Sunday, January 31, 2016

Veteran Profile - James Holler

Veteran Profile - James Holler

Maryville, Mo. - The B2R features James Holler in today's veteran profile.  James is a hard working kid.  He spent the summer interning for the St. Joseph Mustangs baseball club.  Among the St. Joseph Mustangs fans, players, and staff, James did an outstanding job and represented Northwest Missouri State and St. Robert, Missouri, very well.  The Waynesville High School alum stands 6'3" tall, weighs 210 pounds, and enters the 2016 NCAA baseball season as a Junior.  James is going to challenge for the starting 1B job in 2016.  James can play 1B, LF, and Catcher.  His tall frame and athletic build is a fantastic backstop for Bearcat infielders or pitchers.  James has gap-to-gap power and is sneaky quick on the basepaths.  As the B2R likes to say, James is "ornery on base" and it gets into the opposing pitchers' heads.  Defensively, if the throw is within the zip code, James will catch it or block it to keep it in front of him.  Good dude.  Great teammate.  Popular with the guys.  Here is the write-up about James from bearcatsports.com:

2015Appeared in 35 games, making 22 starts ... named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll ... hit .239 on the year with 21 hits, two doubles and a home run ... drew six walks while scoring 11 runs with nine RBI ... stole three bases without being caught ... had four multi-hit games ... had two multi-RBI games ... drove in three runs against UNK (March 13), going 1-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base ... was 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI and a run scored on a homerun against Lindenwood (Apr. 4).

2014
Appeared in 12 games for the Bearcats … started in four of those games … recorded four hits with three runs scored on the season … had a fielding percentage of .950 … went 1-for-1 with a run scored against Southwest Baptist (March 14).

2013
Redshirt season

B2R thoughts - A deeper look into James' stats from 2015 - he appeared in 35 games with 22 starts, hit .239 with 88 plate appearances, 11 runs scored, 21 hits, 2 doubles, 1 home run, 9 RBIs, 26 total bases, .295 slugging percentage, 6 walks, 2 hit by pitches, 18 strike-outs, .302 on-base percentage, 3 stolen bases in 3 attempts, 0 errors and a 1.000 fielding percentage.  James is one of only 2 Bearcat fielders with a 1.000 fielding percentage (pitchers excluded).  James bat .313 versus left-handed pitchers, and .303 with bases empty.  James played both in the left field and designated hitter in 2015.

With Steven Garber's graduation, look for James to make a run at earning the starting 1B job.  Defensively, James will compete for All-Conference.  Offensively, with a year stronger and wiser, the sky is the limit for James Holler in 2016.

Go Cats!!
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Saturday, January 30, 2016

Veteran Profile - Nikko Pablo

Veteran Profile - Nikko Pablo

Maryville, Mo. - The B2R features one of my favorite Bearcat student-athletes in any sport of all time - Nikko Pablo.  The Stockton, California, native enters the 2016 NCAA season as a junior for your Bearcats. The Ronald E. McNair High School alum stands 5'7" tall, weighs 145 pounds and pitches and plays 2B, SS, and 3B.  It is rare to see the kind of focus, maturity, and work ethic that you find in Nikko Pablo.  The kid plain works for everything he gets.  Unassuming.  He'd rake the infield then go lift weights, throw a bullpen session, hit in the cage, and take grounders, then hit the books to study for class.  Good dude.  Awesome with the kids at the baseball games.  Nikko battled his way into the starting rotation in 2015 after maximizing his opportunities coming out of the bullpen earlier in the season.  His glove is a vacuum. Cat-like reflexes. Plays the game with such enthusiasm and fun.  Here is the write-up from bearcatsports.com:

2015

Appeared in 15 total games ... started nine games on the mound ... pitched 55.1 innings on the year with 33 strikeouts, allowing just 13 walks ... got a win over Northeastern State (Feb. 20), going 6.0 scoreless innings, allowing just five hits ... got a second win against Nebraska-Kearney, going 6.0 innings with three strikeouts ... had a season-high eight strikeouts against Fort Hays State (March 22) ... struck out seven batters while getting a complete-game victory over Lindenwood (Apr. 3), allowing just two runs on six hits.

