history, spending two weeks in the Top 30. Haire,
originally from Hamilton , Ohio , is entering his second season as the number
one assistant and recruiting coordinator at Ouachita Baptist University .
BILL
HAMILTON - Coach Hamilton has just completed his 14th season as the head
coach of the Pensacola Junior College (FL) Pirates. In his first 10 years at the
helm he has recorded a 276 - 223 record in one of the toughest Junior College
Conferences in the country. In 1999, Coach Hamilton led his squad to their best
season during his tenure. The Pirates posted an impressive 35-14 record while
breaking numerous PJC records and sending five players into professional baseball.
Prior to beginning his career as a head coach, Coach Hamilton served as an assistant
at Chipola Junior College (FL) and Columbus State University (GA). At Columbus,
he helped the Cougars to two World Series appearances, finishing runner-up in
1986 and fourth in 1987. In the past Coach Hamilton has served as a professional
scout with the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers and currently the Arizona Diamondbacks.
A native of Lake City, Florida he received a bachelor’s degree from Huntington
College in 1982 and an M.A. from Columbus State University in 1987.
KEITH
HARRISON - Coach Harrison has been the Head Coach at Timpview High
School in Provo Utah for the past 6 years. During his tenure he has built Timpview
into an acknowledged power house high school for the state of Utah. Coach Harrison
was drafted by the Boston Red Sox organization in 1985 off the campus of Brigham
Young University. He played in the Red Sox minor league system until 1987. In
addition to his coaching duties he serves as a full-time fire fighter and paramedic.
CHARLES KING - Coach
King received his B.A. from Lubbock Christian University in 1981, where he played
second and third base during his four year collegiate career. During his senior
year Lubbock Christian University finished third in the NAIA World Series. He
began his baseball experience at seven years old playing with Boys Baseball Inc.
and then later at J.F. Kimball High School in the Dallas area. He has served as
the Assistant Baseball Coach at the University of Nebraska at Kearney until moving
to Oklahoma. For the past eleven years he has served as the fast-pitch softball
coach at Owasso high school where he teaches.
JAMES
KING- Coach King received his B.A. in Secondary Education from Lubbock
Christian University and his M.A. in Health Science/Kinesiology from Stephen F.
Austin State University. He played professional baseball for the White Sox and
Dodgers organizations for 3 ½ years and is currently an associate scout
for the Baltimore Orioles. James is the director of James King Baseball School.
High school coaching career:
9 years in the Texas high school state tourney
6 years District Champions
3 years Regional Champions
6 years voted Coach of the Year
Head Coach for the Texas high school all-star team
College coaching career:
10 years in the NAIA playoffs
5 Championships and 3 trips to the Regional Tournament.
LARRY KISZCZAK -
Coach Larry Kiszczak comes to us as one of the most respected high school coaches
in the state of Arizona. A graduate of Arizona State University where he earned
his B.A. in Education, with his M.A. coming from Northern Arizona University,
Coach Kiszczak has been teaching and coaching at the junior high school, high
school and college levels for over 30 years. He has led his team to the Arizona
State High School tournament in 12 of his 13 years at the helm, capturing 2 state
championships and 1 runner-up title. He has been voted the divisional coach of
the year 5 times, and Arizona coach of the year once. He has sent many players
on to the college ranks and several into professional baseball during his storied
career. He has coached several summer collegiate programs in the past boasting
an outstanding 97 - 7 overall record.
JEFF
KLINE (certified athletic trainer) - Jeff graduated from Central Michigan
University with a B.S. degree. He is a certified Athletic Trainer with a wide
range of athletic training in his background from working with the United State
Olympic Committee, the Paralympic Games, World University Games down to the Kalamazoo
Junior K-Wings Hockey Club. He served as the Head Athletic Trainer and Medical
Liaison for international baseball competition and medal games for the World University
Games held in Buffalo in 1993. He is a Guest Lecturer at Divine Child High School
in Anatomy/Physiology and is BCLS and CPR Certified Instructor. Currently he is
the Clinical Supervisor of Rehabilitation Services for the Oakwood Physical Therapy
Center - Southgate in Redford Michigan. Jeff has traveled with the Coast
to Coast Baseball Program to several international destinations.
