rctc 2014 baseball season program

Baseball Fans... Welcome to another season of Yellowjacket baseball at Rochester Community and Technical College! On behalf of the team, coaches, students, faculty, and staff, thank you for your support.

I also welcome you to the University Center Rochester campus, home of the Yellowjackets, and a wide variety of athletic competitions and community activities. The beautiful athletic facilities are only possible because of the collaborative efforts of RCTC and the City of Rochester. RCTC has a strong history of providing rich, whole-person college experiences typically found at four-year universities, and on our campus students can choose from a variety of student life programs to make connections with other students, develop leadership and life skills, and of course, be part of the most extensive varsity sports program of any public two-year college in the state. So while on campus, feel free to tour the facilities, study in our library, view our artwork, or just walk the grounds. You’ll be amazed at what you will find at the University Center Rochester campus. Thank you for your support, and GO YELLOWJACKETS!

Gail O’KaneRCTC Interim President

www.rctcyellowjackets.com

Baseball Schedule

DATE VS TIME

MARCH3/15 vs. Burlington County College @ Walter Fuller #4 1:00 PM

vs. Burlington County College (NJ) @ Walter Fuller #4 3:00 PM

3/16 vs. Sussex County Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 10:00 AM

vs. Sussex County Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 11:00 AM

3/18 vs. Muscatine Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 12:00 PM

vs. Muscatine Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 2:00 PM

3/19 vs. Waubonsee Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 12:00 PM

vs. Waubonsee Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 2:00 PM

3/21 vs. Oakton Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 11:00 AM

vs. Oakton Community College @ Walter Fuller #4 1:00 PM

3/22 vs. Oakton Community College @ Walter Fuller #1 10:00 AM

3/25 vs. Coe JV @ Cedar Rapids, IA 1:00 PM

3/26 at Kirkwood Community College 1:00 PM

APRIL4/1 at Iowa Central Community College 2:00 PM

4/5 Western Technical College 1:00 PM

4/6 Mesabi Range CTC 11:00 AM

4/8 Western Technical College 2:00 PM

4/10 at Ellsworth Community College 1:00 PM

4/12 Central Lakes College-Brainerd 1:00 PM

4/14 Ridgewater College 1:00 PM

4/18 Minnesota State Community & Technical College * 2:00 PM

4/19 at St. Cloud Technical & Community College * 1:00 PM

4/23 at Western Technical College 2:00 PM

4/24 Ellsworth Community College 2:00 PM

4/26 at Minnesota West Community & Technical College 1:00 PM

4/27 Anoka-Ramsey Community College 1:00 PM

4/30 Iowa Central Community College 3:00 PM

MAY5/4 at Riverland Community College 1:00 PM

5/9 at Division Playoffs TBA



5/15 at State and Region Tournament TBA




5/25 vs. NJCAA DIII World Series @ Tyler, TX TBA







YELLOWJACKET BASEBALL

— Page 1 —

RCTC Yellowjackets Team Roster

Your 2014 Yellowjacket Baseball Team

rctcyellowjackets.com

NO NAME CLASS HOMETOWN

1 Garrett Delich FR Elko, MN2 Jordan Martini SO Rochester, MN3 Jon Nygaard SO Fargo, ND4 Zach Wixo FR Fargo, ND5 Tyler Schmitz SO Stewartville, MN6 Sean Geelan SO Long Lake, MN7 Conner Robley SO Fargo, ND8 Adam Rude SO Onalaska, WI10 Corey Strable SO St. Charles, IA11 Mitchell Anderson SO Grand Forks, ND12 Nate Walsh SO Fargo, ND13 Taylor Christopher FR Jackson, MN14 Levi Lochner FR Marion, IA15 Jordan Grams FR Mankato, MN16 Alex Nelson SO Rochester, MN18 Kiefer Neumann SO Green Bay, WI19 Jacob Poe FR Minneapolis, MN21 Dylan Weber SO Hutchinson, MN22 Brandon Gilman SO Lake Crystal, MN23 Richard Borquez-Mejias FR Bayamom, Puerto Rico24 CJ Christianson SO Mondovi, WI25 Colton Hageman FR Ossian, IA27 Marcus Luna FR Dike, IA28 Jake Harriott FR Cedar Rapids, IA30 Dakota Larsen FR Stoddard, WI31 Alex Zentzis FR Forest Lake, MN35 Zach Copley FR Jackson, MN36 Kody Knaus SO Kaukauna, WI

Go yellowjackets!