2014
Played in 11 games in the field with nine starts … pitched in nine games with two starts … had a batting average of .400 with 12 hits and four RBI … had a fielding percentage of .958 … had a 1-1 pitching record with 14 strikeouts … pitched four innings with five strikeouts in a win against Missouri Southern (4/5).

In 2015, Nikko pitched in 13 games with 9 starts, went 3-4 on the year with 1 complete game, worked 55 1/3 innings, allowd 69 hits, 38 earned runs, 13 walks to 33 strike-outs, 3 wild pitches, hit 15 batters, 0 balks and he picked-off 3 runners.  In addition, Nikko appeared in 7 games as a fielder/batter with 3 starts, 12 plate appearances and 1 walk.  Defensively, Nikko had 8 PO and 16 assists with only 1 error for a fielding percentage of .960.  All of Nikko's 9 starts were in conference play where he went 3-3 on the year.

Look for great things from Nikko Pablo in 2016.  The B2R feels he could be an All-Conference player.  If he were to earn an All-Conference selection, he would politely thank the voters then go rake the field, work-out, throw a bullpen, hit in the cage, take grounders, and study.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball picked 12th in MIAA poll

Northwest Missouri State Athletics' Department release on the Coaches' Pre-Season poll.  Please click on the link below to watch video of Coach Loe's interview.



Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball picked 12th in MIAA poll: Baseball picked 12th in MIAA poll



Go Cats!!

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Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association - MIAA PRESEASON BASEBALL POLL

MIAA baseball coaches picked Northwest to finish 12th in their 2016 pre-season baseball poll.  Please click on the link below to read the story.



Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association - MISSOURI SOUTHERN TOPS MIAA PRESEASON BASEBALL POLL: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Southern earned 11 first place votes and have been picked by the coaches to win the MIAA in baseball. The Lions earn the top spot in the poll after winning the MIAA regular season and post-season title last season.



Go Cats!!

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Monday, January 18, 2016

Veteran Profile - Kevin Handzlik


Veteran Profile - Kevin Handzlik

Maryville, Mo. - Kevin Handzlik is the next Bearcat baseball veteran profile as the B2R builds towards the excitement of the 2016 NCAA season.  Kevin enters the 2016 season as a Sophomore.  The Omaha native stands 6'1", weighs 160 lbs, and graduated from Gross Catholic High School.  Kevin battled his way into the line-up as a true freshman last year making 25 starts and 27 appearances.  The next paragraph is the write-up provided by the official source for Bearcats athletics, bearcatsports.com:


2015
Named to the MIAA Academic honor roll ... appeared in 27 games, making 25 starts ... hit .237 on the year with 19 runs scored and eight RBI ... collected 19 hits with a double and two home runs ... drew six walks and stole one base ... had four multi-hit games ... was 2-for-4 with two RBI and a sacrifice against Lindenwood (Apr. 2).


Kevin Handzlik made quite the impression during his freshman year at Northwest Missouri State.  Kevin earned 25 starts despite All-MIAA Senior Paul Johnson at 2B, Junior Nick Gotta at SS, Senior Steven Garber at 1B, and Sophomore Luke Wilkinson/Freshman Nick Howard at 3B.  In the B2R's opinion, that's phenomenal for a first year player to earn playing time with such upper-classmen.  Kudos to Kevin Handzlik who is an extremely talented baseball player from a hotbed of baseball talent in Omaha, Nebraska.  Kevin is a skinny kid that could stand to add 30 lbs of muscle.  He is a versatile player who can play pretty much any position on the baseball field.  I have not seen Kevin pitch or play catcher, but it wouldn't surprise me if he can land in the 80s with a fastball.  Kevin can play 2B, SS, 3B, 1B, OF.

In 2015, Handzlik hit .238, started 25 games and appeared in 27, 80 at bats, 7 runs scored, 19 hits, 1 double, 2 home runs, 8 RBIs, 26 total bases, .325 slugging percentage, 6 walks, .291 on-base percentage, and 1 stolen base in 2 attempts. 

