Maryville, Mo. - Your NWMSU baseball team recently released its 2018 roster on the official website for Bearcat athletics - www.bearcatsports.com.
Here is a brief summary and image about your 2018 NWMSU baseball team - player by player on the travel roster:
Aaron Barratt returns for his Senior season in 2018. It appears that Barratt will be the favorite for a starting outfield position after 3 solid years at NWMSU. According to Northwest's athletics website, Barratt did not commit an error in 2017. Barratt has been very active at Northwest during his college career helping out the school by working various functions on top of his studies and baseball obligations. Barratt grew up in Cairo, Missouri and is listed at 6'1" 195 lbs.
Mondesi Gutierrez is a 6'1" 190 lbs. Junior from San Diego, California, who transferred to NWMSU last season. Mondesi red-shirted in 2017. The B2R had a chance to watch Mondesi play summer ball with the Clarinda A's and he is a superior talent. Northwest appears stacked with high quality infielders and based on what the B2R saw of Mondesi during summer ball he has the size, arm, agility, glove, bat, and speed to make a serious run for a starting position. Mondesi transferred in from Orange Coast College.
A new name on the roster that did not play for Northwest last season is Hudson Bilodeau. Northwest lists him as a utility player from Amarillo, Texas. Hudson is listed at 6'00" tall and weighs 185 lbs. His previous school was California State University - San Marcos. Hudson is another baseball player with great size competing for playing time for the Bearcats. Hudson is listed as a Senior this season.
Tim Olson returns for his third season with NWMSU. Olson is listed as a Sophomore having red-shirted in 2016 and served as a back-up in 2017 to Ozzie Adams. Tim is listed at 5'9" and weighs 160 lbs. Olson grew-up in Buena Park, California, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. Tim has worked hard during his time at NWMSU. He battled his way to being the back-up to Ozzie Adams at 2B in 2017 which is a significant feat for a Freshman. Judging by Tim's work ethic, he will be competing hard for playing time in 2018.
Kevin Handzlik returns for his Senior season at NWMSU in 2018. A B2R favorite, Handzlik's leadership on and off the field has made the entire baseball team a cohesive unit. Handzlik played in multiple positions throughout his collegiate career but his specialty is infield. A middle infielder, 1B, LF, just to name a few positions the B2R remembers Handzy playing in 2017. Kevin is a 6'1" 180 lbs infielder from Omaha, Nebraska. Handzlik graduated from Omaha Gross Catholic High School. Handzlik appeared in 45 games and started 40 in 2017. Kevin hit .265 and has the speed to be ornery on the base paths. Handzlik will one day be a CEO of a major accounting/finance firm once his playing days are over.
Cole Otto returns for his Senior season at NWMSU in 2018. The 5'8" 155 lbs. RHP transferred to NWMSU in 2017 from Cloud County Community College. Cole appeared in 6 games with a 1-0 record, a 5.87 ERA, with opponents batting a mere .148 against him in 2017. Cole was in the bullpen in 2017 and worked 3 appearances without allowing an earned run. Cole is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Jay Hrdlicka returns for his Junior season at NWMSU in 2018. Jay is listed at 5'11" and weighs 180 lbs. Hrdlicka grew-up in West Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from Valley High School. Jay earned significant playing time at catcher and designated hitter in 2017. He appeared in 49 games and made 48 starts last season. Hrdlicka hit .247 and lead the team with 7 home runs. Jay is a lot like Kevin Handzlik in being a team leader that brings the guys together. He seems to be quite popular with the guys. He is one of the B2R's favorite ball players. Midwest nice with Southern charm off the field. A fierce competitor on the field. Northwest is stacked at catcher and Jay is among the top heading into 2018.
Roy Moore is in his second year with NWMSU entering the 2018 season after red-shirting last season. Roy is a 5'9" RHP weighing in at 185 lbs. Roy grew-up St. Charles, Missouri, and graduated from Christian Brothers High School.