2014 OFFICIAL SEASON PROGRAM

— Page 2 —

Athletic Director—Jean Musgjerd graduated from Bemidji State University, earning both her BS degree in Physical Education (1985) and her MS degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports Administration (1991), along with additional graduate work in health (2007).

For the past twenty-three years Jean has been employed at Rochester Community and Technical College serving as head volleyball coach from 1990-2007, head softball coach from 1994 – 2011, HPER Instructor from 1990 to the present, and athletic director from 2001 to the present. While at RCTC she led two volleyball teams to the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament and four softball teams to the NJCAA National Softball Tournament. Jean has earned several honors while coaching at RCTC: two-time NJCAA Region XIII Volleyball Coach of the Year, four-time NJCAA Region XIII Softball Coach of the Year, and 2006 NFCA Jr. College Division III Coach of the Year. She also had the honor of coaching 12 NJCAA All Americans and one NJCAA Academic All American.

Since 2004, Jean has served as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women’s Region XIII Director and serves on many national/regional/state committees under this title. In 2007, she was named to the softball coaching staff of the NJCAA Elite Softball Team that competed in the World University Game in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2009, Jean received the NJCAA Loyalty Award for her work within the NJCAA at the national and regional levels. Most recently she has been named to the National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Executive Committee.

While her work keeps her plenty busy, she does find time for a few hobbies such as camping, backpacking, BWCA Trips, and fishing. Since 1997, she also has trained dogs to search for lost and missing people for the Southern MN Canine Search and Rescue Association. Currently Jean has two German Shepherds that are certified to do such work.

2014 Rochester Yellowjacket Baseball Staff

As Athletic Director at Rochester Community and Technical College, I want to welcome you on behalf of the faculty, staff, and student athletes at RCTC. We are proud of the rich traditions our student-athletes have built over the years both in the classroom and in competition. Our student-athletes are expected to live by the premise: “You are a student first and an athlete second.” With this in mind, RCTC celebrates with the MCAC All Academic Award Winners each year as well as the students earning Dean’s List recognition each semester.

On the field our baseball team has had a long history of success under Head Coach Steve Hucke. As recent as 2011 Coach Hucke guided his team to the NJCAA Division III Baseball World Series in Tyler, Texas. His teams have participated in nine out of 11 MCAC/Region XIII Tournaments placing within striking distance for the title a majority of those years. With a strong core of sophomores back for the upcoming season we look forward to watching them in action.

I would like to encourage you to join us for all of our athletic activities and continue supporting our student-athletes. The sports schedules and other information can be found on our website at rctcyellowjackets.com. Thank you for joining us today and I hope to see you again at future athletic activities.

Steve Hucke – Head Coach enters his 12th year as the head baseball coach at RCTC. He has a career record of 228-208 at RCTC and 242-233 overall (14-25 at UW-River Falls). His teams have participated on the MCCC/MCAC State Tournament nine of the 11 years he has been here. They were division, state, and region champions in 2011 and participated in the NJCAA DIII World Series in Tyler, Texas. His teams have consistently battled for division Champions (2013, 2011 and 2010), have played in 2 region championships (2012-runner-up, 2011-champions), and have won one state championship. He has coached three All-Americans and many All-Region, All-District, All-State, and All-Division recipients as well. He has been named

division, state, and region coach of the year numerous times. Many of his players have transferred to various four-year schools throughout the country and various levels of competition. He has a Master’s Degree in sports administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in education. Coach Hucke also is the head women’s basketball coach at RCTC and teaches in the physical education department. He has coached baseball at RCTC for 11 years and spent one year as head baseball coach at UW-River Falls in 2002 (the program was dropped after that season). He currently lives in Byron, Minnesota, with his wife Dawn, daughter Danielle, and son Collin.

