yote notes - NAIA World Series Preview

COMING UP: at AVISTA NAIA World Series, Lewiston – Friday vs. No. 12 Point Park (Pa.), 9 a.m. (PT) Saturday – with win vs. No. 2 Lee (Tenn.), 3 p.m. (PT); with loss vs. No. 3 Oklahoma City or No. 10 Lewis-Clark State, Noon (PT).

LAST WEEK: at NAIA National Championships Opening Round, Azusa, Calif. – vs. No. 18 Shorter (W 6-4), vs. Menlo (W 7-0), vs. No. 4 Azusa Pacific (L 5-2), vs. No. 4 Azusa Pacific (W 7-6)

LIVE STATS: Live statistics of every game of the AVISTA-NAIA World Series will be available through the NAIA ‘s partnership with Dakstats.  Visit the tournament Live Stats page online at http://www.dakstats.com/websync/Pages/Tournament/TournamentPage.aspx?association=10&sg=MBA&tour=852.

LIVE VIDEO: Every tournament game will feature a pay-per-view live video broadcast, courtesy of the NAIA’s video stream at https://www.nmnathletics.com//subs/Landing.dbml?&&DB_OEM_ID=27900&db_oem... Jay McCall and Bert Sahlberg will have the call of all C of I games.  C of I sports information director, Mike Safford, will be on the call of all non-C of I games at the World Series for the sixth straight year.

LIVE AUDIO: Every tournament game will have a free live audio feed available online at http://www.koze-sports.com, thanks to 950 KOZE-AM in Lewiston.  Brian Danner, Mike Tatko, Jay McCall, and Wayne Grubb will have the play-by-play.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: The Coyotes are expected to depart Caldwell on Wednesday, arriving in the Lewis-Clark Valley in the late afternoon.  The team will be staying at the Comfort Inn (2128 8th Ave, Lewiston) – for reservations, call (208) 798-8090 and mention that you are fans of The C of I.

TICKETS / BANQUET: Tickets for the AVISTA-NAIA World Series can be purchased two ways – one by contacting the Harris Field Box Office at (208) 792-2471 or by going online at http://www.ticketswest.com/promos/sp - and typing in NAIA in the artist, venue or event section, with a C of I section blocked off using the Promo Code “Team1”.  Single day tickets range from $10 to $18, while tournament passes range from $45 to $88.  The NAIA will hold an Opening Banquet inside the LCSC Activity Center on Thursday night at 7 p.m. – with limited tickets ($30) available by calling (208) 792-2275.

YOTES RETURN TO WORLD SERIES AFTER 10 YEAR HIATUS: For the first time since the 2002 season, the Coyotes have advanced to the AVISTA-NAIA World Series, making their fifth overall appearance at the event.  Five of the 10 teams in this years’ field, including The C of I, have made five-or-more World Series appearances – though for the Yotes, it is the first time they have qualified through the NAIA’s Opening Round process.

HISTORY AT THE WORLD SERIES: The Coyotes first appearance at the World Series was in 1998 in Tulsa, Okla., with the team winning their first three games (against Culver-Stockton, Bellevue, and Indiana Tech), before losing to Oklahoma City in the semifinals.  However, the Yotes were seeded into the title game, where they defeated Indiana Tech, 6-3, to win the national championship.  A year later, the Yotes traveled to Jupiter, Fla., again defeating three teams (Indiana Tech, Oklahoma City, Birmingham-Southern) to reach the semifinals, before a 7-3 loss to Lewis-Clark State.  The Yotes would rebound with wins over Culver-Stockton and L-C to set up a winner-take-all title game, with LCSC defeating the Coyotes, 7-2.  In 2000, the Yotes made their first World Series appearance in Lewiston as the No. 2 seed, but lost their first game to Shawnee State.  The Yotes defeated Brewton-Parker in an elimination game, but lost 4-3 to Indiana Tech to finish fifth in the tournament.  Their last appearance in 2002 was similar to the first two, as the squad won a wild 17-10 extra innings game against Embry-Riddle and defeated Mayville State.  The squad won an extra innings game vs. Oklahoma City to move into the semifinals – but losses to LC-State and OCU handed the Yotes the third-place trophy.

