Cougar Baseball and Softball Teams Look Strong

The Kalamazoo Valley Community College men's baseball team plays its first home game against Davenport University at 1 p.m. on March 31. The team is coming off its best season in school history, after setting the school record for wins in a season, going 40-18 overall and finishing 17-9 in the MCCAA. The Cougars finished fourth in the final standings and qualified for the regional tournament. This year the Cougars return four players who were named to the Region 12 “top returners” list by the NJCAA: team captain Drew Shutes, team captain Matt Higgs, Tanner Graham, and Nolan Potter. Last season’s team ranked 17th in the nation in team winning percentage and 24th in the nation in team fielding percentage.



The 2013 season is an exciting time for the program as first year head coach Cody Piechocki looks to put his stamp on the program. “I was fortunate to have a great sophomore class returning as well as an excellent group of freshmen coming in. On top of that, I was able to assemble a great coaching staff. All together I have been able to lay the foundation for what should be a very successful era for Kalamazoo Valley baseball,” states Coach Piechocki.

The team provides depth across the board, featuring athletic players at each position and a wide array of quality pitchers. “I took this job with the full expectation of creating a regional and national power that can compete for conference championships and world-series births,” Piechocki said. The team looks forward to an exciting 2013 season and plans to take the first step towards building a perennial powerhouse.

View 2013 Cougar Baseball Roster



The Women’s Cougar softball team has five returning sophomores who contributed significantly on last year’s team, winning the conference championship, ending the season with a 29-3 conference record and a 38-10 overall record. A deep and talented group of freshmen has been added to the roster, according to Head Coach Mike Clark. “This season, we have the deepest, strongest pitching staff we have had at Kalamazoo Valley,” Clark said. “The 2013 Cougars will be a fast, talented team that will play with great passion and excitement. This group has and will continue the tradition of working hard and playing with pride.”

View 2013 Cougar Softball Roster