Dave Adams - Assistant Coach enters his second season with RCTC this fall as a volunteer assistant. He works with our hitters, outfielders, and first basemen. Dave is originally from California and played for the legendary coach John Herbold at California State University – Los Angeles, and he played in the San Diego Padres organization making it to Triple A. Dave has spent the last 20 years playing amateur baseball in Minnesota (19 with the Rochester Royals and one year with the Austin Greyhounds). His

coaching experience has been with the Rochester Royals. He lives in Byron, Minnesota, with his wife Alicia and daughters Danielle and MacKenzie.

Mike Burton - Assistant Coach enters his seventh year at RCTC. He serves as first base coach, recruiting coordinator, and works with the catchers. He is originally from Kasson, Minnesota, and attended Vermilion Community College in 2004-05 where he played baseball. His coaching career started at Vermilion CC (2006 & 2007) and continued with the Kasson Coyotes amateur team (2008-2011). Mike received his Associate’s Degree in wilderness law enforcement from Vermilion CC and his Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice from Upper Iowa University. He currently lives in Kasson with his wife Stephanie and daughter Sydney.

Brandon Douglass - Volunteer Coach will be returning for his fourth season as a volunteer coach. He is currently a member of the Detroit Tigers organization playing in Erie, Pennsylvania, for their Double A affiliate. Brandon offers a unique perspective as he works with our hitters and middle infielders as well as preparing himself for his next season. He also works with our athletes in the weight room. Brandon currently resides in Rochester with his wife.

Greg Polt - Pitching and Conditioning Coach will be entering his fourth year as the Pitching and Conditioning Coach. Since his arrival the RCTC pitching staff has taken great strides in their development. Greg is a graduate of John Marshall High School here in Rochester. He played for RCTC and then transferred to Upper Iowa University where he continued his career as a pitcher for the Peacocks. He played many years of Amateur Baseball around the Rochester area. Greg lives in Rochester.

Dave Rojo - Volunteer Assistant will begin his first year at RCTC this fall as a Volunteer Assistant and will assist with the catchers and hitting. Dave is originally from California and attended Katella High School in Anaheim. He continued his baseball career at Ranching Santiago Junior College in California and then at Briar Cliff University in Iowa. After his college career, Dave participated in the Northern League for the Duluth-Superior Dukes, and this past summer he played his first year with the Rochester Royals. Dave currently lives in Rochester. He has 3 daughters.

YELLOWJACKET BASEBALL

— Page 3 —

Garrett Delich - #1 is from Elko, MN, where he played center field and outfield for Lakeville South High School. He was Top 25 All-Academic and ICCC. His family includes his parents and one brother. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movie: Sandlot. Favorite sports team: Minnesota Twins. Favorite food: steak. He came to RCTC to finish his schooling and be successful with school and baseball.

Jordan Martini - #2 is from Rochester, MN, where he played shortstop and second base for Rochester Century High School. He was All-Conference. His family includes his parents. His major at RCTC is Surgical Technician. Favorite movie: Miracle. Favorite sports team: Minnesota Wild. Favorite: pasta. He came to RCTC for the Surgical Technician program.

Jon Nygaard - #3 is from Fargo, ND, where he played outfield for Shanley High School. He won the Roger Maris Award and Post 2 Batting Champ. His family includes his parents, sister, and brother. His major is Liberal Arts. Favorite movie: Sandlot. Favorite sports team: Baltimore Orioles. Favorite food: steak. He came to RCTC to have fun and dominate.

Zach Wixo - #4 is from Fargo, ND, where he played second base, shortstop, third base, left field, catcher, pitcher, and outfield for Fargo South. He was Choices Choice and MVP. His family includes his parents, two brothers, and his step-mom. His major at RCTC is Business. Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber. Favorite sports team: New York Yankees. Favorite food: buffalo wings. He came to RCTC to receive an education and play baseball.

