Eric Peterson became the 15th head coach in Raven Baseball program history, which began competing in 1922, on June 15, 2018, and is beginning his 6th year with the program.
Peterson is married to his wife, Ashley, and has two boys, Jack (14) and Brooks (8).
The Benedictine baseball program has gone 111-100 with 14 All-Conference Honors, 2021 Opening Round Post-Season qualifier, 3 conference tournament appearances (covid year tournament canceled), established 15 new single-season and career records, 3 All-America Selections and 17 Daktronic Scholar Athletes over Peterson tenure.
Program accolades also includes a 3.07 cumulative team GPA over the past 5 seasons, finishing with 4 ABCA Team GPA awards out of the past 5 academic years. The program has seen a 100% graduation rate for those who have exhausted eligibility and a 100% job placement rate for those who graduated with a degree at Benedictine during that time period.
In 2022, the program celebrated 100 years of Benedictine College Baseball by welcoming back Ravens from every decade beginning in the 1950’s. And boast an active alumni group of nearly 150 former Raven baseball players. Olsen Stadium was upgraded by the installation of the Ravens Records and Honors wall and banner graphics were added to the fence lines.
In 2023, Olsen Stadium at Laughlin Field, saw a significant playing surface upgrade as the entire field was replaced with new synthetic turf installed by Mammoth Construction.
Led the largest campus athletic missions trip to the Dominican Republic in December of 2023. The group donated nearly 1,000 health kits, 1,000 pieces of baseball equipment, and various items to local sugar cane villages and orphanages. While there, they revitalized community areas, celebrated Christmas at the Casa Amor orphanage, and attended mass at the oldest New World Catholic church.
From 2018-2023 the program has participated in more than 3,000 hours of community engagement or service. Sleep in Heavenly Peace, High 5 Fridays, KC Marathon, the annual Free Youth Baseball Camp, and many more community engagement events that the program has been involved with during that time.
Before Benedictine, Peterson spent four years as pitching coach for NCAA Div. II Drury University, seeing stops at Eastern Michigan, the University of Kansas, Niagara University, Fort Scott Community College, and Pittsburg State University.
Peterson holds a Master’s Degree in HHPR Administration from Pittsburg State University.
Chris Hernandez joined the Bulldogs as the program's full-time Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator in August of 2017. He brings high-quality experience as a pitching coach with a major league perspective on the sport.
Hernandez competed for Redlands High School, where he earned a pair of All-Citrus Belt League awards, before eventually embarking on a professional career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After being drafted in 2003, he enjoyed a six-year tenure with the Pirates' organization and reached the Triple-A level. This two-time All-Star played for two championship teams and finished his career with a 23-15 record with 56 saves and a 3.22 ERA while appearing in 230 games.
Hernandez also enjoyed various stints with the Arizona Fall League Phoenix Desert Dogs and Venezuelan Winter League, earning multiple awards and championships along the way.
Hernandez moved into coaching by sharing his pitching expertise with Riverside Community College from 2010 to 2012. He helped the team make consecutive appearances in the playoffs while developing one all-conference pitcher. In addition, three pitchers were drafted under Hernandez's tutelage.
Most recently, Hernandez served as the Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Cal State University Los Angeles for the past five seasons. He gained tremendous experience with the inner-workings of a collegiate baseball program, with responsibilities ranging from customizing throwing programs to overseeing field maintenance to assisting with game management duties to effectively recruiting student-athletes. While with the Golden Eagles, Hernandez helped lead a pitching staff that put together a historic performance in 2015 when the squad won 12 more games it did the year before, making CSULA one of the most improved teams in NCAA Division II that season. In addition, he was a big contributor to the Golden Eagles' inaugural California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship tournament title that sent CSULA to the 2013 NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2007.
In addition, Hernandez played an integral role in the CSULA pitchers garnering nine All-CCAA awards, four All-West Region nods, and three All-America selections during his tenure. He helped develop eight pitchers who were either drafted or signed professionally.
As a student-athlete, Hernandez began his collegiate career at RCC and helped the Tigers to back-to-back California Community College State Championships in 2000 and 2001. Individually, he collected All-Orange Empire Conference accolades each of his seasons.
After transferring to the University of South Carolina, he helped the team reach the College World Series each of his two years. During his junior season, South Carolina won the South Eastern Conference Championship and finished second in the nation at the College World Series. During his senior campaign, South Carolina made another trip to the College World Series and finished sixth in the nation. While at South Carolina, he earned the Tom Price Award for hard work and dedication and was named to the Dean's List. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in experimental psychology.
Hernandez, his wife Robin, and their children Angelina and Bobby reside in nearby Loma Linda.
Career 204-274-1 (10 seasons)
Twitter @TimMontez
Tim Montez was named the first coach in OUAZ baseball history in early 2017. In his first season, he led the Spirit to the NCCAA World Series in Easley, SC. and in 2021 the Spirit won the GSAC East Division and competed for the conference championship, losing a heartbreaker in the championship final, in that year Montez was named GSAC Coach of the Year. This past 2024 Spring, the Spirit finished a record breaking season with a 35-19 record and earned a first ever NAIA opening round regional Bid. Now in his 8th year, Coach Montez is fully armed with a Developmental Program (Began in Fall 2019) to help add depth and competition to an already talented Varsity Program that is poised to compete in the newly branded GSAC Conference Tournament year a
38 years of Coaching Experience. 25 of those years in Division I Baseball
Previous Universities
Jacksonville University
Fresno State University
University of Arkansas
Cal State Northridge
UC Santa Barbara
Pepperdine University
9 NCAA Regional Appearance
1 Super Regional Appearance
Montez coached and recruited 19 MLB Players with 5 First Round Draft Picks including:
Barry Zito
Russ Ortiz
Michael Young
Matt Garza
Doug Fister
Cliff Lee
Daniel Murphy
Alex McRae
Austin Hayes
Kraig Kelley has served as Oklahoma Wesleyan University Assistant Baseball Coach since 2018.