BIG DIFFERENCE FROM THEN AND NOW (FAMILIAR FACES): During their first four trips to the World Series, the NAIA filled the bracket with seven super-regional winners, two at-large teams, and the host school – not always the best 10 teams in the nation, with no more than one school qualifying from a given conference/region.  When the Opening Round tournaments began in 2009, the field for the tournament has been bolstered – as the Sooner Athletic Conference and the Southern States Athletic Conference have sent at least two representatives each of the four years, with the SAC sending three teams last season and the SSAC sending three in 2010.  Despite the tougher route to the Series, Oklahoma City, Embry-Riddle, and Lewis-Clark State qualified this season – just as they did in 2002.

SURVEYING THE BRACKET: For the first time at the World Series, the Yotes are not seeded in the top-six in the 10 team double-elimination tournament – forcing the team to potentially play five games in six days.  The C of I will be on the bottom-half of the bracket, playing in afternoon or evening games throughout the tournament as long as the team continues to win.  A win in their opener would set up a match-up with Lee (Tenn.), a team that has finished no worse than third at the past four World Series’ (including runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2010).  Another win would set up a match-up against either Lewis-Clark State or Oklahoma City – the only other teams in the tournament who have won a national title.

AGAINST TOP-25 TEAMS: The Coyotes played 14 games this season against teams ranked or teams that were ranked in the NAIA Top-25, going 8-6 in those contests.

ABOUT POINT PARK: Making their first appearance at the World Series since 1998, the Pioneers (51-9) have had a quality season, winning the America Mideast Conference title, earning a runner-up finish in the Unaffiliated Grouping #1 tournament, while going a perfect 3-0 at the Marion Opening Round site.  Though PPU has played just four games against teams ranked in the NAIA Top-25 (split a doubleheader vs. Cumberland – who failed to reach the National Tournament, defeated both Campbellsville and Taylor), win streaks of 18 and 12 games helped vault the Pioneers up the ladder in the national rankings.  The Pioneers have played their fair share of tight games – recording a 17-5 record in games decided by two runs or less, with pitching the key to their success, thanks to a 2.96 team ERA (allowing eight or more runs only three times in 60 games).  Sean Clark (7-0 2.55 ERA) earned the Game 1 start in the Opening Round, with Derek Peluso (9-1 2.23 ERA) and Nathan Spohn (8-0 2.29 ERA) both earning starts.  Closer Mike Tullio (6-4 1.92 ERA, 14 saves) has been stellar out of the pen.  Offensively, PPU does not have a ton of power (only 15 home runs as a team) – with right-fielder Javy Marticorena (.384 7 HR 34 RBI) their top power threat, but he has missed time due to injury.  Other key hitters include center-fielder Tom Pasinski (.351 2 HR 31 RBI), second-baseman Tom Birko (.343 44 RBI, 11 SB), left fielder Rob Novia (.337 1 HR 42 RBI), and third-baseman Lee Bodnar (.333 2 HR 47 RBI, 21 doubles).  It is the first-ever meeting between the teams, with the Pioneers 10-20 in 10 previous World Series appearances.