With Paul Johnson's graduation, Kevin will battle for the starting 2B job, back-up SS job, and anywhere Coach Loe can get his bat into the line-up.  2B has a tremendous amount of competition heading into the 2016 season with Handzlik, Nikko Pablo, and newcomer Ozzie Adams.  Kevin is a great kid, down to earth, fantastic smile, liked by his teammates, and an athletic specimen.  Stay tuned to see how the starting 2B job develops during spring practice.  Kevin loves his hometown, Omaha, Nebraska.  It doesn't take much to get him talking about something Omaha or Nebraska.  Expect great things from this fan favorite, Kevin Handzlik.

Go Cats!!
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Sunday, January 17, 2016

Veteran Profile - Nick Gotta


Veteran Profile - Nick Gotta

Maryville, Mo. - Nick Gotta earned the starting short stop job in 2015, his first year with Northwest Missouri State University.  Nick enters the 2016 as a Senior.  Gotta transferred to Northwest from Fulton Community College in California.  The native of San Diego, California, stands 5'10" and weighs 170 lbs.



2015
Honorable mention All-MIAA ... named an MIAA Scholar Athlete ... appeared in all 48 games making 47 starts at shortstop ... hit .328 with 57 hits, 11 doubles, two triples and two home runs ... tallied 78 total bases with 35 runs scored and 19 RBI ... drew 33 walks ... stole seven bases ... had 100 assists and maintained a 90.5 fielding percentage ... had 16 multi-hit games during the year ... tallied five multi-RBI games ... went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, a double and an RBI against UNK (March 13) ... was 2-for-4 with three RBI a run scored, a walk and a home run against Cameron (Feb. 13).


Nick was the answer to the Bearcats' prayers on who would fill the void left when Cameron Bedard graduated following the 2014 season.  Nick provided defensive stability and an offensive spark that carried the Bearcats in 2015.  Nick Gotta is probably the Bearcats best professional prospect as a position player.  Nick's talent, skill, maturity, want to, approach, offense, and defense lead him to be the Bearcats top returning offensive player from 2015.


Nick's first year in the MIAA was memorable - 3rd on the team in batting average, 4th in slugging percentage, 2nd in on-base percentage, 2nd in runs scored, 3rd in hits, 3rd in triples, 3rd in doubles, 3rd in total bases, 1st in walks, 5th in hit by pitches, 2nd in sacrifice bunts, 2nd in stolen bases, 1st in steal attempts, 2nd in starts, 1st in games played, and 1st in at bats.  In total, Nick hit .328, appeared in 48 games and started 47, 174 at bats, 35 runs scored, 57 hits, 11 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 19 RBIs, 78 total bases, .448 slugging percentage, 33 walks, 5 hit by pitches, and .448 on-base percentage.


Nick is the team leader on the Bearcats.  His play on the field, and demeanor in the dugout, attracts greatness around him.  The B2R is a huge fan of Nick Gotta.  The kid flat out busts his butt in every game and every day.  There were a lot of questions heading into 2015 as to who would fill the huge shoes of Cameron Bedard.  Nick Gotta answered those questions with solid defense, great offense, and being effectively ornery on the base paths.  The B2R digs a guy that loves to play baseball.  Nick Gotta loves to play baseball.  Following the 2015 NCAA season, Nick played summer ball in the Northwoods League and a Canadian wood bat league.  Gotta came back to Northwest in great shape.  Nick is your consummate Alpha-male.  Type-A personality.  Lead dog.  Northwest will go as far as Nick Gotta's glove, arm, legs, and bat can take them.  Hopefully with additional exposure to pro scouts, Bearcat fans can watch Gotta for years and years following his graduation from Northwest Missouri State.  Until then, appreciate the special talent wearing green and white today with Nick's Senior season in 2016.