Before joining the OKWU staff, he volunteered as an assistant coach at Lyon College in 2016. From 2016-2018, he moved to a staff position at Eastern Oklahoma State College.
In 2010, Kelley was drafted in the 47th round of the MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. Kelley played college baseball from 2011 to 2015. He also spent two seasons at the University of Central Arkansas and finished his collegiate career at Lyon College.
As part of the OKWU Coaching Staff, Kelley has been apart of one NAIA World Series Appearance, 3 Regular Season Championships, and two KCAC Tournament Championships.
Kelley is the son of Head Coach Kirk Kelley.
Frank Lee enters his fifth season as the recruiting coordinator for the Mustangs in 2021.
Coach Lee has brought in unprecedented numbers to the CBC baseball program in his previous four seasons while serving as the head coach of the JV program and being Coach Brister's right hand man.
Lee came to CBC from Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, where he served as the head coach from 2012-2016. He earned his bachelor's degree from Williams Baptist and his master's from William Woods. He also serves as an associate scout for the Atlanta Braves.
Coach Lee is a residence director in Dickson Hall on the CBC campus and is married to Teresa. He has two children and has previously served in the United States Air Force.
Grace University Athletics is proud to announce the appointment of Nick Escalera as the inaugural Head Baseball Coach in program history.
A Southern California native with a deep passion for player development, analytics, and championship culture, Escalera brings a unique blend of professional playing experience, collegiate coaching expertise, and modern baseball innovation to the Talons.
His journey through the game has been defined by one constant principle: helping athletes maximize their potential while building programs the right way.
Before arriving at Grace University, Escalera served as the Head of Data & Analytics at California State University, Los Angeles, where he played a vital role in utilizing advanced metrics, player performance analysis, and strategic evaluation to enhance team success. His ability to merge traditional baseball fundamentals with modern analytical approaches has made him one of the rising young minds in the game.
Prior to his time at Cal State LA, Escalera gained valuable collegiate coaching experience at Nobel University and College of the Desert, helping student-athletes develop both on and off the field while contributing to program growth and recruitment efforts.
A graduate of La Sierra High School in Riverside, California, Escalera’s playing career took him to Bethany College, where he competed for two seasons before launching a professional baseball career in the independent ranks of the Pecos League.
Over four professional seasons, Escalera suited up for the High Desert Yardbirds, California City Whiptails, and Tucson Saguaros. His professional journey culminated in a Pecos League Championship in 2020 with the Tucson Saguaros, providing firsthand experience of the commitment, discipline, and competitive mindset required to win at the highest levels of the game.
While pursuing his professional career, Escalera simultaneously began building his coaching résumé during the offseason. He returned to his alma mater as a junior varsity assistant before spending three seasons as the Varsity Hitting Coach at Norte Vista High School, helping develop hitters and mentoring young athletes through critical stages of their growth.
His coaching career continued to expand nationally through collegiate summer baseball, where he worked in some of the country’s most competitive developmental leagues. Escalera has coached in the Ohio Valley League, Palm Springs Collegiate League, Sunset League, and California Collegiate League, gaining valuable experience working with collegiate players from across the nation and helping prepare them for the next level.
Now, as the founding leader of Grace University Baseball, Escalera brings a comprehensive understanding of the game from every angle—player, recruiter, instructor, analyst, and mentor.
His vision for the Talons Baseball program is built upon player development, competitive excellence, character, faith, and opportunity. Combining modern baseball analytics with a relentless commitment to fundamentals, Escalera is committed to building a program that develops complete student-athletes and establishes Grace University as a rising force in collegiate baseball.
As Grace University embarks on its inaugural baseball journey, Coach Escalera’s experience, energy, and passion for the game provide the foundation for what promises to be an exciting new era for Talons Athletics.
The rise of Grace University Baseball begins with a builder, a teacher, and a competitor—and Coach Nick Escalera is ready to lead the way.
Coaching Career Timeline
Present (2026)
Grace University
Head Baseball Coach
2025-2026
Cal State Los Angeles
Assistant Coach
2024-2025
Nobel University
Assistant Coach
A graduate of CSU Pueblo and a member of the 1994 team that resurrected the baseball program, Applegate brings nearly 25 years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division I level to the ThunderWolves. Applegate had spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy where he also served as the pitching coach and co-recruiting coordinator. He also had stints as an assistant at NCAA Division I University of California, Riverside, Brigham Young University and the United States Air Force Academy. In all, Applegate has developed more than 30 players who have signed to Major League Baseball organizations. Under his tutelage the Navy pitching staff continued cementing its place in the program record books, as well as in the hierarchy of the Patriot League and the NCAA Division I. During his four years with the Mids, Navy is one of just six programs nationally to finish top-50 in both ERA and winning percentage in four separate occasions (2015-19). Louisville and Oregon State have completed that task in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, while Navy ('15-'16-'18-'19), Florida ('15-'16-'17-'18) and Texas A&M ('15-'16-'18-'19) have achieved that milestone four times. In 2018, Navy's staff ERA ranked No. 8 at 3.10 and the team won at a .710 clip (38-16) to place 12th. Only Oregon State -- who won the national championship -- had a lower combined Win% (No. 1) + ERA (No. 12) total in 2018.