ABOUT LEE: If the Yotes win, it will set up a Saturday afternoon match-up with the Flames (54-9-1), who have qualified for their sixth-straight NAIA World Series.  Head coach Mark Brew’s bunch has played a tough schedule – as five teams from the Southern States Athletic Conference qualified for the Opening Round sites (including C of I opponent, Shorter), along with winning 2-of-3 games against fellow World Series squad, Tennessee Wesleyan.  Lee has a pitching staff with a stellar 2.56 ERA and 527 strikeouts, led by starters Kris Hall (11-0 1.52 ERA, 115 K), Patrick Merkling (8-2 2.15 ERA, 96 K), and Vince Spilker (7-2 2.67 ERA), along with relievers Jose Samayoa (8-0 2.36 ERA, 7 saves) and Andy Hillis (5-1 2.93 ERA, 7 saves).  Offensively, first-baseman Roberto Reyes (.311 15 HR 82 RBI) is one of the top players in the entire NAIA, with second-baseman Blake Barber (.416 9 HR 62 RBI) and designated hitter Corey Davis (.340 10 HR 56 RBI) anchoring a line-up that has 57 home runs and 131 doubles on the season.  It would be the first-ever meeting between the teams, with Lee holding a 15-12 World Series record in their six previous appearances – including two second and two third-place finishes.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA CITY/LEWIS-CLARK STATE: A first-round loss or a pair of wins to start the tournament would pit the Yotes against a pair of teams they are familiar with in Oklahoma City and Lewis-Clark State.  OCU (47-10) won the regular-season Sooner Athletic Conference title and will be making their fifth-straight trip to the World Series after coming out of the losers’ bracket to defeat Sterling (Kan.) in the Oklahoma City Opening Round site.  The Stars, the winningest program in the NAIA since 1991, have played a difficult schedule, including a 13-8 record against teams in the Top-25.  OCU is led on the mound by Rich Hawkins (11-2 1.95 ERA), Blake Schwartz (11-3 3.55 ERA), and Cody Crabaugh (10-2 3.70 ERA), along with closer Patrick Goelz (2-1 1.26 ERA, 8 saves).  Offensively, Denny Crabaugh’s bunch is among the national leaders in batting average (.352) and home runs (88), paced by first-baseman Miguel Beltran (.395 25 HR 71 RBI), right-fielder Dane Phillips (.423 14 HR 66 RBI), shortstop Chris Munoz (.398 11 HR 43 RBI), and catcher Chad Carman (.391 10 HR 48 RBI).  The Yotes and OCU have met four times, with the two teams splitting the contests, while the Stars have a 32-25 all-time record at the World Series.  LC-State (41-12) earned the host berth to the World Series for the 13th-straight year and are making their record 31st appearance, having won 16 national titles.  The Warriors took the NAIA West regular season title and had an 8-4 record against Top-25 teams.  Gary Picone’s pitching staff is led by NAIA West Pitcher of the Year Michael Noteware (9-2 2.03 ERA), along with Anthony Armanino (9-1 2.10 ERA) and Austin Pentecost (6-3 2.78 ERA).  Offensively, L-C is led by slugging third-baseman Alfonso Casillas (.372 10 HR 62 RBI), along with second-baseman Trent Bridges (.396 4 HR 32 RBI), designated hitter Braxton Miller (.314 9 HR 47 RBI), and center-fielder Jordan Payne (.345 2 HR 31 RBI, 18 SB).  The Warriors won 3-of-5 meetings with the Yotes this season and holds a 146-44-1 series lead on The C of I.

OTHERS IN THE TOURNAMENT: Five other potential opponents’ for the Coyotes are in the World Series, including top-seeded LSU-Shreveport, as the Pilots (51-4) make their third appearance at the event.  Greg Friesen (.394 12 HR 60) and Jared Mortensen (11-1 1.48 ERA) lead LSU-S, the Red River Conference champs, as the Pilots are 4-0 this season against Top-25 teams.  No.4 seeded Embry-Riddle is making their 11th appearance in the World Series and has a quality 13-8 record against ranked teams.  The Eagles (43-16), the Sun Conference regular-season champs, are paced by Chris Page (.316 7 HR 53 RBI) and Kevin Maloney (9-0 1.68 ERA).  Fifth-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan looks for their first-ever win at the World Series, taking a 0-4 record at the event to Lewiston.  The Bulldogs (48-11) have played a tough schedule, including a 10-7 record vs. Top-25 teams, and are led by Jeremy Fitzgerald (10-0 3.75 ERA) and Taylor Oldham (.361 19 HR 83 RBI) – one of four players for TWC with 10-or-more homers.  Two teams making their first-ever World Series appearance will meet in Friday’s second game – as Rogers State and South Carolina-Beaufort square off.  The Diamond Cats (45-14) won the Hutchinson Opening Round site over Tabor (Kan.), despite being a No. 3 seed, and have a 7-7 record vs. Top-25 teams.  RSU is led by Collin Campbell (.362 7 HR 54 RBI) and Shawn Spainhoward (9-2 2.87 ERA).  The Sand Sharks (40-17) won the Opening Round site they hosted by working their way out of the losers’ bracket, posting a 6-7 record against Top-25 teams this season.  USCB is led by Ty Main (.317 5 HR 35 RBI) and Michael Heesch (9-2 2.13 ERA, 108 K).

FINAL NATIONAL POLL: With their runner-up finish at the NAIA West Grouping Qualifying Tournament, the Coyotes dropped one spot in the final regular-season NAIA Top-25 Poll, falling to the No. 3 team in the “others receiving votes” category.  The C of I received 51 voter points, 42 points fewer than last week – but completed the season earning votes in every poll during 2012.  LSU-Shreveport is ranked No. 1, followed by Lee, Oklahoma City, Azusa Pacific, and Faulkner.  Tennessee Wesleyan finished No. 6, Embry-Riddle was No. 8, Lewis-Clark State No. 9, Point Park No. 12, USC-Beaufort No. 15, and Rogers State No. 23.  The C of I received votes in every Top-25 poll throughout the season, climbing as high as No. 20.

