2015 Mid-Year Report

#30 - KOLE KLOCKO - RHP - NORWALK, IOWA

2015 MID-YEAR REPORT

Your Northwest Missouri State Bearcats baseball team is nearly mid-way through the 2015 NCAA Division 2 baseball regular season.  The 2015 Bearcats have been a mix of veterans and rookies competing through a difficult non-conference and early conference schedule.  Northwest has been on the road for nearly every game so far this season and have played well.  In fact, of the 20 games played so far in the 2015 season, 15 have been on the road.  As of March 18, 2015, the Cats are 9-11, 6-6 MIAA.  The Cats played conference opponents Northeastern State (7-5 MIAA), Central Missouri (6-6 MIAA), and Nebraska-Kearney (8-4 MIAA).  The Cats are a gritty bunch that plays hard and supports one another.  Northwest has taken the best shot of the MIAA so far and continue to fight, scratch, and claw their way for a play-off berth.  Here is a breakdown of the team:

Starting 9

#5 - NICK HOWARD - GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA

Nick Howard has earned the starting third base job after an early season platoon with Luke Wilkinson and Nikko Pablo.  Nick is batting .290 in 20 games with 18 starts, scored 13 runs, 20 hits, 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 20 doubles, .493 slugging %, 5 walks, 3 hit by pitch, 17 strike-outs, .359 on-base %, and committed 6 errors.  Nick is a freshman at Northwest and in his first year in the program.  Nick has done a really good job handling the hot corner.  Nick has displayed power at an early age with the bat.  The kid works hard and plays hard.  He has been a terrific member of your Bearcats baseball team.

#4 - NICK GOTTA - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Nick Gotta has started all but 1 game at short stop for Northwest.  In that one game, Nick came in as a mid-game replacement.  Gotta is another fine baseball player from the State of California.  He is tearing the cover off the baseball.  In 2015, Nick is batting .394, scored 16 runs, 26 hits, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 11 RBIs, .561 slugging %, 17 walks, 2 hit by pitch, 11 strike-outs, .529 on-base %, 4 stolen bases in 7 attempts, and a .906 fielding %.  He has a lot of energy and can be easily heard from the stands rooting on his teammates.  Coach Loe has penciled Nick in the lead-off spot seemingly every ballgame.  He is a spark plug igniting the Bearcats offense and exciting to watch.  Nick is a Junior this year and transferred from Fullerton Community College in California.

#15 - Paul Johnson - Council Bluffs, Iowa

Paul Johnson is a Senior from Council Bluffs, Iowa.  "Pauley" picked-up right where he left 2014 with an offensive power surge for Northwest.  Coach Loe has Paul hitting in the three-spot the past series or two and has been rewarded for that decision.  So far in 2015, Paul is batting .351 with 9 runs scored, 20 hits, 2 doubles, 11 RBIs, .386 slugging %, 9 walks, 2 hit by pitches, only 4 strike-outs, .449 on-base %, 2 stolen bases, and only 5 errors while playing nearly every game as the starting 2B.  Paul is a terrific kid, a hard worker, an exemplary ambassador for Northwest Missouri State University.  Paul is a work-out monster and having a healthy year means good things for the Bearcat baseball team.

#36 - Steven Garber - Chino Hills, California

Steven Garber is a Senior on the Northwest Missouri State baseball team and the starting first baseman.  "Steve-o" has started every game at 1B for the Cats.  So far in 2015, Steven is batting .333, scored 14 runs, 24 hits, 7 doubles, 17 RBIs, .431 slugging %, 10 walks, 2 hit by pitches, 17 strike-outs, .419 on-base %, 1 stolen base in 1 attempt, and fielding .986 %.  Steven has been rock-solid at first base seemingly for years.  A great kid.  His 6'6" frame catches everything thrown at him in the same zip code.  He approaches the baseball game with a workman-like professional approach.  Steve has been having an exemplary 2015.  The Cats will definitely need him to continue to have success.

