12 Blackhawks to continue careers at the next level
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- In continuing tradition of continued careers, every sophomore player for SCC has committed to playing at 4-year universities. Two freshmen will also continue their playing days at the 4-year level. The list includes 3 Division 1 signees, 6 Division 2 signees, and 3 players who have signed with NAIA programs.
The 2010 class is highlighted by 3 Division 1 scholarship signees. Catcher Jumpy Garcia, who will take his offensive prowess to Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. Garcia, a 2010 2nd team All American catcher hit .436, with 20 homeruns, 15 doubles and 91 RBI. Gabe Long, a staple in the SCC bullpen will take his talent to Western Illinois University. Long was 2-2 out of the bullpen in 2010, with 26 strikeouts in 21 innings. Freshmen pitcher Mark McClelland was 7-0 on the season with a 3.46 ERA, 46 Ks and only 20 walks in 62 2/3 innings pitched.
Many other key pieces to the Blackhawks school record 42 win season that have signed Letters of Intent include: 1st baseman Adam Gendall, 2nd basemen Ryan Kaczmarski, catcher Raphael Del Rio, outfielders Taylor Brecht and Max Wheeler, and pitchers Rick Reyna, Jake Kent, and Scott Murray.
Adam Gendall, who hit .358 with 6 HR, 12 doubles, and 56 RBI chose the University of South Carolina-Beaufort (NAIA). Adam scored 45 runs, and led the team in hit by pitches, with 13. Gendall, whose intensity and competitive nature were an anchor in the Blackhawk lineup was a 2-year starter at 1st base and DH. Gendall was voted 2nd Team All-Region for his 2010 efforts.
2nd baseman Ryan Kaczmarski will continue his playing career at 2010 Division 2 National Champion Southern Indiana University. Kaczmarski finshed his sophomore campaign while batting .396 with 3 HR, 12 doubles, 5 triples, 39 RBI, and 67 runs scored. Ryan was also 18 for 20 on stolen bases for the year, while being voted 2nd Team All-Region.
Sophomore catcher Raphael Del Rio has chosen Mount Mercy College (NAIA) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As a freshman, Del Rio hit .420 in platoon duty. As the Blackhawks' every day DH in 2010, Raphael hit .308 with 3 HR, 6 doubles, and 27 RBI. He was 9 for 9 on stolen bases.
Max Wheeler, sophomore outfielder will continue his playing days at Division 2 Southwestern Oklahoma State University. As a sophomore, Max hit .349 with 4 HR, 33 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. He was also tied for the team lead with 15 doubles.
Starting pitcher Rick Reyna signed a National Letter of Intent with Division II powerhouse Angelo State University. In two years the Blackhawks did not lose a game in which Reyna started. In 2010 Rick was 7-0 with a 3.42 ERA. In 52 2/3 IP he had 32 Ks and 22 walks. His season was highlighted with an outstanding performance in the regional tournament where he threw a complete game shutout against NIACC.
Jake Kent will continue playing at Grand Valley State University, another Division 2 powerhouse. Kent was 10-4 in 2 years as a Blackhawk.
Relief pitcher Scott Murray chose Grand View College (NAIA) to continue his playing career. As a sophomore, Murray was 1-2 out of the pen in 15 2/3 IP.
SCC Sweeps Kirkwood
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- The Blackhawks of SCC (40-15) met up with conference opponent Kirkwood Community College for the final weekend of conference play, sweeping the Eagles in a 4 game set. The 'Hawks dominated the weekend, winning 7-2 and 9-2 on Day 1. The Blackhawks finished the sweep on Sunday, winning game 3 12-2 in 6 innings, and game 4 10-1. The game 4 win brought the 'Hawks overall record to 40-15, making it back-to-back 40 win seasons for the sophomores, and Head Coach Justin Schulte.
Blackhawks Split with #5 DMACC
BOONE, IA. -- The Southeastern Community College Blackhawks split with #5 DMACC in a 4 game conference matchup. Offense dominated the weekend, with game one going to the Bears 13-8. SCC came back on Day 1 to win 13-11. Day two the Bears won the opener 6-5, while SCC held on game 2 26-18 to split the series.
SCC takes 3 of 4 from #12 Iowa Central
FORT DODGE, IA. -- The SCC Blackhawks (32-13) took to the road to #12 Iowa Central (37-10), taking the first three games, before dropping the final matchup. The 'Hawks swept Day 1, winning 8-1, and 6-4. The Blackhawks then won the series on Day 2 by winning game 3 6-3, before losing 18-8. The Hawks continue conference play this weekend when they go on the road again to face #5 DMACC.