Dane Appel enters his fourth season in the NWMSU baseball program in 2018. Dane is listed as a Junior since he red-shirted his first season on campus. Appel stands 5'11" and weighs 200 lbs. He grew-up in Blair, Nebraska, and graduated from Blair High School. Dane battled his way to a back-up role at third base in 2017. Dane is an athletic guy with a nice glove and strong arm. The B2R believes he heard Dane winning Northwest's strength and conditioning awards for great effort in the weight room. Blue collar guy. Hard worker. Great guy off the field.
Jarret Cronin joins NWMSU baseball this season after he transferred in from Kansas City, Kansas Community College. Jarret is a native of Maryville and took the long way to get to Bearcat baseball. Cronin spent two season with KCKCC and is listed as a Junior in 2018. Cronin stands 6'4" and weighs 180 lbs. He is a RHP. The B2R is always excited about a Spoofhound wearing the green and white for Northwest and is very excited to see how Cronin competes for innings this season. At the very least, Cronin is yet another remarkably tall pitcher to Northwest's imposing line-up on the mound.
Garrett West joins Northwest this season after he transferred in from Mineral Area Community College. West is a LHP/OF and is listed at 6'00" and weighs 185 lbs. West grew-up in Atlanta, Missouri, and is listed as a Sophomore.
Jacob Wagner enters 2018 season as a Senior for NWMSU baseball. Wagner stands 6'2" and weighs 170 lbs. from Buena Park, California. Wagner graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. Wagner is a B2R favorite with his submarine-style delivery. Wagner continued to develop himself during his time at Northwest and led the team in ERA in 2017 with 2.37. Wagner worked 25 games without allowing a run. He worked 15 games without allowing a hit. The B2R is looking forward to seeing Wagner pitch for Northwest in 2018.
Nick Howard enters his Senior season at NWMSU in 2018. The 6'1" 200 lbs. catcher is from Garden Grove, California, after he graduated from Pacifica High School. Nick has played both 3B and catcher. He is listed this season as a catcher. Nick can hit a ton. When he connects with the baseball, it gets punished. Nick is a great guy on and off the field. He works hard, is a team guy, and a scrappy ballplayer. His California-good-looks will make him a popular guy but his golden heart and strong work ethic will get him far in life.
Eddy Kraber, a RHP, is entering his Senior season with NWMSU baseball in 2018. Eddy made a significant impact for Northwest in 2017 making 7 starts and appearing in 14 games. The B2R believes most or all of Eddy's starts were mid-week starts. In Eddy's first season with Northwest in 2017, he was 2-2 with a 4.12 ERA, 28 strike-outs and 14 walks. Kraber stands 6'2" and weighs 195 lbs. He will likely compete with Quinten Van Ackeren for the third weekend rotation position in 2018 to my belief based on his success last season. Eddy is a native of Prole, Iowa, and transferred to Northwest from Southeastern Iowa Community College. Eddy fits the mold of big pitchers at Northwest and stands 6'2" and weighs 195 lbs.
Quintin Van Ackeren burst on the scene for Northwest baseball in his first year with the program in 2017. The 6'3" Sophomore LHP weighs in at 190 lbs and hails from Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from Papillion LaVista High School. Quintin appeared in 11 games and made 2 starts last season. He had the 2nd best ERA on the team at 2.41 according to Northwest's website. Van Ackeren worked 6 appearances without allowing a run and 6 appearances without allowing a hit in 2017. The B2R believes Quintin and Eddy will be the front runners for the 3rd weekend rotation spot heading into 2018 spring practice based on how well they did in 2017.
Max Spitzmiller is listed as a RHP/Infielder as a Freshman for NWMSU baseball this season. Max stands 6'3" and weighs 200 lbs. Spitzmiller hails from St. Charles, Missouri and is in his first year at NWMSU. He graduated from Pattonville High School.
Joseph Curtis is an athletic and speedy outfielder for NWMSU and returns for his third season. Joseph is listed as a Sophomore after he red-shirted in 2016. The speedy 5'11" 170 lbs man from Florissant, Missouri, appeared in 17 games in 2017 as a pinch runner. Curtis is an outstanding young player with a great work ethic. The B2R repeatedly saw him working in the batting cages and baseball field during his personal time to get better. The B2R loves this guy's work ethic and demeanor. Joseph will compete for playing time in the outfield this season. Expect great things out of Joseph in baseball and life.