#10 - Derek Meyer - Lincoln, Nebraska

Derek Meyer is a Junior from Lincoln, Nebraska, and has been Northwest's starting catcher for the past few series after a platoon battle with Senior Blake Hardegree.  Derek's hard work and determination are a treat to see.  The kid works hard for everything he receives in life and that is a testament to his upbringing.  A blue-collar kid.  Matter of fact approach to the game.  So far in 2015, Derek is batting .256 with 5 runs scored, 10 hits, 3 doubles, 6 RBIs, .333 slugging %, 4 walks, 2 hit by pitches, 5 strike-outs, .356 on-base %, 1 stolen base in 1 attempt, 1.000 fielding percentage, 

In addition, Senior Blake Hardegree is from Amarillo, Texas.  He has appeared in 13 games and started 7 at Catcher.  Blake is batting .172, scored 4 runs, 5 hits, 1 double, 1 RBI, .207 slugging %, 2 walks, 6 strike-outs, .219 on-base %, and 1.000 fielding percentage and has not allowed a pass ball.  Blake is a high-energy leader on the team.  He has been described by his teammates as a "ridiculously nice human being."  Never complains.  Hard worker.  Team-first guy.

#3 - Kolby Greenslade - Norwalk, Iowa

Kolby Greenslade is a Sophomore from Norwalk, Iowa, who transferred from Fort Scott Community College and is in his first year at Northwest.  Kolby earned the starting left field job and was batting third in the line-up before an injury knocked him out of play for a few weeks.  Kolby is healthy again and picked-up right where he left off.  So far in 2015, Kolby is batting .313 with 12 runs scored, 20 hits, 1 double, 2 triples, 1 home run, 9 RBIs, .438 slugging %, 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, .338 on-base %, 4 stolen bases in 6 attempts, and only 1 error.  Kolby has a tremendous amount of poise for his young age.  Mature kid.  He made several diving plays in left field.  Great hands.  High baseball IQ.  Great kid.

#2 - Garrett Fort - Ankeny, Iowa

Garrett Fort is a Sophomore from Ankeny, Iowa, who earned the starting center field job this spring.  "Gary" is very popular on the team with several nick names.  So far in 2015, Garrett is batting .250 with 17 runs scored, 11 hits, 1 double, 2 RBIs, .273 slugging %, 16 walks, 1 hit by pitch, 15 strike-outs, .459 on-base %, 3 stolen bases in 5 attempts, and only 1 error.  Quite frankly, Garrett is a cheetah in center field with the way he attacks a fly ball.  He takes the shortest route to the ball and cuts many line drives in the gap to singles because of how quick he gets to the ball and throws it back to the infield.  He always has a smile on the face - whether its because of a prank or his love for life is to be determined.  Great kid.

#21 - Austin Wulff - Omaha, Nebraska

Austin Wulff is a Sophomore from Omaha, Nebraska.  In 2014, Austin battled his way to be the starting left fielder as a freshman.  In 2015, Austin converted over to be the starting right fielder.  Big.  Strong.  Kid.  Tough competitor.  Doesn't back down to anybody.  The guy is a must see when he bats.  He crushes baseballs with one of the sweetest swings I have seen.  Austin quickly developed into a B2R favorite with his personality and play on the baseball field.  Austin is the kind of player that when he is coming up to bat, you wait until the next inning to leave the stands.  Just a terrific talent.  So far in 2015, Austin is batting .211 with 14 runs scored, 12 hits, 3 doubles, 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, .421 slugging %, 15 walks, 10 hit by pitches, 13 strike-outs, .451 on-base %, 2 stolen bases in 3 attempts, and 2 errors.