DAN
KOPITZKE - Dan’s success as a player began at a young age when
he participated in the 1979 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. He
still enjoys the distinction of being the only left-handed catcher in the history
of the event. Kopitzke went on to star at Grosse Pointe North HS (MI) where he
earned 2nd team All-State honors as a pitcher. That summer, he was a key member
of the Utica TSI team that won the National Amateur Baseball Federation National
Championship in Youngstown, OH. Dan went on to enjoy a successful college career
at NCAA DI University of Detroit (1984-1989) where he played the outfield and
pitched. He graduated from U-D in 1989 with a BSMB in Mechanical Engineering.
Dan is currently Engineering Manager with Cree, Inc. in Greensboro, NC.
DEAN
KREINER - Coach Kreiner spent 12 years as the Head Coach at Mt. Pleasant
high school in Michigan before moving on to become the pitching coach and later
the Head Coach at Central Michigan University. His accolades include:
8 years in the NCAA tournament
7 times Mid America Conference “Coach of the Year”
4 times NCAA Regional “Coach of the Year”
37 of his pitchers have been drafted into professional baseball along with many
other position players. 6 pitchers have played in the major leagues.
MARK MADORIN - A graduate of the University
of Wisconsin @ Madison, Madorin participate in athletics as an undergraduate
while earning a degree. He later completed an MBA from Northern Illinois University
and currently owns his own business. Most recently an assistant coach at the
College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn (IL), Mark has also been involved with the Pan
American Championships (1993, 1995, 1997). In 1996, he was a member of the USA
Baseball staff for the OlympicFest in St. Louis (MO). While at DuPage, Madorin
worked primarily with the hitters producing over two dozen All-Region players
and 2 All-Americans. This past summer, he worked as a coach for the Schaumburg
Flyers of the Independent Northern League.
JAMES
MAGRAMES - Coach Magrames completed his B.S. in Business Administration
at Central Michigan University. He then went on to Valparaiso University School
of Law and completed his J.D. He played high school baseball and football at
Munster High School where he was a 4 year varsity baseball player, 3 years as
the starting catcher and a two time, 1st team All-Conference and All-Area player.
He set school records for Homeruns, Doubles and Slugging Percentage in one season.
In football he was a three year varsity starter, two time All-Conference and
All-Area player. He was elected 1st team All-State as a linebacker and offensive
guard and “Top
33” as a linebacker. He set a school record for most tackles in a season.
He played college baseball for one year at Valparaiso University before transferring
to play three years at Central Michigan University. He has coached baseball at
both the high school (Munster, IN) and collegiate level (Valparaiso University)
and is currently working as an assistant coach with the Gavit High School football
team.
FRANK MALDONADO - After
a sterling high school baseball career at Barstow (CA) high school Coach Maldonado
went on to play middle infield for Victor Valley Community College. From Victor
Valley he finished his playing career and graduated from California Lutheran University
(Thousand Oaks, CA). After receiving his bachelors degree he went directly in
to coaching at his Alma Mater, Barstow high school for two years. Coach Maldonado
then became the hitting and infield coach at Barstow Community College where he
remained for two years. Currently he works as the hitting instructor and outfield
coach for Division III powerhouse California Lutheran University. Frank’s
international experience comes from his summer spent as the head coach of the
Kehl Germany Mosquitos.
BRENT
MATTHIAS - Coach Matthias started his baseball career as a four-year starter
and All-Conference selection at Denver High School. He then went on to play college
ball at Wartburg College. After his playing days he coached at his alma mater
as an Assistant Coach where he was both a hitting coach and recruiting coordinator.
Coach Matthias helped guide the Wartburg Knights to three straight Iowa Conference
championships and three NCAA Regional Tournaments. In 2000 Matthias helped the
Knights to their first ever NCAA Division III World Series. Coach Matthias is
a Coast-to-Coast veteran as he experienced Puerto Rico in 2004. Coach Matthias
serves as Alumni Director at Wartburg College and continues to coach area youth
leagues, speak at baseball clinics and give private lessons.
ED
MOSKAL - For the past 5 years Ed has been the head coach at County College of Morris in Randolph, New Jersey. Coaching in one of the most competitive Junior College regions in the country, Ed has posted a 105 – 80 record. He has sent 5 players into professional ball. Twelve players have been named to the NJCAA All-Region team and many players have been sent to top 4 year colleges and summer baseball leagues (Cape Cod, Southern Collegiate, and Texas League). During the 2005 season, Ed’s team led the nation in hitting with a .387 average and was ranked 12th. Prior to coaching at County College of Morris, Ed coached for the Kinnelon Colts 12 and under team, which over a three year period won 2 New Jersey State Championships and 1 Regional Championship. Ed is a graduate of St. Peter’s College, the University of Notre Dame, Stevens Institute of Technology and Kennedy-Western University. He played college baseball at St. Peter’s where he was team captain and nominated for All-American his senior year. Ed is tied for 5th place on the all-time home run list, was invited to a Cincinnati Reds tryout and also invited to the Newark Co-Pilots training camp of the Class A New York-Penn League.