Two 'Hawks decide on 4 year schools
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- Sophomores Jumpy Garcia, and Rick Reyna have recently signed National Letters of Intent, continuing the proud tradition of Blackhawk players continuing their playing careers. Jumpy Garcia, of Brooklyn, New York, signed with the Islanders of Division I Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. The sophomore catcher is batting .423 with 12 homeruns, and 65 RBI through 45 games this season. He will join former Blackhawk player Chris Vergne, who is in his junior year with the Islanders. Rick Reyna, of Mission, Texas has signed with the Division II powerhouse Angelo State University. The sophomore RHP is 5-0 with 29 strikeouts, and a 3.79 ERA in 35 2/3 innings pitched.
Blackhawks go 5-2 on Spring Trip
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- The SCC Blackhawks finished their final southern trip of the spring, going 5-2 on the week, putting their overall record at 13-6. SCC opened up with Lake Land College (IL.), winning two games from the Lakers, both by the score 3-2. SCC then lost to Dyersburg State Community college (TN.) 6-5 in 11 innings. The Blackhawks then went on to beat Meridian Community College (MS.) 9-8, and Shelton State Community College 13-8, before falling to Meridian on their final game of the trip 13-3.
SCC goes 4-2 on second weekend trip
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- The SCC Blackhawks return home after finishing their second weekend trip going 4-2, and bringing their 2010 record to 8-4 on the season. SCC opened up its trip defeating Rend Lake CC 6-4, before losing to John Logan College 15-3 and 5-4. SCC then went on to beat John Logan 10-1, and swept Southeastern Illinois CC 17-3, and 11-1.
Blackhawks start season 4-2
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- The SCC Blackhawk baseball team returns home from its first southern trip to Mississippi, going 4-2. The Blackhawks lost their opening doubleheader to Hinds Community College, 3-5, and 7-5. SCC swept Copiah-Lincoln Community College 3-2, and 10-8 and then followed with a sweep of Northwest Mississippi Community College 14-7 and 11-0.
SCC Adds 6 during early Signing Period
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- Head Coach is excited to announce the 2010-2011 early signee list, a group that included 5 prep standouts from across the Midwest, and 1 future Blackhawk from Canada.
Paul Rosales -- Paul Rosales is a 6’1’ 180, is a right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Gross Catholic High school in Omaha, Ne. As a junior during his summer legion play, he hit .321, with 34 runs, 42 hits with an OBP of .446, as well as 9 doubles and 2 home runs. He also had the honor of representing team Nebraska along with other talented players at the HR Foster showcase in Plainfield, Illinois. Offensive consistency, and plus ability on the mound should help Paul to be a solid contributor to the 2010-2011 Blackhawks team.
Luke Staub -- The talented 2-way athlete from Edward, Illinois has posted some outstanding number in his high school career. The 6'2'', 190 lb. Staub posted a 13-1 record with a 1.12 ERA, and 108 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings pitched as a junior. Equally impressive on the offensive side, Luke hit .351 with 9 homeruns and 48 RBI. Luke earned All- Conference honors for Prairieland and ICAC as both a sophomore, and junior and was also named McDonald's and Peoria Journal-Star All-Area for 2 consecutive years.
Brett Sanders -- Sanders, a 6'3'', 240 lb.1st basemen from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada brings impressive power credentials, and competitive international experience to the 2010-2011 Blackhaws baseball squad. In 2007 and 2008 Sanders was a member of the Canadian Jr. National Team, while 2008 saw Brett win the Hitting Award at the Candian National Championships. Sanders also represented Canada in the International Power Showcase Homerun Derby in both 2008 and 2009. He was the 2009 Bamboo Bat Award Winner for longest wood bat homerun (408 feet).
Cody Gabella -- A local product from Notre Dame High School in Burlington, Iowa Gabella brings brings numerous accolades to the Blackhawks infield. Starting on the varsity team since his freshmen season, Cody is a 3 time All-Conference selection, garnering 1st team honors both his freshmen and sophomore years. As a sophomore, Gabella hit .430 and was also voted to the All-Hawkeye team. Cody was also a member of the select Midland Indians (Ohio), the 2009 Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series Champions.