40-WIN SEASON: With their win over Menlo at the NAIA Opening Round Azusa site, the Yotes recorded their first 40-win season since 2002 and their ninth 40-win season in program history.  The Coyotes have won at least 25 games in each season since baseball was reinstated at the College in 1987, while they have won 30-or-more games 19 times, 35-or more games 12 times, and 50-or-more games twice.

GRIFFITHS, NICHOLSON CONTINUE POSTSEASON SUCCESS: The Coyotes have rode a pair of arms during the NAIA West Tournament and the NAIA Opening Round, as right-handers Todd Griffiths (Meridian, Idaho / Lower Columbia CC) and Taylor Nicholson (Emmett, Idaho / Columbia Basin CC) have been dominant.  Griffiths tossed a complete game five-hit shutout in the semifinals of the Opening Round tournament against Menlo, following it up by allowing just three earned runs in eight-plus innings of work on just two days rest, in the clinching victory over Azusa Pacific.  Nicholson went eight-plus innings in a win over Shorter (Ga.) last Thursday, then picked up the win in the title game vs. Azusa Pacific.  Griffiths has thrown 27 innings in the postseason, with a 2-0 record and a 1.30 ERA, while Nicholson is 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA in 18 innings of work, striking out 17.

BIG WEEK WITH THE BATS: The Yotes bats came alive in California, as The C of I logged a team batting average of .340 in the four games.  Tanner Hodges (Sisters, Ore.  / Mount Hood CC) went 8-for-16 with three RBI, Zach Fabricius (Fruitland, Idaho / Treasure Valley CC) went 8-for-19 with five runs scored, and Tyler Andazola (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) went 5-for-15 with a homer and five RBI – which led the team for the tournament.

INJURY BUG BITES YOTES: The Yotes had a pair of key injuries during the Opening Round tournament – as both Jesse Dodd (Eagle, Idaho / Loyola Marymount U.) and Izaac Garsez (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) were dinged up a bit.  Dodd missed the final two games with an ankle injury and is questionable for the World Series, while Garsez injured his foot and was forced into a designated hitter role for the final two games of the series.  Garsez will be available throughout the World Series.

CONFERENCE/NATIONAL LEADERS: Six Coyotes rank among the top-five in the NAIA West statistical categories – paced by Izaac Garsez, who leads the league in batting average (.396), hits (91), runs scored (75), and triples (12), ranking No. 2 in stolen bases (29), No. 3 in home runs (8), and No. 4 in both RBI (52) and doubles (19).  Garsez leads the NAIA in triples and triples per game, ranking No. 5 in runs per game and total bases.  Tanner Hodges leads the NAIA West in RBI (66), ranking No. 3 in hits (81) and No. 5 in batting average (.373), while Jarel Lewis (Boise, Idaho / Capital HS) is No. 1 in doubles (24), ranking No. 3 in RBI (56) and No. 4 in hits (78).  Lewis is No. 5 nationally in doubles.  Jeffrey Harris (Caldwell, Idaho / Wenatchee Valley CC) is No. 2 in the NAIA West in hits (83), ranking third in both stolen bases (28) and batting average (.381), while Taylor Nicholson is No. 3 in ERA (2.47) and Todd Griffiths is No. 4 in ERA (2.58).

RECORD BOOK: As a team, the Yotes have established a season record for innings pitched (526.1) – breaking the former mark of 525, set in 2004, while they have tied the record for triples in a season (22).  Individually, Izaac Garsez has broke the record for triples in a season (12), ranking No. 3 on the single-season list for runs scored (75), No. 4 in hits (91), and No. 8 in stolen bases (29).  Todd Griffiths has tied the record for saves (7), ranking No. 7 in appearances (24), while Jarel Lewis is No. 2 on the doubles list (24).  Michael Garza (Othello, Wash. / Columbia Basin CC) is No. 2 on the appearances list (28), while Tanner Hodges is No. 7 in RBI (66).  Chad Yeggy (Boise, Idaho / Centennial HS) rounds out the single-season list, ranking No. 6 in starts (15) and No. 7 in innings pitched (102.0).  Four players have cracked the career record book, as Garsez holds the record for triples (30), ranking No. 4 in stolen bases (69) and runs scored (181), No. 5 in home runs (27), RBI (150), and hits (228), No. 7 in doubles (44) and at bats (656), No. 8 in games started (171) and No. 10 in games played (185).  Yeggy ranks No. 3 in saves (10), No. 4 in appearances (75), No.5 in innings pitched (232.1), No. 7 in strikeouts (140), and No. 8 in wins (18), with Griffiths No. 6 in saves (9) and No. 8 in shutouts (3), and Lewis No. 9 in hit-by-pitches (32) and No. 10 in doubles (41).