Pitchers

Weekend Starters

#19 - Anthony Caenepeel - Willard, Missouri

Anthony Caenepeel is a Sophomore from Willard, Missouri, who transferred from North Central Community College.  In his first year at Northwest, "AC" earned the Friday starter position.  AC has been battled tested early in his MIAA experience and has shown remarkable poise, talent, and moxy.  So far in 2015, Anthony has a 4.85 ERA, 2-0 record in 5 appearances (all 5 starts), 29.2 innings pitched, allowed 31 hits, 19 runs (only 16 earned), 16 walks, 21 strike-outs, allowed 2 doubles and 6 home runs, and opponents are only batting .284 off of him.

#20 - Joseph Hietpas - Fairfield, Iowa

Joseph Hietpas is a Freshman from Fairfield, Iowa.  "Big Joe" has demonstrated tremendous poise in his first year of collegiate baseball and the MIAA.  Joe used hard work, talent, and confidence to earned a weekend starting job in his true freshman year.  Like Anthony Caenepeel, Joe has already faced some of the best college baseball teams in the MIAA and has performed very well.  Big Joe arguably has the best stuff on the team.  I can't wait to see this kid use the experiences he is gaining now through the end of this season.  So far in 2015, Joe has a 4.22 ERA with a 0-3 record in 6 appearances (4 starts), credited with 1 save, 21.1 innings pitched, allowed 23 hits, 16 runs (only 10 earned), 12 walks, 24 strike-outs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, and opponents are batting a mere .271 off of him.

#32 - Brad Roberts - Cairo, Missouri

Brad Roberts is a Freshman from Cairo, Missouri.  The 6'3" right hander earned a weekend starting job this season.  While he is young, he has the demeanor and the wickedly filthy stuff to be one of the best pitchers on the team.  Brad is an easy-going kid off the field and a fiery competitor on it.  I can't wait to see how this kid develops through 2015 and beyond.  So far in 2015, Brad has a 7.54 ERA with a 1-3 record in 5 appearances (5 starts), 22.2 innings pitched, allowed 25 hits, 21 runs (19 allowed), 13 walks, 17 strike-outs, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, and opponents are batting .291 off of him.

#8 - Nikko Pablo - Stockton, California

Nikko Pablo is a Sophomore from Stockton, California.  Nikko's athletic prowess on the baseball field translates to several options for Coach Darin Loe.  In addition to being an exemplary defensive infielder, Nikko earned a starting weekend job and has performed very well.  It is probably a very safe assumption there is no better fielding pitcher in the NCAA Division 2 than Nikko Pablo.  Opposing coaches are wise to reconsider the sacrifice bunt if they manage to get a runner on base against the "Great 8."  Great kid.  Hard worker.  Great teammate and clubhouse guy.  A fan favorite due to his big heart and not-as-tall stature standing at 5'7".  So far in 2015, Nikko has a 5.64 ERA with a 2-2 record in 6 appearances (3 starts), 22.1 innings pitched, allowed 25 hits, 17 runs (14 earned), 3 walks, 9 strike-outs, 3 doubles, 2 triples, and opponents are batting a mere .281 off of him.

In summary, the weekend four are exemplary young and talented pitchers that have performed extremely well.  The Bearcats can go as far as these right arms can carry them.  The exciting fact is these guys are holding their own against the MIAA's best teams.  Stay tuned to an exciting second half of the baseball season.

Closer

#28 - Carson Smith - Kimballton, Iowa

Carson Smith is a Senior from Kimballton, Iowa, who has locked down the closer role for your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats.  The 6'1" right hander is a presence on the mound.  So far in 2015, Carson has a 0.00 ERA with a 1-0 record in 8 appearances, 5 saves, 12.1 innings pitched, 3 hits, 0 runs, 3 walks, 13 strike-outs, 1 double, and opponents are batting .077 against him.  Carson throws hard and his pitches move all over creation within the strike zone.  Great kid.  Hard worker.  Mature.  He does his talking on the mound.  You might as well trade out his baseball hat with a fireman's helmet because he has put out several fires so far in 2015.  Stud.