Tyler Schmitz - #5 is from Stewartville, MN, where he played infield and pitcher for Stewartville High School. He was four-time letter winner, two-time All-Conference, and two-time All-Section. He was Academic All-Conference. His family includes his parents and two sisters. His major at RCTC is Elementary Education. Favorite movie: Point Break. Favorite sports team: Green Bay Packers. Favorite food: mom’s cooking. He came to RCTC to go to school and play baseball.

Sean Geelan - #6 is from Long Lake, MN, where he played third base, shortstop, and second base for Orono High School. He was on the Dean’s List at RCTC Fall 2012. His family includes his parents, two sisters, and one brother. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movie: Anchorman. Favorite sports team: Green Bay Packers. Favorite food: steak. He came to RCTC to play baseball and earn his degree.

Conner Robley - #7 attended Fargo North High School in Fargo, ND. He played third base, first base, and pitcher. He was All-Conference and All-State. He was also on the A Honor Roll. He was awarded MVP. His family includes his parents and little brother, Dylan. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. Favorite sports team: Minnesota Wild. Favorite food: tacos. He came to RCTC to play baseball.

Adam Rude - #8 is from Onalaska, WI, where he played pitcher and outfield for Onalaska High School. He was All-Conference Honorable Mention. He graduated with high honors, and made Dean’s List his first year, both semesters, at RCTC. His team at RCTC last year were MCAC Co-Conference Champions. His family includes his parents and sister. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movie: The Dark Knight. Favorite sports teams: Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Gophers. Favorite food: pasta. He came to RCTC because he liked the coaches and the players are great.

Corey Strable - #10 is from St. Charles, IA, where he played pitcher for Interstate 35 High School. He was team captain. His family includes his parents, one brother, and two sisters. His major at RCTC is Business. Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber. Favorite sports team: Chicago White Sox. Favorite food: chicken Alfredo. He came to RCTC to play baseball and to get an education.

Mitchell Anderson - #11 is from Grand Forks, ND, where he played outfield for Red River High School. He was All-State, All-EDC, and on the A Honor Roll. His family includes his parents and one brother. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movies: James Bond movies. His favorite sports team: Minnesota Twins. Favorite food: steak and potatoes. He came to RCTC to get his generals done while playing ball.

Nate Walsh - #12 attended Fargo North High School in Fargo, ND, where he played catcher and outfield. He was All-Conference and on the Honor Roll. He received the Hustle Award, Spirit Award, and Hardest Worker Award. His family includes his parents and three siblings. Favorite movies: Spaceballs and Pulp Fiction. Favorite sports team: Cincinnati Reds. Favorite food: steak. He came to RCTC to play baseball.

Taylor Christopher - #13 is from Jackson, MN, where he played shortstop and second base for Jackson County General High. He was All-Conference Baseball, and two-time All-Conference Honorable Mention Basketball. His family includes his parents and two brothers. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movie: We’re the Millers. Favorite sports team: Duke. Favorite food: steak. He came to RCTC to get his Associate’s Degree and play baseball.

Levi Lochner - #14 is from Marion, IA, where he played pitcher for Marion High School. He was First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Metro, First Team All-District, MVP, and Most Valuable Pitcher. His major at RCTC is Education. Favorite movie: Stepbrothers. Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs. Favorite food: pizza. He came to RCTC to play baseball and the nice facilities.

Jordan Grams - #15 is from Mankato, MN, where he played outfield, shortstop, second base, and pitcher for Mankato East High School. His family includes his parents, brother, and sister. His major at RCTC is Law Enforcement. Favorite movie: Stepbrothers. Favorite sports team: Minnesota Vikings. Favorite food: burgers. He came to RCTC for Law Enforcement and to play baseball.

Alex Nelson - #16 is from Rochester, MN, where he played shortstop, second base, and pitcher for John Marshall High School. He was All-Conference Honorable Mention, All-Conference, All-Region, and 2011 Athlete of the Week. He was on the A-Honor Roll and made 2013 spring Dean’s List at RCTC. His family includes his parents and twin sister. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite sports team: Minnesota Twins. Favorite food: bacon cheeseburger. He came to RCTC because he was born and raised in Rochester so he wanted to represent the hometown and play for the best team in the conference.