GRADUATION THREE DAYS LATE: The C of I held their annual spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday morning – while the Coyotes were at the Opening Round tournament in California.  However, six players were able to earn their diplomas in a special ceremony on Tuesday afternoon – Jesse Dodd, Tanner Hodges, Chad Yeggy, Andrew Sewell (Lakewood, Wash. / Pierce CC), Brett Ward (Nampa, Idaho / Nampa HS), and Joshua Orr (Port Townsend, Wash. / Lane CC).

GAME RECAP – C OF I 6, SHORTER 4: The C of I pounded out 16 hits, using a four-run ninth inning to defeat No. 18 ranked Shorter University, 6-4, in Game 2 of the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round, Thursday in Azusa, Calif.  The C of I never trailed in the game, but led just 2-1 heading into the ninth inning. Parker Vernon (Redmond, Ore. / Redmond HS) led off with a walk, moving to third on an errant pickoff throw and a wild pitch, scoring on a Jarel Lewis RBI double. Jeffrey Harris followed with an RBI triple to make it 4-1, with Jesse Dodd plating a run with a sacrifice fly. Brett Ward capped the inning with a two-out RBI single.  The Yotes would need every run, as Taylor Nicholson tired in the ninth inning - giving up back-to-back two-out solo home runs to the Hawks Cal Hardie and Willie Lewis. Michael Garza came in and allowed a double to Antonio Walcott and an RBI single to Bobby Triglia to bring the tying run to the plate. However, Todd Griffiths came in and got Blake McCullers to ground out to third to end the game - picking up his team-high seventh save of the year. Nicholson picked up his eighth win of the year, allowing just three earned runs and striking out six.  A double by Harris in the second was followed by a run-scoring single by Dodd to give the Yotes a 1-0 lead, but it could have been more, as The C of I had a runner thrown out at the plate in the third and stranding the bases loaded in the fourth. SU drew even in the fifth, putting runners and second and third with one out, with Walcott delivering a run with a fielders' choice. The Coyotes took the lead for good in the seventh on a Tanner Hodges RBI single.  Hodges, Griffiths, and Zach Fabricius each had three hits for the Coyotes, with Dodd driving in two runs. Lewis and Triglia had three hits for the Hawks - who were playing their first-ever NAIA Tournament game.

GAME RECAP – C OF I 7, MENLO 0:  Todd Griffiths tossed a complete game five-hit shutout, helping The C of I within one win of their first trip to the AVISTA-NAIA World Series since 2002, defeating rival Menlo College, 7-0, the semifinal round of the NAIA National Championships Opening Round, Friday in Azusa, Calif.  The senior, from Meridian, was dominant, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning - striking out a career-high nine batters. Griffiths was helped by his defense, as double plays ended Oaks threats in both the seventh and ninth innings.  The Yotes jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead, as Tanner Hodges lined an RBI single in the opening frame, with the lead extended to 3-0 in the fourth, on a two-out, two-run single by Tyler Andazola. The C of I would add a Jarel Lewis two-run home run in the seventh to make it 5-0, plating two runs in the eighth - as Brett Ward scored on a wild pitch, another scoring on a Lewis RBI double.  Lewis went 3-for-5 with three RBI in the win, with Ward going 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Zach Fabricius had two hits and a trio of runs scored - as the Yotes piled up 12 hits.  No Menlo player had more than one hit - with Derek Martinez allowing five earned runs in the loss.