MIKE NEAL - Mike is entering his sixth
season at the helm of Blackburn College 's (IL) baseball program. Neal guided
the school to its best season in 2002 with a 27-15 record. In his first five
seasons, Coach Neal produced 15 All-Conference players, seven of whom have earned
First Team honors. Before coming to Blackburn , Neal served as the Head Baseball
Coach at Millikin University from 1992-1997. He has also acted as an assistant
at Northeast Louisiana University . Mike is a 1989 graduate of Illinois Wesleyan
University and played on the 1989 team which won the College Championship of
Illinois and Wisconsin title and advanced to the NCAA Mideast Regional. Coach
Neal is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association and he currently
resides in Carlinville , IL . SCOTT
OTT - Coach Ott has a diverse and exceptional baseball and sports background.
A college and professional umpire, Ott has coached baseball teams of American
All-Stars in the Netherlands and Belgium. His resume includes 12 years of experience
with the La Crosse Juniors Baseball Team (La Crosse, WI) a high profile, traveling
summer baseball program whose players competed in tournaments in Wisconsin, Illinois,
Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio. From 1979 - 1990 Coach Ott was involved with
the marketing and organizing of the Stars of Tomorrow Baseball Tournament (La
Crosse, WI), the largest one-site, unaffiliated, baseball tournament in the world.
Ott has also served as the Director of Satellite School Operations for Doyle
Baseball (Winter Haven, FL) and as a General Managing Partner of Gerry Davis
Sports (Appleton, WI). While a partner at GDS, Ott organized and conducted national
instructional seminars for amateur umpires and players.
JON PAVLISKO - Coach
Jon Pavlisko has served many years in the “trenches” of college baseball.
A former assistant coach at Eastern Kentucky University, University of Utah and
Central Michigan University he later served 14 years as the Head Baseball Coach
for Miami University of Ohio. While at Miami University Coach Pavilisko garnered
379 victories which ranks 1st all time for that prestigious baseball school. He
had 21 players drafted into professional baseball, 4 of which play in the major
leagues. He was voted the Mid America Conference Coach of the Year in 1983 and
had an impressive graduation rate of 96%. Coach Pavlisko earned his PhD in Exercise
Physiology and is currently a professor at Pan American University in McAllen,
Texas.
SCOTT PICKENS - Scott is currently an
assistant baseball coach at Eastern Kentucky University . Pickens joined the
staff at EKU after playing professionally for the Chillicothe Paints during 2003
and 2004 and coaching briefly at his alma mater, Central Michigan University
. At CMU, Scott was a 4-year letterman. He was voted the team's most improved
player in 2001and was selected as the team's captain. In May 2002, he was the
Mid-American Conference player of the week. A former catcher, Pickens has also
worked with the hitters and taught baserunning at numerous camps and clinics
around the country. A native of Rosebush (MI), he earned a B.S of Science degree
in Elementary Education from CMU with a triple minor in language arts, physical
education, and mathematics. He was a Dean's List and Athletic/Academic Honor
Roll student athlete as an undergraduate.
WILLIAM
PUGH (certified athletic trainer) - William received a B.S. in sports
medicine from Wayne State University and is currently working on an MA in Exercise
Psychology at WSU. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and
certified lifeguard. Pugh presently works at Oakwood Hospital and Physical Therapy
Center in Southgate, MI and is the Head Athletic Trainer at Dearborn High School
and Athletic Trainer at Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University.
William enjoys swimming, bike riding, skiing, basketball, football and reading.
He has been a member of NATA, MATS and GLATA since 1998. He is married with a
young daughter.
RAY
RITTER- Coach Ritter played collegiate baseball at Western Michigan University
(1959-1963) where he earned a B.S. in Education and an M.A. in Secondary Education.
After college, Ray continued his playing career in the semi-pro Senior “A”
League in Canada. Retired now, Ritter coached at the high school level for 30
years. His teams won several district, two regional and two quarterfinal titles.
During his career, Ritter has been the recipient of numerous “Coach of the
Year” honors. He has coached internationally in Australia, Puerto Rico,
Germany and Switzerland. An avid golfer, Ray now lives in Homosassa, Florida.