Next for the Bearcats

Northwest gets to stay home this weekend to face Fort Hays State University in a 4-game series.  Game 1 is on Friday with first pitch at 2pm.  Games 2 and 3 will be on Saturday with a double-header starting at 1pm.  Game 4 will conclude the series on Sunday with first pitch at Noon.  As of March 18, 2015, the forecast in Maryville this weekend is in the 60s.

Go Cats!!

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Weather permits outside practice as position battles heat up

Maryville, Mo. - Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats baseball team has been practicing outside at Bearcat baseball field.  It appears there is a 2-deep competition at nearly every position especially at third base, short stop, catcher, and left field.  Luke Wilkinson had a nice practice on Friday handing the hot corner and some real tough "tweener" hops.  Luke also has a heckuva arm and was accurate on his throws to first. 

Nikko Pablo played at short stop on Friday and has terrific range.

Derek Meyer was sporting time at second base on Friday.  He was pretty nifty back there.  I'm not sure if Coach will use Derek as a middle infielder or if it was a one-time thing.

Steve Garber was the man at first base.

New guys were at each position behind the veterans.  Third and short stop handled the glove real well.

Garrett Fort was patrolling center field.  He is fast.

Austin Wulff switched from left field to right field and threw out a runner trying to score.

Left field had a few guys out there but I didn't catch who was out there or who was executing better.

The Cats are back at it on Saturday with another scrimmage then off on Sunday.  Opening day is a mere 13 days away.

Go Cats!!
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All-American Zach Douglas

From time to time you come across a story that needs to be told, then told again, and then, told again. 

There are exemplary students at Northwest Missouri State University.  There are exemplary students playing on the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team.  This is about one of those baseball players.  One, of those Bearcats.

Every parent wants their children to grow-up to be an All-American.  This story is about All-American, Zach Douglas.

Zach grew-up in Wheeling, Missouri, which is a small town near Chillicothe.  He graduated from Chillicothe High School where he excelled in baseball among other things.  Zach signed to play baseball for the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats.  He is a catcher and utility player.  Zach is in his senior year of studies at Northwest.  He is majoring in corporate recreation and wellness with a minor in coaching.

On Octoer 6, 2013, Zach joined the Army National Guard.  It was something he wanted to do for a long time.  Zach has been in the National Guard for almost a year and a half.  He would not change his experience for anything.

For Basic Combat Training, Zach was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia.  Fort Benning is the main headquarters for infantry training with the United States Army.  It is an all-male facility.  He was a part of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment.  Zach was in the First Platoon and was known amongst his peers as the Reapers.

Zach had three Drill Sergeants.  The first three days were the most demanding he experienced in his young life.  After those three days, Zach said it got better.  The yelling never bothered Zach.  He was pushed to his physical and mental limits.  He learned hand-to-hand combat, shooting rifles, handling grenades, stick fighting, and several marches.  He started out with a 4K and worked up to a 16K march.  Zach graduated from Fort Benning on July 31, 2014.  He made so many friends.  Friends he hopes to see again.

Upon his return to Maryville, Zach will drill with the National Guard Unit in Maryville.  He hopes to be stationed with his brother, Sergeant John Hibner in Trenton, Missouri, as part of the 548th Transportation Unit.

Athletically, Zach is a Junior with the Northwest baseball team.  During his sophomore year in 2014, Zach played in 7 games with 1 start.  He had 7 official at bats with a double to his credit, a .333 slugging percentage and a .944 fielding percentage.  During his freshman year in 2013, Zach appeared in 4 games with 1 official at-bat.  He earned a hit, batted in a run, and ended the year with a 1.000 batting average, 1.000 slugging percentage, 1.000 on-base percentage, and 1.000 fielding percentage.  In the summer of 2013, Zach played for the Chillicothe Mudcats baseball club, a wood-bat baseball team in the M.I.N.K. league.  The M.I.N.K. baseball league is a premier wood-bat baseball conference with college-aged amateur players competing for professional contracts and opportunities. 