During the 2021 season, Applegate assisted the Midshipmen to a record of 17-15 overall and 11-12 in the Patriot League. Navy finished the 2021 season with a 6.45 ERA and struck out 241 batters over the 32 games during the year.
Applegate coached Second Team All-Patriot Leaguers Charlie Connolly and Trey Braithwaite. He also assisted in Braithwaite tying the program record for most saves in a career with 17.
During the 2020 season, Applegate helped the Navy pitching staff lead the Patriot League with a 3.07 ERA while also posting league-bests in strikeouts with 131 and saves with seven. The Midshipmen’s ERA ranked 52nd overall in the nation while their 7.00 hits allowed per nine innings ranked 39th in the NCAA with a WHIP of 1.13 to rank 28th overall. Junior Charlie Connolly led the Patriot League with a 1.04 ERA and 32 strikeouts as opposed to three walks.
Navy finished the shortened season with a 14-1 record, which included 14-straight wins to end the year that ranks second all-time in program history for the longest single-season winning streak. Prior to the 2020 season, juniors Jared Leins and Trey Braithwaite were selected to the Preseason All-Patriot League team with Braithwaite being named to the NCBWA Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List.
During his fifth season as the pitching coach in 2019, Applegate helped Navy rank in top 50 in the country in strikeouts per nine innings (10th, 10.0), hits allowed per nine innings (17th, 7.69), WHIP (25th, 1.28), strikeout-to-walk ratio (29th, 2.57), shutouts (29th, five) and earned run average (32nd, 3.82). The Midshipmen also broke the program record strikeouts per nine innings (10.0), strikeouts (527) and saves (17), while helping Navy record the second-most wins in program history with 39.
Applegate also coached Golden Spikes Finalist Noah Song, who re-wrote the program record books. Song was named the first First Team All-American in school history and he became the first player in program history to be selected as a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, while also being selected as the Pitcher of the Year by Perfect Game. Song also set the program record for wins (32), strikeouts (428), innings pitched (334-1/3) and tied for most shutouts with nine. He also set the school record of strikeouts in a season (161) and strikeouts per nine innings (15.41). Song led the country in strikeouts per nine innings, which is the best in NCAA Division I since 2009 and is tied for sixth all-time in Division I history. Song was also drafted in the fourth round (137th overall) by the Boston Red Sox and made him the highest drafted player in program history.
Along with helping Song grab national attention, he helped sophomore relief pitcher Trey Braithwaite earn national recognition after being named the Stopper of the Year Watch List. Braithwaite -- who also the First Team All-Patriot League relief pitcher -- finished the season with 10 saves and a 3.10 ERA. Braithwaite's 10 saves rank sixth all-time for career saves and tied the school record for most saves in a single season.
In his fourth year at the helm of Navy's pitching staff in 2018, the Mids finished atop the regular standings of the Patriot League with a conference record of 18-7, thereby earning the team its fourth straight number one seed in the postseason. Overall, Navy finished 38-16 in 2018, the second highest win total in program history. As a staff, Navy hurlers posted a 3.10 ERA with 1.26 WHIP, .242 opponents batting average and 418 strikeouts over 476.1 innings. In 54 games, the Mids recorded seven shutouts with 13 saves by its bullpen. Nationally, Navy ranked eighth in ERA, ninth in shutouts, 12th in win percentage, 20th in WHIP, 27th in fewest walks/9 innings (3.17), 40th in fewest hits allowed/9 innings (8.14) and 43rd in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.49).
Individually, a host of Navy hurlers drew both national and conference attention. Junior RHP Noah Song was recognized as a Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American, while freshman RHP Jared Leins earned a nod as a Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American. Song was one of the most dominant starting pitchers in the nation as he struck out 121 batters with a 1.92 ERA over 89.0 innings pitched. Leins immediately asserted himself as top bullpen arm and won four Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors during his first collegiate season. Leins finished with a 5-2 record and a Patriot League-leading five saves in 19 appearances. Senior RHP Sean Kamhoot and freshman RHP Tommy Goodridge also garnered league accolades as the duo each won Patriot League Pitcher of the Week and Rookie of the Week honors, respectively in 2018.
Over his first four season, Navy’s pitching staff has garnered 10 All-Patriot League awards under Applegate.
In 2017, his third year leading the Mids' staff, Navy won its third straight Patriot League regular season title as the team posted a 16-4 record to win the conference by four games and earn the number one seed in the postseason tournament. In addition to its strong performance in league play, Navy won 21 non-conference games for an overall record of 37-17. That win total ties the 2015 team for third-most victories in a season. Statistically the Mids’ pitching staff posted a 3.99 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and .268 opponents’ batting average to go along with 379 strikeouts over 456.0 innings pitched. Navy led the Patriot League in each of the first three categories and ranked second in strikeouts. All-time, the 2017 team’s strikeout total ranks sixth in program history, while its save total of 10 and shutout tally of four stand sixth and 13th, respectively. Nationally, the Mids ranked 37th in walks allowed per nine innings (3.14), 57th in shutouts 61st in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.38) and 62nd in ERA.
