The Peacock Preview series is dedicated to providing in-depth coverage of the Upper Iowa spring teams. Over the remainder of this month, each of the five spring championship sports will be featured in the series. The Peacock baseball team is now in the spotlight with previews breaking down the outfielders, the infielders and catchers and the pitchers.
BREAKDOWN: Returners: Martin Valdez,
Dan Cwiertniak,
Blake Seehusen,
Matt Banks,
Tanner Funke,
Tom Heying,
Miguel Helguera,
Nick Wills
Newcomers: Mason Buster,
Jake Barron,
Brett Fanning,
Mitch Moser,
Nic Pierick,
Sawyer Bawek,
Matt Meulemans,
Charley Cunningham,
Tyler Klieforth,
Derek Nelson,
Ross Kulick,
Kyle Kluver,
Garrett Arnold,
Jacob Black,
Anthony Ruden
Highlights: After transferring from East Los Angeles College as a junior, Martin Valdez dazzled in his first season with the Peacocks ultimately earning NSIC Newcomer of the Year honors and an All-NSIC Second Team nod. The southpaw posted a 5-1 record with an earned run average of 2.18, fifth lowest in the NSIC, through 53.2 innings. Valdez appeared in eight games starting seven of them and averaged 6.71 innings per start, the NSIC's highest average. UIU's ace recorded five complete games and three shutouts. His strikeout to walk ratio was more than 4:1 with 59 k's, sixth most in the NSIC, and only 14 free passes on the year.
Assistant Coach Kevin Post:Â Originally from Kiel, Wisconsin,
Kevin Post knows a thing or two about pitching. In his playing days, he was a pitcher at the University of Charleston (WV). He graduated cum laude with his B.S. in Sports Management and graduated with his M.A. in Health and Physical Education from Union College. Prior to donning a Peacock uniform, Post held several Head and Assistant Coaching positions. His previous coaching stints included assistant coaching positions at Union College (KY) and Jefferson Davis CC (AL), as well as head coaching positions with the Due West Indians (SC) of the the Southern Collegiate League and the Sheboygan A's (WI) of the Wisconsin State League. In college stints, he has coached 1 All-American, 6 All-Conference honorees, and had 3 of his pitchers drafted into professional baseball. Nowadays, Post serves as the Assistant Baseball Coach at UIU and an instructor in the Health and Physical Education Department. His main duties include overseeing the development of the pitching staff and coordinating the Peacock's recruiting efforts.Â
Expectations: According to Coach Post... "These guys have really worked their tails off since Day 1 in the fall. They all seem to have a chip on their shoulder and feel like they have something to prove both individually and collectively. It is a real joy for me to be around these guys. They all want to improve and work hard each day and that attitude is contagious. One thing is for certain, these guys will compete."
Depth: "I feel very good about where we are at this point heading into the season. Our guys are healthy, strong, and getting better every day. They are buying into their roles and we have a lot of guys who bring their own strengths to the table. We will be able to do some things with the number of quality pitchers we have."
Individually Speaking: Left-Handers: Martin Valdez…"He can flat-out pitch. He commands all his pitches and sets the tone for our pitching staff. Martin is a great example to the younger guys in the program. He prepares like a professional and gets the job done regardless of the situation or adversity involved. Valdez will give us a chance to win every time he gets the ball."
Miguel Helguera…"Miguel is a senior who sat out last season with arm troubles. He has a great work ethic and looks to make a positive contribution to this year's staff."
Tanner Funke… "Tanner saw significant innings last year and gained experience in the Northern Sun. He has shown improvement and looks to make a positive contribution this year."
Right Handers: Dan Cwiertniak…"Dan was in our rotation last year. I look for him to make a jump this year. He has made great strides from last year and we know he will take us deeper into games with the adjustments he has made. Dan is a competitor whose time is now."
Mason Buster… "Mason has come in and established himself through the fall and winter. We expect him to be in the starting rotation. He comes from a very strong junior college program and knows what it takes to be successful at a high level."
Jake Barron…"Jake comes to us after two very successful years of junior college ball. We look to him to be a steady presence on this year's staff."
Brett Fanning… "Brett is beyond his years when it comes to metal makeup on the mound. He is very even keeled and keeps his emotions in check. Brett's best days are still ahead of him, but he will help us early in his career. He shows great command and is ready to be successful at this level."
Charley Cunningham…"Charley is another junior college addition who will help us in any role that is needed. He brings a unique dimension to our staff that should prove to be very vital. He commands the zone and will attack hitters."
Matt Banks…"Matt had a very rough go of it last year. He learned some very valuable lessons and he will look to erase the bad memories of the past. His time is now and the adjustments and improvements he has made will make him successful. I am confident that Matt will show people the kind of pitcher and competitor that he really is this year."
Blake Seehusen…"Blake had his season taken away from him by an injury last year. What he showed in his rehab was impressive and inspiring. He stayed here all summer, got up early and did his rehab, then went and worked a full time construction job. A former wrestler in high school, Blake doesn't take any shortcuts. He is very close to being back to full strength and I think he is even better than before the injury. Blake will be a leader on this staff now and for years to come."
Nic Pierick… "Nic is a bulldog who competes. He will pound the ball down in the zone and doesn't get rattled easily. We look for him to be in some role this year."
Anthony Ruden…"Anthony is a talented youngster who has shown some good things throughout the fall and winter. He knows what he's doing on the mound and has prepared to be successful. We look for him to make a solid contribution this year."
Sawyer Bawek… "Sawyer came in this fall and looked strong. He's a guy who quietly goes about his business and gets the job done."
Matt Meulemans… "Matt competes and is not afraid of putting in the time or the work necessary to be successful."
Tyler Klieforth…"Tyler has made huge strides since joining our program. He works hard and we have seen signs of what he can be. Like all pitchers, he is striving to be more consistent."
Final Thought: "I love these guys. They have "prepared to succeed". Now it is time to let them out of the nest and fly. I can't wait to see what they are able to accomplish individually and as a staff."
Up Next: The Peacock Preview series will break down the infielders and the catchers for the UIU baseball team.