Matt Schingel is a Sophomore RHP/Infielder from Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he graduated Crystal Lake South High School. Schingel enters his third season with NWMSU baseball program having red-shirted in 2016. The 6'3" 200 lbs man appeared in 6 games last season for the Bearcats as a reserve.
Jake Lewis is back for his Senior season in 2018 after a knee injury derailed the 2017 season. Jake stands 6'0" and weighs 205 lbs. He grew-up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and transferred to Northwest from Indian Hills Community College. Jake's first year at NWMSU was 2016 and he made a tremendous impact that season. He appeared in all 51 games and made 50 starts, hit .282, and belted 4 home runs. Jake played mostly catcher that season. Jake is a great guy and supports his teammates. The B2R saw Jake at seemingly all the games last season to cheer on the team despite the fact he couldn't participate. Jake will compete for the starting catcher position in 2018. An avid outdoorsman, Jake will be able to handle whatever the coaches throw at him in 2018.
Luke Wilkinson is a Senior from Brea, California. The 6'5" infielder weighs in at 235 lbs and can pitch, play third, and play first base. Luke hits a ton and punishes a baseball upon contact. A B2R favorite because of his work ethic and demeanor, Luke is a guy I want on my baseball team. Luke had to battle injuries earlier in his collegiate career. Assuming he's healthy, the B2R expects to see Luke knock the compound hell out of the baseball in 2018.
Derek Hussey enters his first season with NWMSU baseball in 2018. He transferred to Northwest from North Central Community College. Hussey is listed as a Junior and stands 5'11" and weighs 185 lbs. Derek grew-up in Chillicothe, Missouri, from where he graduated high school. Hussey is an outfielder for the Bearcats. The B2R watched Hussey play for the St. Joseph Mustangs during the 2017 summer ball season. Hussey was a scrappy, max-effort, pig-pen player that seemingly got dirty every play. Love that. Derek will compete for the outfield playing time and starting position in 2018.
Nathan Russell is in his first year at NWMSU in 2018. He transferred to Northwest from Butler Community College. He stands 6'00" and weighs 215 lbs. He is a LHP and is listed as a Junior with Northwest's website. Nathan grew-up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Lincoln Southwest High School.
Trevor Dudar is a 6'4" RHP from Stillwater, Minnesota. Weighing in at 205 lbs., Dudar is the guy you want on the mound or in an alley if things get serious. He is a big human being. Trevor redshirted during the 2017 season and enters 2018 as a Junior. He transferred to Northwest from Simpson College.
Matt Gastner is a 6'3" infielder from Liberty, Missouri. Gastner tips the scales at 190 lbs. and graduated from Liberty High School. Gastner is in his second year with NWMSU baseball because he redshirted with the team in 2017. He enters the 2018 season as a Freshman.
Landon Figg burst on the scene at NWMSU in his first year with the program in 2017. Landon started all 52 games at third base and hit .312 with 5 home runs. Figg was the leader in several offensive categories. The B2R is a big fan of Figg because of his passion, swagger, and intensity while playing the game. Give me a team of Landon Figgs and we will have a national championship caliber team in the B2R's opinion. Figg is entering his Senior season at Northwest. He stands 6'1" and weighs 200 lbs. He grew-up in Higginsville, Missouri, from where he graduated high school. Figg transferred to Northwest from North Central Community College.
Aaron Easley is returning for his second year with NWMSU baseball in 2018. Easley redshirted last season and enters 2018 as a Freshman. Easley stands 6'2" and weighs 205 lbs. Aaron grew-up in Liberty, Missouri, where he graduated high school from. Easley is a catcher.
The ace of the staff: Joseph Hietpas. Joseph grew-up & graduated high school in Fairfield, Iowa. A leader on and off the field. Hietpas is the Captain of the ship when he is on the mound or not. Maturity. Handles adversity as well as the B2R has seen from a college kid. Smart. Team player. Great guy. Hietpas stands 6'2", weighs 190 lbs. and is a Senior. Joseph will make a run at breaking the career strike-outs record at Northwest this season. A remarkable feat for sure. While Joseph will always rank as the B2R's all-time favorite players though is that he wants to win a championship, not a record. Hang on for an exciting year with Joseph Hietpas on the mound.