Go Cats!!
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Saturday, January 16, 2016

Veteran Profile - Nick Howard


Veteran Profile - Nick Howard

Maryville, Mo. - The B2R continues its features of Bearcats baseball infielders leading to the 2016 NCAA season.  Today, the B2R features third baseman Nick Howard.  Nick is a Sophomore from Garden Grove, California.  Nick stands 6'1" and weighs 200 lbs.  Nick graduated from Pacifica High School before joining Northwest Missouri State University.  The following information comes from the official website of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats athletics, bearcatsports.com:

2015Named to the MIAA Academic honor roll ... appeared in 39 games, starting 30 times ... tallied 22 hits with five doubles and three homeruns ... had 24 RBI, 15 runs scored and drew nine walks ... had five sacrifices and three sacrifice flies ... had five multi-hit games and five multi-RBI games ... hit a grand slam against Regis (Feb. 7), going 2-for-2 with five RBI and a run scored ... drove in four runs against Northeastern State (Feb. 19), going 2-for-6 with two runs scored and a homerun ... had a three RBI game against Northwestern Oklahoma State (Feb. 7), going 2-for-5 with a run scored, two doubles and a walk.


Nick Howard started his first year in the MIAA with a major impact in 2015.  Nick seemingly hit a home run in every at-bat to start the year.  The kid can mash the baseball.  As expected in the MIAA, Nick battled through his first year of college baseball after the rest of the conference made adjustments.  In total, Nick was 1st on the team in sacrifice flies, 3rd on the team in home runs, and 3rd in RBIs.  In his first year of college baseball, Nick played 3rd base and appeared in 39 games with 30 starts.  Nick batted .195 with 113 plate appearances, scored 15 runs, 22 hits, 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 24 RBIs, 36 total bases, .319 slugging percentage, 9 walks, 4 hit by pitches, .271 on-base percentage, and 3 sacrifice flies.


Nick has a tremendous amount of talent.  It is an understatement to say he swings the bat hard.  The blessing of a hot start sometimes leads to the curse of a cold stretch once college baseball catches up with you.  Nick's offensive statistics ended with average numbers but it is is clear looking at him play that he has the capability of being an All-Conference infielder in the MIAA.  Nick is a popular guy with his teammates.  He is gracious to fans before and after the games.  He is a tremendously nice guy.  Not a big talker in the dugout.  Despite his first year numbers, Nick has the capability to develop himself into a Scott Spurgeon type player batting .390, hit almost 30 home runs, and require the Electronic Campus Support Center located across the street to worry about its windows.  Nick is a great guy and the B2R is glad he is a Bearcat.  Nick split time with Luke Wilkinson at 3rd base in 2015.  Nick's bat will force him into the line-up with his continued development.  Strong arm.  He could develop into a pro baseball player with his natural skill and absolute dedication to build his body and skill.  As for 2016, look to see who earns the starting 3B spot between Wilkinson and Howard.

Go Cats!!
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Friday, January 15, 2016

Veteran Profile - Luke Wilkinson


Veteran Profile - Luke Wilkinson

Maryville, Mo. - The B2R builds the excitement of the 2016 NCAA baseball season by featuring Bearcat baseball players.  The B2R just finished the 2015 starting outfielders.  Now, we switch to the infield.  Luke Wilkinson stands 6'5" and 215 lbs.  The Brea, California, native graduated from Sonora High School.  Luke enters the 2016 season as a Junior.  Below is the write-up on Luke from bearcatsports.com:



2015
Named to the MIAA Academic honor roll ... appeared in 38 total games, making 25 starts ... had 17 hits on the year with 13 RBI, seven runs scored, three doubles and two homeruns ... drew seven walks and was hit by eight pitches ... was 3-for-5 with a double against Washburn (Apr. 17) ... was 1-for-4 with a homerun and two RBI against Pitt State (March 28) ... appered in seven contests on the mound, going 7.0 nnings with eight strikeouts ... had four scoreless outings ... had five strikeouts in 2.0 innings with just one hit allowed at Quincy (March 25).

2014

Played in 11 games for the Bearcats … started in two of those games … both of his two hits on the season where home runs … recorded five RBI … had a slugging percentage of .615 … fielding percentage of 1.000 …  hit a three run home run in a win against Lincoln (3/7).



Commentary - Luke is one of the most versatile players on the Bearcats baseball team.  He pitches, hits a ton, and can play the hot corner.  While 2015 will not be Luke's best offensive year as a collegiate baseball player, his value is obvious with 32 games played (25 of which were starts) plus 7 appearances on the mound.  In total, Luke hit .205 with 83 plate appearances, 7 runs scored, 17 hits, 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 13 RBIs, 26 total bases, .313 slugging percentage, 7 walks, 8 hit by pitches, and a .323 on-base percentage.  On the mound, Luke had a 6.43 ERA in 7 appearances, 7.0 IP, 9 hits, 5 earned runs, 3 walks, and 8 strike-outs.