Individually, Applegate had a hand in three Midshipmen pitchers earning All-Patriot League playing honors with senior Kyle Condry leading the way as the league’s Pitcher of the Year. After three solids seasons, Condry broke out in 2017 with dominant form as he completed the year with a 7-2 record, 2.89 ERA, four complete games, 71.2 innings pitched, 61 strikeouts and a .254 opponents’ batting average. In Patriot League-only regular season contests, Condry went 5-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 33.1 innings. Joining Condry as an All-Patriot League First Team honoree in 2017 was the Mids’ closer Jett Meenach, who was saved a league-high eight games, while compiling a 5-1 record, 2.12 ERA and 26:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 34.0 innings over 27 games. Noah Song, the reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Year, followed up his standout freshman campaign with a spot on the All-Patriot League Second Team with a 2017 line of 6-4, 3.67 ERA and 89 strikeouts over 76.0 innings.
Condry’s Pitcher of the Year honor was the fourth straight for the program and third straight for Applegate.
In 2016, Navy recorded a program-best 43 wins, Patriot League regular season and postseason titles and a win in the NCAA Tournament as part of the Raleigh Regional. Applegate's pitchers posted a 43-16-1 record with a 3.20 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 440 strikeouts, 12 shutouts and an opponents' batting average of .241. Three of the Mids' four weekend starters had 3.09 or lower ERAs (the fourth was at 3.76). Nationally, Navy's shutout total ranked second overall, while its winning percentage (.750-10th), ERA (19th), WHIP (21st) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.65-23rd) all ranked in the top-25. The Mids' strikeout mark stands second all-time in Navy history trailing only the 2015 staff's 464 punch-outs.
Amongst individual members of the Navy pitching staff, Luke Gillingham and Noah Song earned national accolades for their work with Applegate. For the second straight season Gillingham found himself honored by both the NCBWA and Louisville Slugger on the respective organization's All-American teams. Gillingham turned a senior pitching line of 2.35 ERA, 8-4, eight complete games, four shutouts, 93 strikeouts in 93.0 innings and a .202 opponents' batting average. The left-handed pitcher was named the Patriot League Pitcher of the Year. Gillingham's career culminated by being selected in the MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. Song came into the program as a freshman and immediately secured a role as one of the nation's most impactful rookies. After hurling 75.1 innings over 17 contests, Song finished with a 2.75 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 9-3 record, three shutouts, 57 strikeouts and a .182 opponents' batting average. His WHIP and hits allowed per nine innings (5.85) marks both ranked in the top-16 in NCAA DI. For his dominant first season, Song was selected to Freshman All-American teams for the NCBWA and Louisville Slugger.
In addition to Gillingham and Song's national awards, the Mids' closer Sam Sorenson was recognized on the All-Patriot League First Team.
In his first year as the pitching coach for the Mids in 2015, Applegate led the transformation of a solid staff to one of the best in the nation. Statistically, Navy’s staff dropped its ERA 64 points from 2014 down to a 3.04 mark that ranked 21st in the NCAA. A newly-found aggressive approach in their respective attacks helped the Midshipmen hurlers strike out 464 batters and walk only 146 for a 3.18:1 strikeout to walk ratio that was ninth in the nation. The Mids’ 8.4 strikeouts per nine ratio was 21st overall. Applegate’s staff also ranked 11th in WHIP (1.17), 12th in shutouts (7), 21st in hits allowed per nine (7.9) and 21st in walks allowed per nine (2.66). All-time in Navy’s record books, the 2015 staff is first in strikeouts, tied for third in wins (37), second in shutouts and third in strikeouts per nine.
Individually, Applegate helped Luke Gillingham transition from the team’s number three starter to a Second-Team All-American that led the NCAA in hits per nine (4.75) and WHIP (0.70), in addition to ranking third in strikeouts per nine (11.99) fourth in ERA (1.19). Reliever Jett Meenach also had a breakthrough under Applegate’s tutelage as the one-time infielder became a lights-out closer that was named to the National Pitcher of the Year Watch List in late April. The first-year pitcher posted the lowest ERA amongst Patriot League bullpen arms (1.99) and was one of 10 DI relievers with seven or more wins and less than 50.0 innings pitched. Both pitchers earned All-Patriot League honors, including the Pitcher of the Year accolade for Gillingham.
Applegate’s first season in Annapolis concluded with senior Stephen Moore being drafted in the 10th round by the Atlanta Braves. Moore’s selection as number 300 was the highest in school history at the time.
Prior to joining Navy, Applegate served as an assistant coach, recruiting coordinator and, for a time following the retirement of Doug Smith, the interim head coach of the UC Riverside Highlander baseball program. A three-year member of the Highlanders, Applegate led a pitching staff that saw five hurlers join the professional ranks. In this past June, Jacob Smigelski (Miami Marlins, 13th) and Zach Varela (Los Angeles Angels, 23rd) and Dylan Stuart (Atlanta Braves, FA) all were drafted or signed as a free agent after three years of tutelage under Applegate. With the addition of Trevor Frank, a 2013 eighth round draftee of the Cleveland Indians, and Eddie Orozco, a 2012 22nd round pick of the Chicago Cubs, all five hurlers also were recognized on All-Big West teams during their careers at Riverside.