Ross Davis is entering his fourth year with NWMSU baseball and is listed as a Junior. Ross redshirted the 2015 season. Ross stands 6'2" and weighs 210 lbs. He is a LHP and comes from Hugoton, Kansas. Ross graduated from Hugoton High School. The sun is always shining in Ross' world. His million dollar smile after the ballgame is a stark contrast from the intensity inside him while on the mound. Ross will battle for innings coming from the bullpen and has the size and pitch movement to be a huge match-up problem for opposing hitters.
Brad Roberts is a Senior RHP from Cairo, Missouri. Brad has been a weekend starter at Northwest for as long as the B2R can recall. His tall 6'3" 195 lbs frame can throw the ball with more velocity than any other player on the roster in the B2R's opinion. His stuff is fun to watch. Brad graduated from Northeast Randolph County High School. Roberts is probably Northwest #2 weekend starter heading into the 2018 season. Brad is a great guy off the field, too. Family man. Respectful. Great with fans and children. Blue collar. Honest as the day is long. A funny story about Brad: One season while the B2R was taking pictures of a game, a foul ball broke Mrs. B2R's windshield. A couple of the Bearcats came by and told me about it, but as fun loving and ornery as guys can be, I thought they were joking. When Brad Roberts came up and said to me that the ball tagged the windshield I believed it, stopped what I was doing, and checked on the car. That is Brad Roberts and the presence he brings on and off the field.
Jimmy McElwain is a Senior from Springfield, Nebraska. The 6'00" 190 lbs RHP came out of the bullpen for Northwest in 2017. He appeared in 11 games and had a 3.46 ERA. Jimmy graduated from Platteview High School. A hard worker in the weight room and class room. Great guy off the field. A favorite among the fellas on the team. His sense of humor can change any tense situation in a belly laugh. Jimmy has worked hard for the team. The B2R is hoping to see him play a bigger role in 2018.
Big Luke Hassman made a huge splash for Northwest in his first year on the team in 2017. Luke had a team leading .328 batting average and 6 home runs. He enters the 2018 season as a Senior. Luke grew-up in Altoona, Iowa, and transferred to Northwest from Kirkwood Community College. Instant power in the batter's box. Big Luke stands 6'5" and tips the scale at 250 lbs. Luke played either first base or designated hitter in 2017. The sky scraper of a man is as imposing a hitter based on his size and strength as the B2R has seen in a long time. Opposing pitchers will want to pitch around him in 2018.
Logan Rycraft returns for his second year with NWMSU baseball in 2018. Logan transferred to Northwest from Highland Community College. Rycraft grew-up in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Standing 5'9" and weighing 160 lbs, Logan made a huge splash for Northwest in 2017 and started every game at short stop. Logan hit .248 and stole 5 bags. A high energy guy. Always upbeat. Loves the game of baseball. As great a guy off the field as he is on the field. Blue collar. Scrappy. Always getting dirty. Fun ballplayer to watch.
Alixon Herrera is known as "Papi" with the team. Great guy that appreciates every opportunity & blessing. Alixon stands 5'10" and weighs 190 lbs. He comes from Maracay, Venezuela. He transferred to Northwest from Cloud County Community College and enters 2018 as a Senior. In his first year with the Northwest program, he started 31 games and appeared in 34. He plays catcher for Northwest and is a brick wall behind the dish. High energy guy. Hasn't met a stranger yet. As warm and welcoming a human being as you will ever find. Hard worker. I can't wait to see him in 2018.
Joe Funkhouser is in his first season with NWMSU baseball in 2018. He transferred to Northwest from Kirkwood Community College. Joe stands 6'3" and weighs 235 lbs. He is a native of Oak Forest, Illinois. He is listed as a RHP and a Junior for the Bearcats this season.
Go Cats!!
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