Kiefer Neumann - #18 is from Green Bay, WI, where he played first base and outfield for Southwest High School. He was All-Conference and All-Area. His family includes his parents and sister. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movie: Rookie of the Year. Favorite sports teams: Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Favorite food: cheeseburger. He came to RCTC for its great program.

Jacob Poe - #19 is from Minneapolis, MN, where he played center field, left field, and right field for Washburn High School. He was Best Defensive Player. His family includes his mom. His major at RCTC is Sports Management. Favorite movie: Stepbrothers. Favorite sports team: LA Dodgers. Favorite food: cheeseburgers. He came to RCTC to get a successful education in his major and to play baseball.

Dylan Weber - #21 is from Hutchinson, MN, where he played pitcher for Hutchinson High School. He was on the MCAC Academic Team his first year at RCTC. His family includes his parents and siblings. His major at RCTC is HVAC/R. Favorite movie: all of them. Favorite sports teams: Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Wild, Timberwolves. Favorite food: cheeseburgers. He came to RCTC to finish up some credits and play ball.

Brandon Gilman - #22 is from Lake Crystal, MN, where he played utility for LCWM High School. He was All-Conference and State All-Tournament Team. His family includes his parents and brother. His major at RCTC is Sports Management. Favorite movie: Fast 6. Favorite sports team: Minnesota Twins. Favorite food: everything. He came to RCTC to become a better student and baseball player.

Richard Borquez-Mejias - #23 is from Bayamom, Puerto Rico, where he played shortstop and second base for Minneapolis Washburn High School. His major at RCTC is Computer Aided Drafting Technician. Favorite sports team: Toronto Blue Jays. Favorite food: Dominican and Puerto Rican food. He came to RCTC because he liked the baseball program, how valuable education is, and how the baseball and academic programs are managed.

2014 OFFICIAL SEASON PROGRAM

— Page 4 —

EXPECT COMMUNITYSTAY CONNECTED WITH RCTC

Keep in touch with other Yellowjacket Baseball fans

at RCTC’s OFFICIAL Baseball Facebook page!

www.facebook.com/rctcbaseball

www.facebook.com/myrctc www.rctc.edu/social

www.facebook.com/RCTCBaseball

Perfect game!Pitch ‘em a curveball -

check out the official

Facebook page.

Now you can

Follow all the

Yellowjacket Sports!

@RCTCAthletics

CJ Christianson - #24 played for Mondovi High School in Mondovi, WI. He played outfield. He was Second Team All-Conference his junior year, First Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State his senior year. He received the Batting Title, Gold Glove, and was team captain his junior and senior years. His family includes his parents, siblings, fiancée, and daughter. His major at RCTC is Sports Management. Favorite movie: Animal House. Favorite sports team: Wisconsin Badgers. Favorite food: steak. He came to RCTC for the chance to play college baseball.

Colton Hageman - #25 is from Ossian, IA, where he played shortstop for South Winneshiek High School. He was Second Team All-Conference, two-time First Team All-Conference, he was on the Honor Roll, MVP twice, and MVP Offensive. His family includes his parents, one sister, and one brother. His major at RCTC is Business Management. Favorite movie: Shooter. Favorite sports team: LA Dodgers. Favorite food: steak. He came to RCTC to play baseball and have fun.

Marcus Luna - #27 is from Dike, Iowa, where he played pitcher and catcher for Dike-New Hartford High School. He was Honorable Mention and on the Honor Roll. His family includes his parents and siblings. His major at RCTC is Engineering. Favorite movie: Airplane. Favorite sports teams: all Miami teams. Favorite food: good food. He came to RCTC because it seems like a great school.

Jake Harriott - #28 is from Cedar Rapids, IA, where he played outfield for Cedar Rapids Xavier High School. He was on the Honor Roll. His family includes his parents, sister, and brother. His major at RCTC is Criminal Justice. Favorite movie: Final Season. Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs. Favorite food: pasta. He came to RCTC because it felt like the perfect fit.