Besides his mentoring of the pitching staff, Applegate was also in charge of coordinating the recruiting, scheduling and alumni relation efforts of the Highlanders' program.
Before heading west to UC Riverside in 2011, Applegate was an assistant coach at Brigham Young University for eight years. During his time with the Cougars his pitchers found both individual and group success as 16 different pitchers signed professional contracts and his staffs posted the two lowest team earned run averages in BYU's history. In a conference known for explosive offensive numbers, the Cougars' 2007 earned run average mark of 3.93 stands fifth all-time in the Mountain West Conference's record book.
In addition to his work with pitchers, Applegate was responsible for the scheduling of all games, managing the travel budget, directing the program's alumni relations and assisting with all facets of recruiting. For his work with the team, he was honored as the Assistant Coach of the Year by BYU Athletic Department in 2010.
A one-year stint as an associate scout for the Kansas City Royals from 2002 through 2003 served as a buffer for Applegate between BYU and his previous stop at the United States Air Force Academy. From 1998 until 2002, he was the pitching coach for the Falcons and guided Matt Kaercher, who became the first pitcher from the academy to sign a professional baseball contract. Applegate and his Air Force squad left its mark on the school's record book with the most wins versus D1 opposition in 2002 and the second-lowest ERA since 1983 during the 2000 season. Six Falcons earned All-Conference accolades under his tutelage.
Applegate's first collegiate coaching opportunity came in 1995 at his alma mater, the University of Southern Colorado (now known as Colorado State University-Pueblo). Between 1995 and 1997, he served as the school's pitching coach and aided the 1996 team to a fourth place finish in the NCAA Division II College World Series.
Applegate began playing collegiately at Southwestern Community College in San Diego (1991-93) before transferring to the University of Southern Colorado. He completed a distinguished career in 1995 after earning accolades as the Colorado Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year ('95) and on the All-Mile High Intercollegiate team ('95). In recognition of his success as a player and a coach, Applegate was inducted into the USC Diamond of Fame in 1999.
After playing professionally for the Pueblo Bighorns of the Texas-Louisiana League during the summer of 1995, he returned to CSU and finished his Kinesiology degree in 1996.
Alec DeMaria is in his 3rd season as VCSU's head baseball coach for the 2025-26 season.In DeMaria's first two seasons at VCSU, the Vikings improved to earn back-to-back 20-win seasons, one top-3 regular season finish in the conference standings, and one 3rd-place finish in the conference tournament. In the 2 years under DeMaria, the program has featured the NSAA Freshman of the Year Award Winner in both seasons. In 2024, Takao Cookson was named NSAA Freshman of the Year, and in 2025 it was Alexis Velasco. In 2024, the Viking pitching staff shattered the previous school record (359) by totaling 494 strikeouts under DeMaria. In 2024, the pitching staff also ranked 1st in the conference in both strikeouts and K/9, and ranked 8th nationally in K/9. In 2025, the very young Viking pitching staff again led the new-look, 10-team NSAA conference in both strikeouts and K/9.In his six-year coaching career, DeMaria now has coached a total of 15 players at the collegiate level that have gone on to sign contracts to play professional baseball.DeMaria worked the previous four seasons as a pitching coach at Dakota State University (S.D.). and the University of Minnesota-Crookston. A native of Fresno, Calif., DeMaria played college baseball for four years as a pitcher at the University of Mary (N.D.) prior to starting his college coaching career.Prior to accepting the VCSU job, DeMaria was the pitching coach for the previous two seasons at Dakota State University where he helped the Trojans turn their program around and contend for a North Star Athletic Association conference title. DeMaria’s pitching staff at DSU set numerous school records and produced the conference’s Pitcher of the Year, three 1st Team All-Conference selections, and 2 All-Americans in his last season.The Trojans posted a 36-18 overall record and a 24-4 mark in the conference during the 2023 season. The pitching staff led the NSAA in ERA, strikeouts and numerous pitching categories, and they ranked 4th nationally in ERA (3.33) and Top 10 in several other categories.DeMaria graduated from University of Mary with both a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Master of Education degree in athletic administration and physical education. He resides in Valley City with his wife, Lucia, and their son.DeMaria is the 9th head coach in program history and just the fourth head coach for Viking Baseball since 1974.
3rd year as Head Coach for Trojan Baseball.
- 2023 team had 4 Trojans move on to the NCAA D1 level
- 2022 team won Region 9 South Division
- 2012 vol. assistant coach under Scott Douglas
As a player @ TSC
- 2009 all-region & all-district as SS w/ .403 BA (TSJC)
- 2008 Region Champions & District Runner-Up (TSJC)
Married to Amellia Veyna who teaches 6th grade Science in Raton, NM. Family has 4 children Ophelia (†), Avianna (7), Perry (5), and another baby boy on the way!
Coach Kyle Pearson was hired to be the head assistant/pitching coach in July of 2021, and he was appointed to Interim Head Coach in March 2022. In the 24 games in which Coach Pearson was the Head Coach, the Chukars amassed a 15-9 record. As of May 23rd, 2022 Coach Pearson moved into the Head Coaching role for TVCC.
In 2020-2021 Coach Pearson was the pitching coach at Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT. He helped lead Dawson to a 29-23 record controlling the pitching staff and catchers.