In 2015, Zach is battling for playing time at catcher and a utility player.  He sports a very strong arm, an intense yet controlled passion, some of the quickest reactions amongst the entire squad, and a maturity beyond his age.

When asked about life after graduation from Northwest Missouri State University and baseball, Zach responded:

"I plan on making a full career of being in the National Guard.  I just don't know if I'm going to go full time Army after school because I don't know what jobs I will have the opportunity of getting after school.  You just never truly know sometimes until it actually falls into your lap."

So parents, who do you want your children to grow-up and become?  A movie star?  A celebrity?  Sports star?  Well, count me in as feeling blessed if my child grows up to be like Zach Douglas.

Ladies and gentlemen, the B2R presents All-American Northwest Bearcat Zach Douglas from Wheeling, Missouri.

Go Cats!!
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THEMIAA.com - MIAA expected to be one of the best baseball conferences in 2015

The MIAA Conference announced on January 14, 2015, that two schools were ranked in the American Baseball Coaches Association Top 25 pre-season polls.  2014 MIAA baseball tournament champion Emporia State was ranked 6th in the nation.  2014 MIAA baseball regular season champion Central Missouri was ranked 22nd in the nation.

Furthermore, the University of Central Oklahoma, Missouri Western, and Nebraska-Kearney all received votes in the poll.

With 5 squads receiving consideration for being tops in the Country, expect 2015 MIAA Conference to be a remarkably exciting year of college baseball.  With the present MIAA baseball post-season tournament format, the top 8 squads will qualify and face each other in a best of 3 series with the games played at the higher-seeded team's field.  The winner of the 4 series will then face-off at Community America ballpark in Kansas City in a double-elimination tournament.

You can read the article by clicking on the link below:

http://www.themiaa.com/news/2015/1/14/BB_0114152327.aspx

Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats baseball team will start the 2015 season on February 6, 2015, when they travel to Alva, Oklahoma, to play Northwestern Oklahoma State University.  The Bearcats are led by Head Coach Darin Loe.  Coach Loe is entering his 16th season as Head Coach at Northwest Missouri State University.  Coach Loe has the most wins at Northwest by a baseball coach with 389 wins.
Only Jim Johnson has been a Head Coach at Northwest Missouri State for more seasons than Coach Loe with Jim Johnson's 17 total seasons and Loe entering his 16th.  Coach Loe has developed 30 All-MIAA performers during his tenure including Adam Bailey who was Northwest's first All-American since 1989.

Go Cats!!
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2015 is underway

New Faces + Returning Veterans = Exciting 2015 NCAA Baseball Season

Maryville, Mo. - It may be single digits outside in Maryville but the ping of bats, pop of the mits, and a lot of excitement surrounds the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team.  There are a lot of new faces running around the familiar ones at 800 University Drive.  The familiar faces are all noticeably more chiseled, an obvious result of the intense weight training program by Northwest's strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin.  There is tremendous opportunity and competition at every position.  

Outfield - The outfield corps has young guys battling with playing time with Austin Wulff being the sole returner from last year's starters.  Austin Wulff is the seasoned veteran of the group, as a sophomore.  The coaches seem very excited about the young group of outfielders battling for playing time this season.  Austin made a remarkable debut as a freshman last year leading the team in home runs and tops in many offensive categories.  His power has quickly developed a following amongst his peers with this video of Austin near the batting cages at Bearcat Arena:

Pitching - The competition for innings has been compelling during the fall practice and has carried over into the spring.  Newcomers plus healthy veterans means a wide open competition.  It is great to see the veterans that battled injuries up and bouncing around practice now.