Hard work will pay-off.  Usually, when fall baseball practice commences, the B2R will stroll around the practice, chat with coaches and players, and see how their summers went.  You did not have to ask Luke because it was obvious by looking at the toned up beast of a Californian.  There's telling someone you worked hard in the off-season then there is someone you don't have to ask.  If anybody deserves to be 1st Team MIAA All-Conference just by how hard he worked in the summer, ladies and gentlemen, Luke Wilkinson is your player of the year.  I dig a baseball player that has the drive to build-up his body so he performs to the best of his ability.  You can't fake hard work in the gym and strict discipline with your diet.


A few thoughts on Luke in no particular order - He does not talk a lot in the dugout.  Sure, he'll get pumped up and high-five the guys, but overall he is a pretty quiet kid.  Now, spend a little time to chat with Luke and he is remarkably deep, thoughtful, considerate, intelligent, and leaves you the impression he will accomplish great things in his life.  Great smile.  Great with the youngsters at the game.  His bat crushes the baseball.  That right arm of his throws a heavy ball.  Defensively, Luke would speed himself up a little bit in 2015 but that will settle down with experience.  Just a kid trying to make a play.  Count the B2R as a big Luke Wilkinson fan.  Expect great things from Wilky in 2016.

Go Cats!!
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Thursday, January 14, 2016

Veteran Profile - Kolby Greenslade

Veteran Profile - Kolby Greenslade

Maryville, Mo. - The B2R builds the excitement to the 2016 NCAA baseball season with profiles of Bearcat baseball players.  Today, the B2R features Kolby Greenslade from Norwalk, Iowa.  Kolby is 6'1" and weighs 175 lbs.  He played left field for the Bearcats in 2015.  Greenslade made a big splash in his first year with Northwest after transferring from Fort Scott Community College.  He battled through a few injuries in 2015 and to put-up solid numbers as a Sophomore.  This information comes from the official website of Northwest Athletics, bearcatsports.com


2015
Named to the MIAA Academic honor roll ... appeared in 41 games, making 40 starts ... hit .258 on the year ... tallied 39 hits with four doubles, three triples and a homerun ... had 52 total bases, 23 runs scored and 21 RBI ... stole 10 bases and drew 14 walks ... had 11 multi-hit games ... had five multi-RBI games ... went 4-for-5 with an RBI and arun scored against Emporia State (Apr. 12) ... drove in four runs agianst Quincy (March 17), going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a homerun.



It is a big accomplish to bat 3rd in the line-up and start in left field in your first year in the MIAA.  Kolby Greenslade accomplished that feat for Northwest Missouri State University.  Despite battling a few injuries in 2015, Kolby went on to produce at the plate, defensively, and on the base paths.  In total, Kolby was 5th on the team in slugging percentage, 5th in runs batted in, 5th in hits, 1st in triples, 5th in walks, 5th in total bases, 3rd in sacrifice flies, 1st in stolen bases, 2nd in stolen base percentage, 3rd in steal attempts, 4th in multi-hit games, and 4th in multi-RBI games.




A few thoughts on Kolby - hard worker, quiet, driven, and a team guy.  Kolby works very hard to transform his talent into baseball skill.  Mature kid.  He is great with the youngsters at the Bearcat games.  The B2R cannot wait to see what Kolby can do healthy and a year stronger.  Kolby's bat showed pop in 2015.  I cannot wait to see what a healthy and strong back, core, and legs will do for his power.  High baseball IQ.  Kolby is effectively ornery on the base paths.  Coach Loe has a great problem where best to put Kolby in the line-up because his speed and threat to steal will force opponents to groove fastballs to the batter to defend against him.  Kolby is not the most outspoken player in the dugout.  He lets his play do the talking.  As an old-school baseball fan, the B2R digs that. Expect great things from Kolby Greenslade in 2016.