In the summer of 2021, Coach Pearson was the co-head coach of the Casper Horseheads in the Expedition League, a collegiate summer league.
Before coaching at Dawson CC, Coach Pearson coached multiple high school teams in the Boise area, including Capital and Meridian High School since 2013.
Coach Pearson played at TVCC in 2011-2012, before pursuing his path as a coach. He attended Boise State to finish his degree in Sports Journalism. Coach Pearson is looking forward to getting Treasure Valley Baseball back to its former glory and molding outstanding student athletes.
Former Trailblazer player Jake Schulz returned to Utah Tech ahead of the start of the 2025-26 academic year to begin his first season as the program's Director of Player Development.
Schulz three seasons for Coach Pfatenhauer from 2020-22, where he played in 51 career games as an infielder.
Schulz wrapped up his collegiate playing career at Concordia-Irvine in 2024. He then returned to his native Arizona to begin his coaching career the following season at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
A native of Prescott, Schulz earned his Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Sports Management from Utah Tech in 2025. This past summer, Schulz served as an assistant coach with the Wausau Woodchucks of the Northwoods League, where he helped lead the team to a second half season championship. His offense also led the Northwoods League in both doubles and batting.
Jake Portugal was elevated to Head Coach of the San Diego Mesa Olympians in January of 2022after serving as an assistant since the summer of 2014 and playing for the Olympians during the 2011 and 2012 season.
In his 4 seasons as Head Coach, the Olympians have made tremendous progress rebuilding the program post the COVID-19 pandemic that cancelled both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Having one First Team All-America selection, three All-SoCal, 14 Academic All-State selections, 14First Team All-Conference, 20 Honorable Mentions, and 34 student-athletes have received scholarships to four-year universities while earning multiple ABCA Team Academic Excellence Awards as of Summer 2025.
The San Diego, California, native began his collegiate coaching in his hometown and alma mater, San Diego Mesa College, beginning in the Summer of 2014. He served as the catching and hitting coach while also taking on the duties as recruiting coordinator and strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, he has been an Adjunct Professor in the Exercise Science and Health Department since 2015 where he is active within the academic community, serving on multiple campus committees, and has attended multiple NCORE (National Conference on Race & Ethnicity) conventions on behalf of the college.
During Coach Portugal’s stint as an assistant coach with the Olympians from 2015-2021, he coached five First Team All-American selections, eight All-SoCal, 15 First Team All-Conference, 22 Honorable Mentions, and 76 of the athletes coached and recruited by Portugal received scholarships at four-year universities, along with 5 players playing professionally,including freshman outfielder, Andrew McWilliams, who was drafted in the 34th round by the Detroit Tigers.
During the 2018 season, Portugal moved to Chicago while his Wife finished Nursing school and took an assistant coaching position at storied division 1 program, University of Illinois-Chicago. Working alongside collegiate coaching staples: Mike Dee (32 seasons at college level), Sean McDermott (29 seasons), and John Flood (16 seasons), as well as renowned sports psychologist Rachel Webb who is currently an Assistant AD of Sports Psychology for University of Arizona. During the 2018 season, 6 student-athletes continued onto professional baseball: Ryan Campbell (4th round, Cincinnati Reds), Charlie Cerny (7th round, Oakland Athletics), Aaron Ackerman (26thround, Los Angeles Dodgers), Reid Birlingmair (28th round Oakland Athletics), Scott Ota (10thround, New York Mets), and Matt Botcher (Schaumburg Boomers). The 2018 Flames beat multiple power 5 opponents before falling in the conference championship game to conclude the season.
Prior to coaching, Portugal was a part of two successful seasons at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., under head coach Matt Husted. As a catcher for the Thunder, Portugal helped the team to the CCIW Conference Tournament in 2013 and post the highest team fielding percentage in school history .973. In 2014 the pitching staff recorded the second-most strikeouts in school history, 270, and the second-most wins in school history, 23.
Portugal began his collegiate playing career as a catcher at San Diego Mesa College where the Olympians made regional appearances in both 2011 and 2012 while also capturing the Pacific Coast Conference Championship in 2012 under the tutelage of Kevin Hazlett, Steven Sanchez (current PLNU assistant), TJ Merritt (Former USD & Indiana State assistant), and Mark Wanaka (Current LSU assistant).
Jake’s Prep playing career at Mira Mesa High culminated with the Marauders winning 2 Eastern League Titles. The Marauders were led by longtime San Diego Prep Coach, Gene Watkins, Assistant Coach Sheldon Watkins (Former Indiana University Assistant, current Patrick Henry Head Coach), and Michael Ramazzotti (Former UCSD & USD Assistant, Current Houston Astros Coach).
Portugal has spent the summers as a head coach for numerous summer leagues. In 2017-19, he led the San Diego Hawks to the California Coastal Collegiate League semi-finals each summer. From 2014-16 he coached the San Diego Samurai (a team comprised of Japanese & Japanese-American players) of the Western Baseball Association. In 2013 he managed the Lanier Vikings affiliate of RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner-Cities) in Austin, Texas. Coach Portugal also has national and international coaching and playing experience, working clinics, camps, and conventions in New York, Arizona, Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Oregon, Alaska, New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, as well as abroad in Panama, Mexico, Belize, and the Philippines.