GAME RECAP – AZUSA PACIFIC 5, C OF I 2: Azusa Pacific jumped out to a 5-0 lead and hung on in the late innings, defeating The C of I, 5-2, to force a winner-take-all championship game Monday at the NAIA Baseball National Championships Opening Round site in Azusa, Calif.  Sammy Soyring led off the first for APU with a double, scoring on a Jordan Leyland sacrifice fly, to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. J.C. Aguayo pushed the lead to 3-0 in the second with a two-run homer, with Johnathan Erb rocketing an RBI single in the third and a solo homer in the sixth to make it 5-0.  The Coyotes, who stranded runners in scoring position in the first, second, and sixth - had a big opportunity in the seventh. The C of I loaded the bases with no outs, with Todd Griffiths following with an RBI single to make it 5-1. However, a strikeout and double play ball got APU out of trouble. In the ninth, the Yotes loaded the bags again with no outs, plating a run on a groundout by Parker Vernon - but with the tying run at the plate, a strikeout and pop up ended the contest.  Michael Finnigan allowed just six hits and one run to pick up his seventh win, with Colby Gurney getting the final three outs for his third save. Soyring and Erb had the lone multi-hit games for the Cougars.  Tyler Andazola went 3-for-3 with a stolen base and a walk in the loss, with Zach Fabricius going 2-for-5.

GAME RECAP: C OF I 7, AZUSA PACIFIC 6: Tanner Hodges eluded the tag of catcher Matt Page to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting The C of I to a 7-6 victory over Azusa Pacific in the championship game of the NAIA Baseball Championships Opening Round site in Azusa, Calif.  The No. 4 ranked Cougars trailed 6-4 in the ninth, but took advantage of a C of I error to tie the score. APU had runners at second and third, with slugger Jordan Leyland lining a two-run single down the left field line to deadlock the game.  In the bottom of the ninth, Hodges singled with one out and Jeffrey Harris moved him to third with a base hit. APU brought in reliever Alan Garcia and brought in a fifth infielder, however, Tyler Andazola hit a 0-2 pitch to the right side – first-baseman Leyland knocked the ball down, but his throw home was late.  Todd Griffiths, pitching on two days rest, went eight-plus innings, allowing just three earned runs, in a no-decision for the Yotes. Taylor Nicholson got out of trouble in the ninth, picking up his team-leading ninth victory.  The C of I took a 1-0 lead in the first, as Zach Fabricius singled and scored on a Hodges RBI base hit. APU took a 2-1 lead in the third on a two-run Johnathan Erb home run, but the Yotes came back to score four in the bottom of the inning. Singles by Izaac Garsez, Jarel Lewis, and Hodges loaded the bases, with Harris tying the score with a base hit. Andazola gave the Yotes the lead with an RBI fielders’ choice, with Brett Ward making it 4-2 with an RBI single and Andrew Sewell delivered a sacrifice fly.  The Cougars clawed back, scoring a run in the fourth on a C of I error, adding an RBI single by J.C. Aguayo in the fifth to make it 5-4 – stranding the bases loaded. Andazola made it a two-run game in the fifth, hitting a leadoff homer for The C of I. Griffiths retired 10 straight batters until APU’s rally in the ninth.  Hodges led the 11-hit attack with a 3-for-4 morning, with Lewis and Harris each going 2-for-5. Leyland and Erb each had two hits and two RBI for the Cougars in the loss.

ABOUT THE COACH: The 2012 season marks the 25th year in The C of I baseball program for head coach Shawn Humberger, his 12th year as Coyote skipper. Last season, he led the squad to a 33-21 mark and advanced to the title game of the NAIA West Qualifying Tournament. During his tenure, Humberger has compiled a 406-259-1 record, including a third-place finish at the 2002 NAIA World Series and a trip to the 2010 and 2012 NAIA National Tournaments. He has been named CCC Coach of the Year on six different occasions (2002, 2005, 2006. 2007, 2008, and 2009), along with earning NAIA Region I Coach-of-the-Year and CCC Men's Coach-of-the-Year for all sports in 2002. A native of Twin Falls, Idaho, Humberger graduated from Twin Falls High, played for the College of Southern Idaho for two seasons, and played at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas for one year. In 1984, Humberger was part of the CSI national championship junior-college team. In addition, he was named to the 1985 Junior College All-America team. Humberger, a 1989 C of I graduate, also served as the facilities coordinator for the J.A. Albertson Activities Center for ten years, is a physical education instructor at the College, and coached Nampa's American Legion baseball program for eight seasons.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on The C of I baseball program, head to the official homepage of the Coyotes, http://www.collegeofidaho.edu/baseball.