ERIC SHAFER - Eric
played college baseball as a catcher/second baseman for Marietta College in Marietta
Ohio. Coach Shafer has also played internationally in Gauting, Germany. He has
coached Senior League (ages 13 - 15) in Ironton, Ohio. Since finishing his
playing career he has coached both baseball and softball internationally. Eric
is a veteran of 5 Coast to Coast trips to Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He will begin
medical school at Ohio University in Athens, OH this fall.
PETE SHERWIN - Coach
Sherwin’s first exposure to Australian baseball came when he coached a team
of American all-stars that competed in the 1994 Adelaide Friendship Series. In
addition to this international experience, Coach Sherwin’s resume reflects
a lifelong commitment to the game as well as a record of success (322 -
131 lifetime) everywhere he’s coached. A gifted instructor, Coach Sherwin
worked part-time for 10 years with the Doyle Baseball School in Winter Haven Florida.
In this capacity he traveled the country working with top amateur ballplayers
in a tour-like setting. His formal coaching experience includes stops at Clermont,
Hernando, and Kathleen High Schools in Florida as well as Karns City High School
near Pittsburgh (PA). For several seasons, Coach Sherwin served as the pitching
instructor and assistant coach at Florida Southern University where his 1988 squad
won the NCAA Division II national championship. During his tenure at both the
high school and university level many players under Coach Sherwin’s tutelage
have gone on to successful college and professional careers.
CARL SPEIZER, M.D.
- Dr. Speizer received his B.S. from San Diego State University in 1975, his M.P.H.
from UCLA in 1978 and his M.D. from New York Medical College in 1983. He interned
at the Los Angeles County - Harbor - UCLA Medical Center where he
completed his residency also. He is certified by the American Board of Emergency
Medicine and is currently the Medical Director, Emergency Department, Queen of
the Valley Hospital in Napa California, as well as a Partner in Napa Valley Emergency
Medical Group (Napa) and Intercommunity Emergency Medical Group (Whittier). He
also presently serves as a Clinical Instructor at Los Angeles County - Harbor
- UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
RUSS SWAN - Coach Swan played for 6 years in the
major leagues with the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indians.
He pitched 267 innings in 168 games compiling an ERA of 4.83. He became known
as a nasty left-handed specialist and was used in that role many times. After
his playing career Coach Swan became one of the most well respected pitching coaches
in the college ranks for Washington State University. His knowledge of the pitching
game, and what it takes to succeed, are surpassed by few. He spends countless
hours volunteering with local youth leagues in Arizona.
RICK TIPPIN - Coach
Tippin began his college career playing for Ball State University and Lincoln
Land Community College. He continued his playing days with the New York Mets organization
after finishing his degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. Coach Tippin
has been the Head Coach at Paducah Community College in Paducah Kentucky for the
past 13 years. He has a wide and varied background in coaching at some of the
most elite baseball schools in the country. During his years as an Assistant Coach
he has served in such programs as the University of Southern Mississippi and Western
Kentucky University. He also serves as an Associate Scout for the Los Angeles
Dodgers organization.
DAVID
VINCE - Coach David Vince is currently the Head Baseball Coach at Lake
Howell high school, a class 6A school in the Orlando Florida area. His career
record of 336 - 279 ranks among the best in the state. He has been a head
coach at the college level and has served as an associate scout for the past 12
years with the Cleveland Indians and currently with the Texas Rangers. In 1988
Coach Vince traveled with the Athlete’s in Action organization as the head
coach of their European team to Holland, Spain, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
David earned his B.S. from McNeese State University and his M.A. from Henderson
State University.
GENE WATSON - After playing 3 seasons at
the University of Texas @ Arlington, Gene began working for the Texas Rangers
organization in 1989 as a groundskeeper, clubhouse attendant, and ticket seller.
In 1995 he began his scouting career as an associate scout for the Houston Astros
covering the Central Texas area. In 1997 Watson went to work for the San Diego
Padres covering the Florida State and Texas Leagues. Another move took him to
the Atlanta Braves from 2000-2002 for whom he scouted both in the States as well
as the Venezuelan Winter League. Since 2003, he has been with the Florida Marlins
covering the Texas League as well as the American League Central and National
League Central. In 2003, he was part of a 5-man team that advanced the New York
Yankees prior to the World Series. Gene is the owner of the Pro Way Indoor Training
Facility in Georgetown , TX .