As a first-generation college student, Portugal earned his A.A. in Social Sciences from San Diego Mesa College in 2012, B.A. in Communications from Wheaton College in 2014, M.A. in Physical Education (Exercise Science Concentration) from Azusa Pacific University in 2015, and a Secondary Education Teaching Credential with endorsements in Health and Physical Education. Coach Portugal also serves as an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University in the Off-Season. Since Portugal became head coach, four assistant coaches at Mesa have been promoted with Trevin Esquerra now at Irvine Valley College, Esau “Chacho” Madrigal now the Head Coach at conference opponent Imperial Valley College, Jake Rico now at Point Loma Nazarene University, and Alejandro Duarte now at Carson-Newman University as well as Steve Pryor being awarded the illustrious ABCA National Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2025, adding to Mesa College’s rich coaching lineage.
The son of Ron and Stephanie Portugal, Jake has two younger brothers, Joseph and Nicholas. Joseph played collegiately and graduated from Mesa in 2016 before transferring to CSU East Bay, pitching for the Pioneers. Post-playing career, Joseph made coaching stops at San Diego Christian College and La Jolla Country Day. And Nicholas also graduated from Mesa College prior to earning his Bachelor and Doctoral Degrees at San Diego State University, now working for Rady’s Children’s Hospital.
Jake and his wife Trisha are a foster family and live in San Diego County with their children and dogs.
Briseno is entering his fourth year as an assistant coach for the Utah State Eastern baseball team, where he also serves as the program’s outfield coach, recruiting coordinator, and manages the team’s social media presence.
A versatile athlete during his playing career, Briseno was a three-year starter at West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. A utility player throughout high school, he contributed wherever the team needed, and was named an All-Region pitcher as a senior, finishing the season with a 1.36 ERA.
Briseno holds a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports management through Utah State University. Originally from Rose Park, Utah, he has lived in Price, Utah, since 2020. He and his wife, Breanna, were married in September 2021.
When the 2020 season begins, Coach Roberto Carrasco will enter his first season as Interim Head Coach of Lamar Community College. He takes over for Ben Buck, who will join the player development department of the New York Yankees organization.
The 2019 season brought many highlights and achievements, in which Coach Carrasco was part of. The Lopes finished as 2019 Region IV Champions going 32-27 overall (21-15 Conference). This championship advanced the Lopes back to the District tournament, competing to attend the NJCAA World Series. “We have a strong group of experienced sophomores that have reset the standard of the LCC baseball program. In combination with a strong freshman class, I’m excited to see what they will accomplish this year.”
A New Mexico native, Roberto Carrasco had furthered his education and baseball career at WT in Amarillo, TX after his two years attending Lamar Community College. While attending WT, Carrasco finished his bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Emphasis in Applied Sports.
Carrasco spent both of his first two collegiate seasons playing at Lamar CC from 2013-14 as a middle infielder for Scott Crampton. He helped bring two Conference Championships, with a Region IX finish of 50-20 record and coming up short in Regional tournament play.
He continued his education and baseball career at West Texas A&M University in Amarillo, TX. After redshirting his first year there, Carrasco appeared in 21 games due to the lack of unable to stay healthy throughout the season. Senior year never began but the baseball career came to an end when Carrasco suffered a season-ending hamate bone fracture on his left hand. While there, he influenced in two Lone Star Conference Tournament Championships and a career of 72-38 record.
Kyle Fultz enters his second season as Head Baseball Coach at Dawson Community College following a highly successful Spring 2025 season that marked significant progress for the Buccaneer baseball program. Dawson recorded 20 regular-season wins, the program’s highest total since 2021, doubling its win total from the previous season.
Under Fultz’s leadership, the Buccaneers improved from fifth place in the conference in 2024 to third place in 2025, earning the opportunity to host a playoff series for the first time in program history. The team also made substantial statistical gains, reducing pitching walks from 140 to 76 and improving the team fielding percentage from .881 to .940.
The 2025 season reflected success both on the field and in the classroom, as Dawson produced two All-Conference selections (Juan Salavarria, Adam Korte) and achieved the highest team GPA in Dawson Community College Baseball history. Dawson was recognized by the ABCA team academic excellence award with a 3.35 GPA which landed them in the top fourty of all NJCAA schools. Coach Fultz emphasizes player development, accountability, and academic excellence while continuing to build a competitive NJCAA baseball program.
Jake Sellinger enters into his first season with the Jets in 2025-2026.
He joins the program from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), where he served as an assistant coach for the Mountain Lions. In addition to his coaching duties, Sellinger also assisted with the team’s strength and conditioning program. In his four seasons coaching at UCCS, he primarily worked with outfielders, catchers, hitters, and base runners.
As a student-athlete, Sellinger played five seasons for the Mountain Lions. During his career, UCCS won the 2021 RMAC Tournament Championship and advanced to the NCAA Regionals that same year.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Leadership Communication from UCCS and later completed a master’s degree in Health and Sport Science from Northeastern State University.
Sellinger was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jake Whisler is a highly experienced coach with 10 years of dedication to the sport. Currently serving as the Head Baseball Coach for Umpqua Community College, Coach Whisler is known for his strong leadership, strategic approach, energy and passion for the game and commitment to player development.
Over the course of his career, Coach Whisler has worked with athletes at the high school and collegiate levels. Coach Whisler brings a wealth of knowledge to the infield, hitting, and recruiting areas and has demonstrated a passion for helping athletes achieve both their personal and team goals.