Infield - The left side of the diamond is wide open heading into spring practice.  Brandon Huske graduated in December and Zack Ferreira left school to stay in California meaning third base and short stop are up for grabs.  Nikko Pablo and Paul Johnson are returning veterans at second base but Paul battled shoulder injuries last spring.  I am not certain if he is throwing 100% yet but he most certainly will get his body back to health as soon as possible.  Steven Garber most likely has an iron-clad hold of starting first base between his offense and defense.

Catching - Blake Hardegree, Derek Meyer, and Zach Douglas are back and each one is noticeably stronger from the previous season.  It is obvious the three of them put in tremendous work in the weight room.  It will be exciting to see how each will battle for playing time.

The B2R cannot wait for baseball.  Stay tuned.  2015 promises to be an exciting year for the Bearcats baseball team.

Go Cats!!

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Bearcat Notables - Jon Pomatto saves best for last, finishes senior campaign as All Conference Player

Bearcat Notables - Jon Pomatto saves best for last, finishes senior campaign as All Conference Player

Jon Pomatto finished the 2014 NCAA season as the Bearcats offensive leader amongst everyday starters.  Not to be outdone, Pomatto was also the team leader in saves this season.  Jon played and started every game in 2014 at Right Field.  Jon battled an injury in 2013 and was limited to only 3 games.  Jon worked hard to rehab his body and came through in a huge way in 2014.  Intense competitor.  Team player.  Great club house guy.  Vocal leader.  Comedic Relief.  Great person.

2014 Team Leader in the following categories amongst everyday starters:

Runs scored
Triples
Walks
On-base percentage
Saves

2nd on 2014 Team in the following categories amongst everyday starters:

Hits
Total bases
Stolen bases
Fielding Percentage

In 2014, Jon hit .329, scored 47 runs, 50 hits, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, 24 RBIs, 68 total bases, .447 slugging, 28 walks, 3 times hit by pitch, .440 on-base percentage, 5 stolen bases in 6 attempts, only 3 errors in 46 games.

Way to go Jonny P.  Thank you for being a Bearcat.

Go Cats!!
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Bearcat Notables - Northwest's Ironman Ryan Abernathy starts every game for 3 seasons, concludes senior season, career .300+ batter

Bearcat Notables - Northwest's Ironman Ryan Abernathy starts every game last 2 seasons, started & played 45 of 50 games his first season, concludes senior year, career .300+ batter

A remarkable baseball player concluded his collegiate career in 2014 with an exemplary career athletic performance.  Ryan Abernathy could be known as Northwest's Ironman having started every single game the past two seasons and 45 of the 50 games his first season at Northwest Missouri State University.  At 5'10", Abernathy patrolled the Bearcat outfield with stunning precision and aggression.  Passionate.  Gritty.  Edgy.  A ballplayer.  One of a kind.  Ryan was Northwest's #3 hitter and played Center Field all season in 2014.  Everybody knew how bad Ryan wanted to get on base every time there was a bang-bang play at first that didn't go his way because, on occasion, first base coach Mike Creason needed to deflect the umpire's attention.  Ryan is the B2R's kind of baseball player.

In total, Ryan's remarkable career concluded as follows:

In 2014, Ryan hit .302, scored 35 runs, 51 hits, 12 doubles, 1 home run, 26 RBIs, .391 slugging, 20 walks, 7 times hit by a pitch, .394 on-base percentage, 8 stolen bases in 10 attempts;

In 2013, Ryan hit .319, scored 51 runs, 58 hits, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 6 home runs, 34 RBIs, .522 slugging, 27 walks, 10 times hit by a pitch, .432 on-base percentage, 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts;

In 2012, Ryan hit .378, scored scored 49 runs, 71 hits, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run, 24 RBIs, .505 slugging, 18 walks, 5 times hit by a pitch, .445 on-base percentage, 11 stolen bases in 14 attempts.

Kudos to Ryan on an exemplary collegiate career.  In the B2R's humble opinion, Ryan is deserving of Northwest's Athletic Hall of Fame designation.

Go Cats!!
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