Dakota Larsen - #30 is from Stoddard, WI, where he played catcher, pitcher, third base, and first base for De Soto High School. He was three-time First Team All-Conference, two-time Conference Pitcher of the Year, Conference MVP, 2nd Team All-District WBCA Catcher, 1st Team All-District WBCA Catcher, HM All-State Catcher, team captain, two-time team MVP, two-time Best Pitcher, two-time Offensive MVP. He carried a 3.42 GPA and graduated with Honors. His family includes his parents and sister. His major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Favorite movies: Coach Carter and Friday Night Lights. Favorite sports team: Milwaukee Brewers. Favorite foods: burgers and wings. He came to RCTC to further his education and baseball career with a good coaching staff.

Alex Zentzis - #31 is from Forest Lake, MN, where he played first base, outfield, and pitcher for Forest Lake High School. He was All-Conference. His family includes Mike, Tammy, Amie, Angie, and Erik. His major at RCTC is Personal Trainer. Favorite movie: Taken. Favorite food: pizza. He came to RCTC because his brother went there.

Zach Copley - #35 from Jackson, MN, played first base and pitcher for Jackson County Central High School. He was three-time letter winner in baseball and on the Honor Roll for three years. His family includes his mom. His major at RCTC is undecided. Favorite movie: Field of Dreams. Favorite sports team: Minnesota Twins. Favorite food: pizza. He came to RCTC for school and baseball.

Kody Knaus - #36 is from Kaukauna, WI, where he played left hand pitcher for Kaukauna High School. He was team captain, and on the Dean’s List his first two semesters at RCTC. His family includes his parents, two sisters, and one brother. His major at RCTC is Accounting. Favorite movie: Anchorman. Favorite sports team: Milwaukee Brewers. Favorite food: crab legs. He came to RCTC for baseball and school.

Steve Hucke - Baseball Coaching Record Through 2013: 229-206

Year ....................W ............................L .......... Results

2003 ......................... 17 ...................................15 ............3rd MCCC State Tournament2004 ......................... 22 ..................................14 ............3rd MCCC State Tournament2005 ......................... 17 ...................................21 ............4th MCCC State Tournament, Participated Region XIII2006 ......................... 12 ..................................19 ............Participated in MCCC State Tournament2007 ......................... 7 ....................................312008 ......................... 17 ...................................23 ...........Participated in MCCC State Tournament, 3rd Southern Division2009 ......................... 17 ...................................232010 ......................... 34 ..................................12 ............4th Region XIII Tournament, 2nd MCAC Southern Division2011 .......................... 31 ..................................18 ............NJCAA DIII World Series Participants, Region XIII, MCAC State & Southern Division Champions2012.......................... 26 ..................................23 ...........Region XIII Runner-up, 2nd MCAC Southern Division2013 .......................... 29 ..................................7 ..............Region XIII Participants, MCAC Southern Division Champions

Rochester Community and Technical CollegeBaseball - Record Book

stay current with Important Class Info, events, photos, videos,

closures, history, student life, athletics, CONTESTS and PRIZES.

851 30th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904 | 1.800.247.1296 | 507.285.7210 www.rctc.edu | facebook.com/MyRCTC | www.rctc.edu/social

Get there.

RCTC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, a University Center Rochester Partner, an equal opportunity employer/educator

and a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

CONNECT WITH RCTCwww.rctc.edu/socialfacebook.com/myrctc twitter.com/RochesterCTC google.com/+RctcEdu1915 instagram.com/rochesterctc pinterest.com/myrctc youtube.com/RochesterCTC

download our mobile app

by searching “RCTC” in

your app store today!

Scan for All RCTC’s

Facebook pages including

baseball or visit

a.pgtb.me/dmFM

rctc 2014 baseball season program

Documents

oakton community college

muscatine community

waubonsee community

kirkwood community college

riverland community

rochester community

community activities

walter fuller