Coach Whisler is a graduate of Western Oregon University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a minor in sports leadership. As well as a master's degree in health education. After playing for the Wolves for 5 years, Coach Whisler began his coaching career at Western Oregon under Head Coach Kellen Walker. He was the volunteer assistant for 2 seasons before becoming the graduate assistant in 2017. He then moved to Roseburg to start the UCC program from scratch with Head Coach Jeremiah Robbins who he played for two seasons at Western Oregon University. He has consistently stayed updated on the latest techniques and strategies within the sport. He recently earned assistant coach of the year in 2024 for the NWAC South Region.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Coach Whisler is also passionate about the development of youth baseball in Douglas County. He is committed to creating an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field.
Coaching Philosophy:
Coach Whisler’s coaching philosophy centers on effort, attitude, and teamwork. By fostering a positive and challenging environment he helps athletes grow, not only in their sport but as individuals.
Notable Achievements:
2024 NWAC South Assistant Coach of the Year
7 players moved onto the Division 1 level in 3 years
30+ wins every year as a program
Have sent players onto every level of 4-year baseball (NAIA, D3, D2, D1) in three seasons
1 player Drafted in the 2023 MLB draft
Previous Coaching Experience
Western Oregon University Volunteer Assistant 2015-2017
Western Oregon University Graduate Assistant 2017-2018
Umpqua Community College Head Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator 2018 – 2024
Assistant Coach Bellingham Bells Baseball Club: West Coast League 2016-2019
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's Degree: Exercise Science Minor: Sports Leadership – Western Oregon University
Master’s Degree: Health Education – Western Oregon University
New Mexico native Steve Appel was named head coach of the University of the Southwest baseball team in June of 2014. Appel has quickly made his mark on the Mustang Baseball program.
Appel is entering his 9th season in 2022-2023 as the Head Coach of USW Baseball.
Appel has led the Mustangs to 181 wins and four postseason births in 7.5 seasons at USW (2020 season was limited to 23 games).
In 2022 The Mustangs won 33 games and won two games in the conference tournament, the most since 2004, and set numerous team and individual program records.
In 2021 the Mustangs made the conference tournament and won their first game in the conference tournament since 2004.
USW won 30 games in 2019 which was good for 3rd all-time and the first 30-win season since 2004.
The Mustangs continued to trend up in 2018 and won 27 games and 12 games in RRAC play, the most since the 2003 season. USW qualified for the RRAC tournament as the No. 6 seed, and earned their second consecutive trip to the RRAC Tournament.
In each year since the arrival of Appel, USW has continued to win more games each year, now making them a yearly contender in the RRAC.
Several student-athletes have earned post-season accolades under Appel. Pitcher Bryan Hernandez earned 2015 1st Team All-Conference and 2015 First Team Rawlings Gold Glove National Awards. In 2017, hurler Alex Goodman earned First Team All-Conference, outfielder Isaiah Peters was named First Team All-Conference and pitcher Travis Dotson earned Second Team All-Conference accolades. In 2018, Ean Smith earned Second Team All-Conference Utility and JJ Kruzel also earned Second Team All-Conference on the mound.
Appel and his staff have built and remodeled the baseball facility. Appel aided in the largest donation in school history, which was used to build the indoor baseball facility, renovate Jake Williams Field, which includes upgraded playing service, new metal fence and renovated grandstand area. This last fall, Appel aided in reconstructing the new backstop which features a new netting system, concrete wall, and padding from dugout to dugout.
Off the field, Appel and his staff continue to strive in excellence. His players continue to work tirelessly in the community with various community outreach programs. The team has also built a strong foundation in the classroom, maintaining over a 3.0 team GPA in the last three years.
Appel came to USW after serving as head coach at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. While at OPSU, Appel transformed the Aggie baseball team into a disciplined program that was being built to succeed in the highly competitive NCAA Division II Heartland Conference. Under his leadership, OPSU baseball student-athletes also excelled in the classroom as the team GPA improved from 2.20 in 2011 to 3.30 in 2014. During his tenure, Appel was the catalyst for a number of facility enhancements that turned the OPSU baseball field into one of the top facilities in the Heartland Conference.
Appel, a Socorro, New Mexico native, began his intercollegiate athletic playing career at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas, where he received his associate’s degree before continuing his collegiate playing career at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut where he served as team captain for the baseball program, earned his Bachelor of Science degree with Magna Cum Laude honors and was also awarded his Master of Science degree. Immediately following his collegiate playing career, Appel joined the coaching staff at his alma mater as an assistant pitching coach and began his climb in the baseball coaching profession. Appel was named the UB baseball program’s top assistant and pitching coach in 2006 and by 2009 had constructed a pitching staff that finished the season with a 3.25 ERA and was ranked sixth in the nation.
Following the 2009 season, Appel was selected by Oklahoma Panhandle State as its top assistant coach. After the 2010 season, he was named the head coach of the Aggies baseball team and began his efforts of building a program that would compete at a high level, earn the respect of its opponents and become a source of pride for the university and its community. Appel’s recruiting efforts throughout the states of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and the Southwest region resulted in the establishment and growth of an Aggie baseball program that boasted 55-60 student-athletes on its roster during his tenure.
Appel holds an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a Bachelor’s from University of Bridgeport and a Master’s, also from Bridgeport.
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