Zach Nichols -- A talented 2-sport athlete from New London, Missouri, Nichols was a standout in both football and baseball at Hannibal High School. As a sophomore and junior, Zach led his team in batting average, OBP, and RBI. Nichols hit .488, while becoming a unaminous NCMC All-Conference selection, and also earning Honorable Mention All-State honors behind the plate. As a junior Nichols again led his team in OBP and hitting (.429), while setting school records for most runs scored in a season (31), and most hits in a season (33). His impessive offensive numbers as a junior once again earned him unaminous NCMC All-Conference honors, and Honorable Mention All-State recognition as a catcher.
SCC Releases 2010 Spring Schedule
WEST BURLINGTON, IA. -- The 2010 SCC Blackhawks will begin their spring season in Raymond, Mississippi with a doubleheader versus Hinds CC. The 2010 spring schedule is once again loaded with tough competition, and extended travel throughout the southern U.S. For a complete look at the Blackhawks 2010 Schedule, click here.
SCC Fall League Results and Standings - Through Week 4
Southeastern Adds Two Assistants to Staff
9/05/09
WEST BURLINGTON, IA -- Head Coach Justin Schulte is pleased to announce the addition of two assistants to the Blackhawk coaching staff. John Goodwin, and Shane Gunderson will assume duties as infield/oufield coach, and hitting/catching coach, respectively.
Coach Goodwin comes to Southeastern after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Texas A&M University - Kingsville. While at Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Goodwin served as the recruiting coordinator, and was responsible for the instruction of hitters and infielders. In Goodwin’s first season with the Javelinas, the team won the Lone Star Conference Championship, only the third in school history, and made its first trip to an NCAA Regional Tournament.
In his first season with the Javelinas, significant statistical improvements in every major offensive category were seen. Defensively, double plays turned increased significantly, as did fielding percentage, with the Javelinas finishing the season with a .956 fielding percentage. In Goodwin’s last season with the Javelinas, the offensive power numbers were drastically increased, with the team increasing its slugging percentage, and doubling its homerun production. Under Goodwin’s tutelage, Javelina outfielder Clifton Thomas became the first player in school history to hit at least 10 homeruns, 10 doubles, and steal at least 20 bases. Thomas finished the season at .330, with 10 homeruns, 12 doubles, 3 triples and 20 stolen bases. Both Thomas, and senior Sam Strickland received Lone Star All-Conference recognition in 2009.
As a prep player at Liberty High School in Liberty, Texas, Goodwin was a two-time 1st team All-State infielder, as well as 2 time District 24-3A M.V.P., and 1998 Texas High School Player of the Year Finalist. He led the state of Texas (Class 3A) in hitting in 1997 and 1998. In 1999 Goodwin played at Seminole State College (Oklahoma) under NJCAA Hall of Famer and legendary Head Coach Lloyd “Zero” Simmons. The team qualified for the 1999 Junior College World Series, and finished the season with a 58-8 record, and ranked 5th in the country. In 2000, Goodwin was a starting middle infielder, Team Captain, and Academic-All Conference performer for Head Coach Jon Groth at Tyler Junior College (Texas).
Coach Gunderston joins the Blackhawk staff after spending his last two seasons at NCAA Division II Bemidji State University as an assistant coach. While at Bemidji, Gunderson was responsible for the instruction of hitters, and catchers. Prior to serving as an assistant coach at Bemidji, Gunderson played six years professionally with the Minnesota Twins organization, climbing as high as the Double A level before injuries forced his retirement. Coach Gunderson was drafted in the 6th round by the Twins.
As a collegiate player for the University of Minnesota, Gunderson's accolades were impeccable. In 1995, he was chosen as a 1st team All-American catcher by the American Baseball Coaches Association, Third Team All-American by Mizuno, 1st team All Big Ten catcher, co-Big 10 Player of the Year, and Big Ten Tournament M.V.P.
Gunderson graduated from the University of Minnesota in June 2007, and will receive his Master's degree in sport management from Bemidji State University in December 2009.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Nine former players continue careers at the next level
7/20/09
WEST BURLINGTON, IA -- In a continuing trend, all graduating sophomores on the Southeastern Community College baseball team who desire to continue their playing careers have found a place to do so.
The 2009 class is highlighted by first baseman / corner outfield Chris Vergne signing with Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, an NCAA D-I school competing in the Southland Conference. In two years with Southeastern, Vergne is among the all-time leaders in batting average (.394), doubles (25) and runs scored (95).
Teammate Angel Rosa, who in 2009 set SCC's single-season and career record for RBI (126) and was among the NJCAA D-II's league leaders in HR (19) and RBI (80), chose to stay local and keep it in the family by picking Iowa Wesleyan College. Rosa's older brother Randy Rosa played his college baseball at Iowa Wesleyan and was recently hired as Wesleyan's graduate assistant coach.
