Southwestern
The Spartans are looking to new head coach Brian Smith
to turn their program around. Smith comes to
Southwestern from Missouri Southern State University in
Joplin where he was a recruiting assistant. He also had
previous coaching experience at Northeastern Oklahoma
Junior College, Crowder Junior College and the
University of the Ozarks. The new coach will be looking to
returning starters to lead the team as well as the incoming
players to add some fresh talent.
Iowa Western
Coach Marc Rardin will be starting his 7th season at Iowa
Western coming off an impressive 15-1 conference record
and an overall record of 54-12 in the 2008 season. The 2009
Season begins with the Reiver’s ranked #10 nationally by the
NJCAA. The Reiver’s return 10 letter winners from last
year’s remarkable season. Those returning players included
Rob Lind who is a ’09 1st Team Preseason All-American,
Duell Higbe a ’09 3rd Team Preseason All-American, and 1st Team All-Region pitcher
Brian Feekin. Iowa Western also has a diverse group of recruits coming into the program
that will be looked to, to carry on the winning tradition.
Muscatine
The Cardinals begin their season with Coach Dave Barb at the helm. This season looks
to be an action packed campaign. They return talented
sophomores Aaron Jarosh, a 2nd Team Pre-Season NJCAA AllAmerican Outfielder and 1st Team All-Region Designated
Hitter a year ago, A.J. Fields, 2nd Team All-Region Catcher,
and their Third Baseman David Hart. These players are part
of an exceptional sophomore class that are joined by highly touted freshmen class that
includes many players from Puerto Rico and Canada. If the Cardinals can pull it
together on the mound this season looks to be a very exciting one. One in which they
could challenge for a upper half conference finish.
Marshalltown
The Tigers are led by Coach Rich Grife. This year’s squad is composed of 28 freshman
and 12 sophomores. Top players on this year’s squad include 2nd
Team All-Region selection Luke Putz, in the field and on the
mound, Elliot Armstrong, Billy Meacham, Travis Rupert, Jess
Bailey, Ronnie Chester, and Skyler Stillwell. This sophomore
core will be joined by many talented incoming freshmen. The
Tigers will be spurred by the leadership of Putz on the field and in
the classroom. This young team looks forward to an exciting season as they gel to form
their identity and compete on the ever challenging schedule their season presents them.
Indian Hills
Coach Cam Walker returns for his 16th season at the helm for the Falcons. With over
600 career wins Coach Walker continues put a competitive team on the field year in and
year out. This team finished second, in the Conference, a year
ago and welcomes the 2009 season with a strong desire for
continued improvement and a strong finish come season’s end.
They return 1st Team All-Region selection Christian Rivera in the
infield as well as a host of other experienced second year
players. They hope that the formula for a successful season
includes their balance of experience, a talented group of
incoming players and Rivera’s leadership.