Go Cats!!
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Saturday, January 9, 2016

Veteran Profile - Garrett Fort


Veteran Profile - Garrett Fort

Maryville, Mo. - Garrett Fort earned the starting nod as your Bearcat center fielder in the 2015 season.  With tremendous speed and quickness, Garrett tracked down most fly balls in his vicinity.  Garrett enters the 2016 NCAA baseball regular season as a Junior.  This 6'1" 170-pound Bearcat comes from Ankeny, Iowa, where he graduated from Ankeny High School.  This information is from the official website for Bearcat Athletics (www.bearcatsports.com).

2015
Appeared in 46 games, making 44 starts in center field ... hit .248 on the year with 33 hits, 38 runs scored and 13 RBI ... hit one double, two triples and two homeruns ... tallied 45 total bases ... drew 30 walks and was hit by nine pitches ... had seven stolen bases ... had five outfield assists and maintained a .980 fielding percentage ... had a pair of sacrifice flies and sacrifice bunts ... had five multi-hit games ... went 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and an RBI at Emporia State (Apr. 12) ... stole two bases with a pair of walks and two runs scored at Northeastern State (Feb. 19).

2014
Earned MIAA academic honors … appeared in 22 games … started in 10 of those games … recorded eight hits, 11 RBI and two doubles on the season … had one stolen base … went 2-for-5 with three RBI and two doubles in a win against Pittsburg State (4/26).

2013
Redshirt season

Garrett started 44 of 48 games in center field in 2015.  He was a hawk out there for the Bearcats' defense with an all-out hustle that compares to all-go/no-quit of Pete Rose during the Big Red Machine days.  Garrett usually batted in front of or directly behind Nick Gotta last season.  While Gotta batted lead-off in the line-up, Garrett would either bat second or ninth.  Probably the most exciting for the B2R was when Garrett would bat 9th and right in front of Gotta where Garrett could cause havoc on the base paths, Gotta slap a gapper, and watch Garrett race from 1st to 3rd or 1st to home.  Regardless, Garrett's bat, speed, base running skills, getting on base, and knack for getting in the pitchers' heads, proved a valuable weapon for the Bearcats last season.  In total, Garrett was first on the team for runs scored, fifth on the team for on-base percentage, third in triples, third in walks, second in hit by pitch, third in stolen bases, third in sacrifice flies, second in steal attempts, fifth in stolen base percentage, and fifth in total plate appearances.

The B2R cannot wait to see Garrett in 2016 after another year of weight training through Coach Quinlin's program.  He has the maturity and make-up to be a team leader and lead by example.  Expect great things from Garrett Fort in 2016.

Go Cats!!
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Friday, January 8, 2016

Veteran Profile - Austin Wulff


Veteran Profile - Austin Wulff

Maryville, Mo. - Austin Wulff returns to Northwest Missouri State as a Junior after two successful years for the Bearcats.  Austin made an immediate splash for the Bearcats in 2014 where he quickly became an outfield starter in his first collegiate year in Maryville.  Austin stands 6'2" and weighs 190 pounds, is as strong as an Ox, and comes from Omaha, Nebraska.  Austin graduated from Millard West High School.  This information comes from the official site of Northwest Athletics, bearcatsports.com.

2015
Played in all 48 games, making 47 starts ... hit .290 on the year with 42 hits, 30 runs scored, 24 RBI, 13 doubles and four homeruns ... drew 32 walks and was hit by 12 pitches ... stole three bases ... had 10 multi-hit games and six multi-RBI games ... was 2-for-2 with five RBI, two runs scored, three walks a double and a homerun against Northeastern State (Feb. 20) ... was 2-for-3 with four RBI, a double and a homerun against Fort Hays State (March 20) ... was 4-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk against Emporia State (Apr. 12) ... was 4-for-5 with two doubles and a run scored against Missouri Western (Apr. 24) ... tallied five outfield assists and had a 96.9 fielding percentage.

2014
Played in 44 games … started in 43 of those games … recorded 42 hits, 32 RBI and 34 runs scored on the season … led the team with seven home runs … was tied for third on the team with 11 doubles … had a slugging percentage of .490.