RON WELCH (certified athletic
trainer) - Ron graduated from Central Michigan University in 1998 with
a B.S. in Sports Medicine. He is a certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength
and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Golf Conditioning Specialist and Certified
CPR & First Aid Instructor. Ron has traveled to several international destinations
with Coast to Coast and is currently serving in many capacities. He is the Sports
Medicine Coordinator for Physical Therapy and Fitness Plus, Inc. in Big Rapids
Michigan. He also serves as the Athletic Trainer for Big Rapids High School, the
Strength and Conditioning Coach for Ferris State University Men’s and Women’s
golf teams, the Golf Conditioning Specialist for Katke/Nike Adult and Junior Golf
Camps and the Director of “Raise Your Fitness, Lower Your Handicap” Golf
Conditioning Programs. GRANT WILLIS (certified
athletic trainer) - Grant graduated from New Mexico Highlands University
in 1989. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in physical education, and athletic
coaching and a Masters degree in Human Performance and Sports. He played college
football for 4 years at NMHU. Trainer experience with professional athletes such
as: Shane Andrews - 1st round draft pick for the Montreal Expos, Anthony
Edwards - former Arizona Cardinal, and Cody Ross - Detroit Tigers.
Grant assists Gerald Fernandez, Boston Red Sox Scout, with baseball training camps.
He has worked for the Carlsbad School System for the last 11 years. Working for
Carlsbad has given him the exposure to coaching and training in several areas
such as football, basketball, baseball, and track. He also enjoys coaching little
league baseball, little league girls fast-pitch softball, and youth soccer. Grant
always makes time for hunting and fishing as a way to relax.
BRYAN WOLFF - Played 10-years professionally with the Padres,
Royals, Astros, Twins and Indians organizations. In 1999, made the major league
roster with the Padres. Currently the Pitching Coach for the SIU Salukis.
- 21-7 record at Oral Roberts University
- Won ERA title in 1998 AA Southern League
- Led Minor leagues in strikeouts in 1994
- Led Arizona Fall League in strikeouts
- Led the Pacific Coast League in innings pitched and 2nd in strikeouts
- Pitched 5 shutout innings against the World Champion New York Yankees in
2001 - received the win
- Atlantic League All-Star 2002
STRAUM YORTON (certified
athletic trainer) - Straum was born in Denver, Colorado but grew up in
the small town of Otisville, Michigan. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in
Sports Medicine and Biology from Central Michigan University. Yorton wrestled
for one year while at CMU. He has worked at Central Michigan since 1992 at The
CHIP Facility; an industrial athletic training clinic designed to help CMU lower
health care and worker's compensation costs for the university. Straum enjoys
all kinds of outdoor activities such as golf, softball and volleyball. He is also
an avid hunter and fisherman. He has traveled to many different states and Canada
to hunt and fish. Additionally, he enjoys working on his computer and collecting
baseball cards (the centerpiece of his collection is the complete 1952-4 Red Man
Chewing Tobacco sets).
CHRIS YOUNG - Chris played college ball
at Mississippi State University (2000-2002) where he was One of only two true
freshmen to play on the team that advanced to the Clemson super Regional. He
was named to the Louisville-TPX honorable mention Freshman All-American Team.
As a freshman, he Led team with 6 wins out of the bullpen. During his sophomore
campaign, was a member of the 2001 SEC tournament championship team. He was named
MVP of the tournament after earning two wins including pitching the final 5 1/3
scoreless innings against college powerhouse LSU. Was a part of a regional championship
at Ohio State and super regional participant at Cal State Fullerton. Young was
drafted after his junior season by the Colorado Rockies (18 th round) and signed
his first professional contract June 6 th , 2002 .
Colorado Rockies -
2002 - July 31 st , 2005
- 2002 - Played in short season for the Tri-City Dust Devils. Led all Rockies
minor leaguers in ERA with a 2.34 that season.
- 2003 - Played in the low A South Atlantic League for the Asheville Tourists.
Was second in the league with 59 appearances as well as a 2.69era.
- 2004 - Played in the high A California League as a member of the Visalia
Oaks. Led the team with 8 wins out of the bullpen and was in the top 10 in appearances
for the league.
- 2005 - Played in the double a Texas League as a member of the Tulsa Drillers.
Was pitching out of the bullpen. Was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on
July 31 st , 2005 . Finished the season in Lynchburg , Virginia as a Hillcat
for the Pirates high A team in the Carolina League.
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