Other key pieces of the 2009 Blackhawk squad included third baseman Luis Rodriguez, right handed pitchers Marcus Ledbetter and Andres Castro, outfielders Joey Bergles and Stephen Englund, and catcher Gio Todaro.
Rodriguez chose Upper Iowa University, a D-II program located in Fayette, IA. As a freshman, Rodriguez was used mostly as a utility infielder, seeing playing time at all four infield positions. Continued success at the plate for Rodriguez forced the hand of management, however, and Rodriguez ended up starting 48 games as a freshman. As a sophomore, Rodriguez was a staple at third base before being sidelined toward the end of the season with a broken finger. In his career, Rodriguez hit .337 with 17 doubles, nine homeruns and 90 runs scored in 92 games played.
Right-handed pitcher Marcus Ledbetter will pitch in 2010 for the William Jewel Cardinals, a squad that won 45 games in 2009. In two seasons, Ledbetter appeared in 37 games largely as the team's set-up man. The Mount Pleasant native finished his career with a 10-2 record and two career saves.
Fellow right handed pitcher Andres Castro, a Miami, FL, native will get closer to home as a part of the University of South Carolina Beaufort's staff in 2010. Castro went 6-1 in nine games (seven starts) for SCC in 2009. USCB, a first-year program in 2009, won 33 games in its inaugural season.
Outfielder Joey Bergles earned a scholarship at Viturbo University after a standout sophomore season. Bergles, who excelled in his platoon role, finished the season with a .345 average while appearing in 32 games. His season came to and end when he turned an ankle on the first base bag during the regular season's last conference weekend at NIACC.
Other SCC players extending their careers at four-year schools are outfielder Stephen Englund, who will play at Northwestern College in Iowa, and catcher Gio Todaro, who will be attending Emanuel College in Georgia in the fall.
Former Blackhawk Ralph Rosas, who graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee in May, has signed a professional contract with the Ypsilanti Sliders of the Frontier Baseball League. With Rosas signing a professional contract, that marks five consecutive years that at least one former SCC player has gone on to play professional baseball.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Vergne signs with Texas A&M Corpus Christi
6/3/09
WEST BURLINGTON, IA -- Southeastern sophomore first baseman / outfielder Chris Vergne signed his official National Letter of Intent today, committing to study and play baseball at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, an NCAA Division-I institution that competes in the Southland Conference.
Corpus Christi finished their 2009 season with a disappointing 18-38 record, but is in the final stages of a rebuilding process. Head Coach Scott Malone just finished his second season at TA&MCC, but the 2009 campaign featured only his first recruiting class. Chris Ramirez, Corpus Christi's recruiting coordinator, is known among his colleagues as an up-an-comer in Division-I, and has been widely praised for putting together an extremely talented 2009 recruiting class with Vergne among those highly-touted recruits.
Vergne, who in two seasons and 98 games hit .394 with 25 doubles, seven homeruns, 76 RBI, 95 runs and 16 stolen bases, ranks among the all-time leaders at SCC in numerous offensive categories.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Blackhawks announce 2010 schedule
Dates set in Mississippi, southern Illinois and South Carolina
6/3/09
WEST BURLINGTON, IA -- Head Coach Justin Schulte's squad will again feature a loaded schedule for the 2009-2010 school year, both in the fall and in the spring.
Two of Schulte's trademarks as a scheduler are to play as many games as rules allow, and to travel as much as the weather, and budget, dictate. Both will hold true again in 2009-10. The 'Hawks will play 30+ games in the fall, featuring nearly all Junior Colleges in an attempt to create good competition for his players.
His 2010 spring schedule will feature a full 56-game schedule that will begin with a third annual six-game trip to Jackson, Mississippi, beginning February 19. SCC will then travel to southern Illinois on the last weekend of February for four games, then to Marion, IL, for three 9-inning games March 5-7. The 'Hawks will then head back to Myrtle Beach, SC, for their 9-game, 10-day, spring break trip before embarking on their Iowa schedule.
After extensive travel early, Coach Schulte will again load up on home dates after returning to Iowa as the team will play 14 home dates (28 games) on its home field between March 27 and May 9 -- the final day of the regular season.
As for their conference schedule, the Blackhawks will begin the season with home dates again Ellsworth and NIACC on consecutive weekends. They will then have to play three four-game series on the road, facing Iowa Lakes, Iowa Central and then DMACC. SCC will then close out its conference schedule with Kirkwood at home.