Austin is a hard working kid who plays with an edge.  One of the B2R's favorites.  Skill + Edge + Team. Look for big things from Austin in 2016.  Austin has a fantastic arm, great range, and amazing baseball IQ.  Defensively, he takes great routes to balls and flies to make the catch.  It is pretty common to see Austin's jersey dirty within the first play or two.  The guy is all out all the time.  You can catch Austin and the rest of the Bearcats when they open their 2016 season on the road in Memphis on February 6, 2016.

Go Cats!!
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Thursday, January 7, 2016

BP with DLoe Part 3


BP with DLoe Part 3

Maryville, Mo. - This is the third and final installment of the B2R's exclusive interview with Northwest Missouri State University's Bearcats baseball team Head Coach Darin Loe.  The B2R sat down with Coach Loe to discuss his thoughts about the upcoming 2016 season.

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B2R - "Would you implement a 7-8-9th inning bullpen similar to what made the Royals successful the past two years with Herrera, Davis, Holland in 2014, and Herrera, Hochevar, and Davis in 2015?  Would that be successful in college baseball?"

DLOE - "I think we will look at doing something like that this spring.  All of our bullpen guys can bounce back really well and will need to do so when we play 3 single 9 inning games in a weekend.  We have a lot of great pieces on this pitching staff and we will work hard to get the best pitcher on the mound every inning."

B2R - "Of the players that red-shirted last season, name the players that you think will earn playing time heading into Spring 2016 season?"

DLOE - "Catcher Jay Hrdlicka swung the bat very well all fall.  He is coming off of shoulder surgery and time behind the plate will be determined by his arm strength which is improving every day.  In either case, it looks like we need his bat in the lineup every game.  Nick Gutzmer had a great fall swinging the bat and we will look at him as a situational pinch hitter."

B2R - "Of the returning veterans, name the players that significantly improved from the 2015 season?"

DLOE - "I think the hitting of James Holler and Luke Wilkinson has improved due to age and strength.  As mentioned, Nikko Pablo was dominating against both left and right handed hitters.  Brad Roberts learned a slider over the summer and will be a great pitch for him.  John Osborne had great control of his pitches and will be a valuable piece to the pitching staff."

B2R - "The 2016 schedule is out and the Bearcats will travel to Memphis, Tennessee, this spring to open the non-con slate.  How do you feel about heading to Tennessee instead of Oklahoma or northern Texas to start a baseball season?"

DLOE - "We are excited to go somewhere new.  That first week will be a good challenge for us with the teams we face but will be an opportunity to take a look at a lot of players and lineups.  We are excited to get back after the holidays and get back to work in preparation of a great year."

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There you have it, Bearcat Nation.  Your Northwest Missouri State Bearcats baseball team will open its 2016 season on the road in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 6th and play Christian Brothers University.  First pitch is set for 1pm.

Go Cats!!
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Wednesday, January 6, 2016

BP with DLoe Part 2


BP with DLOE - Part 2

Maryville, MO - This is part two of three with an exclusive interview of Northwest Missouri State University's Bearcat baseball team's Head Coach Darin Loe.  In the interview, Coach Loe discusses his thoughts about the Bearcats heading into the 2016 season.

B2R - "Second base has an opening in the starter position after Paul Johnson graduated last spring.  Who are the leading candidates to earn the starting second base job heading into 2016 spring practice?

DLOE - "Transfer player Ozzie Adams has looked very good at second base both defensively and with the bat.  Both Kevin Handzlik and Nikko Pablo will back up at second base as well.

B2R - "Derek Meyer and Blake Hardegree split time as your starting catcher in 2015.  There are a lot of newcomers and guys changing position to catcher coming from fall practice.  Has anybody separated from the others for the starting nod?

DLOE - "I have not seen any catchers pull apart from the others.  I have seen them all have good days and they each bring something different to the table.  We will be looking at returners Derek Meyer and Zach Douglas as well as red-shirt freshman Jay Hrdlicka and transfer Jake Lewis.  Adam Pennington has also looked very solid defensively."

B2R - "Your starting 4 were all first year players last spring in Roberts, Caenepeel, Hietpas, and Pablo.  Who are your starting 4 heading into winter break?  Who is challenging for a starting 4 spot when spring practice begins?"

DLOE - "It sure is nice going into a year and having all your pitching back from the previous year.  Hopefully a year stronger and better.  Roberts and Caenepeel have looked good.  Joseph Hietpas took some time off this summer and coming back to full strength.  He had a great year last year and we look for the same this season.  Nikko Pablo was dominant this fall and we will look to put him in a reliever role - and possible starter - and look at Austin Battaglia as a starter."

B2R - "Bryce Shea looked really good throughout fall practice.  With Carson Smith healthy and Shea throwing great, do you have a 7th inning guy that you will throw into the game when protecting a lead?"

DLOE - "I think we have a lot of guys that can come in and give us one solid inning and still be available the next day.  Newcomer Bryce Shea graded out at the top of our pitching staff over the fall and gives us a unique arm angle to mix things up.  Carson Smith will be ready to go as well late in the game.  John Osborne had a great fall and could be a 7th inning guy for us.  We also have Jimmy McElwain, Hondo Pearcy, Ross Davis, and Jake Wagner that are all situational guys that have the ability to step up and throw more innings if needed."

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Check the B2R for the third and final installment of BP with DLoe as the B2R gets Bearcat Nation ready for the college baseball season.

Go Cats!!
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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

BP with DLoe

BP with DLoe

Maryville, Mo. - The college baseball season is right around the corner for the Bearcats.  The B2R sat down with Northwest Missouri State's baseball Head Coach Darin Loe to discuss his thoughts on the upcoming season.

This is the 1st installment of a 3-part interview.

B2R - "How do you feel about the changes made last year to the baseball eliminating the raised seams?  Did that improve offensive production in the college game?  Did that speed up the pace of the college game?"

DLoe - "Although offensive numbers were up in our league, I don't see it as being due to the baseball.  This is just a very offensive league.  Our pitchers actually liked the flat seam baseball better due to the fact it is easier on their fingers and not as easy to develop a blister."

B2R - "Overall, your general thoughts how fall practice went for the team?"

DLoe - "We had a great fall and it is due to the type of guys we have in the program.  I love this team.  They come to work every day to get better and to make their teammates around them better as well.  This group of guys has a tremendous future ahead of them and I am enjoying having the opportunity to coach them."

B2R - "Your starting outfield from 2015 returns in Greenslade in LF, Fort in CF, and Wulff in RF, has anybody unseated the incumbents heading into spring practice?  If so, who?  Besides Aaron Barratt, who else is challenging for playing time in the outfield in 2016?"

DLoe - "I think those are the four guys that will see the majority of the time in the outfield.  We also have James Holler, Nick Howard, and Kevin Handzlik who could see time out there to get their bats in the lineup.  I think this year's outfield is one of the top groups of guys who can go get the ball and are all tremendous throwers as well."

B2R - "A lot of players battled for playing time at third base in 2015.  Did anybody separate themselves from the others for the starting third base job heading into Spring 2016 practice?"

DLoe - "I see Luke Wilkinson and Nick Howard at third with the ability to move Nikko Pablo and Ozzie Adams over there if needed.  Luke swung the bat as well as anybody this fall and is coming into his own as an offensive player."
B2R - "Nick Gotta came in with a big splash in 2015 as your starting shortstop.  Will Gotta continue to start at shortstop in 2016?"

DLoe - "Nick is our leader in the middle infield and will start at shortstop.  With Kevin Handzlik backing him up."

B2R - "First base has an opening for the starter position after Steven Garber graduated last spring.  Who are the leading candidates to earn the starting first base job heading into 2016 spring practice?"

DLoe - With Garber gone after starting for four years, we will have to put a new name in the first base line.  James Holler has looked good over there and is swinging the bat well.  We also have Nick Howard and C/1B transfer Jake Lewis who has also played well over there.  May be a position we can play left/right matchup and the hottest guy at the plate."
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Regularly check the B2R for continuing updates with its exclusive interview with Head Coach Darin Loe.  Northwest Missouri State starts its spring semester on or about January 11, 2016.  The Bearcats baseball team's first game is February 6, 2016, when they travel to Memphis, Tennessee, to take on Christian Brothers University.  First pitch is set for 1pm.
Go Cats!!
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