Inside Pitch represented at Jack Howell College Classic in Tucson, Arizona!

This past weekend 8 High School Inside Pitch students flew down to Tucson Arizona for some spring training and to get a taste of college competition. We joined forces with Protrain, based out of Vancouver, B.C., coached by the legendary Jim Chapman, (AKA Chappy). Chappy has been a professional scout and coach for over 25years. We trained for 3 days prior to the tournament at the Kino Sports Complex and played one exhibition game against Mayville U. on the main MLB park at the complex. Our competition was a who's who of JC baseball in the southern USA. We ended up with a 3-3 record, with a great contribution from all the Inside Pitch students.

Some of the highlights were Justin Nychuck coming in to close out a 6-4 game against Odessa from Texas. We had beat this team the year before and they were not happy. With the entire Odessa team on their feet in the 7th inning, Justin went in there and nailed down the victory with his first save against a college team. He showed great composure and topped out at a personal best of 85 mph. He quickly proved that he could fit in at the college level. Justin also enjoyed time in all outfield positions showing his versatility as a player and value to teams at the next level. Graeme Scott also got off to a fast start, in his first at bat he hit a triple to the deepest part of the stadium at Tucson Electric Park. Chappy remarked on his size, strength, and speed for a big man, 6'2 and 215lbs. Graeme attracted attention during the tournament and will no doubt garner offers from colleges down south in the near future. Dylan Kozak, a LHP who recently signed a full ride scholarship with Wharton College in Texas, showed that he won't have a problem fitting in next year in probably the best JC conference in the USA. Dylan had 2 outings, both successful. His second outing he stepped in for a scoreless inning of work against top ranked, 10x JC champion Indian Hills. This outing was highlighted by a 3 pitch strike out of the lead-off batter, setting the tone early. Cooper Skjeie didn't get a ton of time in the field but he did have some great at bats. Coop showed that he can hit at the next level and was never over-powered. He did have to hit the "ice bath" after getting plunked 3 times in the tourney! Brendan Bergen and Scott Akerlund both stepped in and contributed in 2 outings each. These guys threw strikes and competed every time out and I have received calls from colleges for both already. Giles Virgin showed his experience came in handy from last year as he got the nod to start game 1 of the tournament against Odessa. He showed great stuff and composure and will definitely play a big roll in Panola Tx. where he has already signed a full ride scholarship. Another highlight of the trip was Conner Leoppky, a grade 10 student. Conner stepped in and showed a maturity beyond his years. He came in against Eastern Arizona and was very effective. He also played a part in the win against Indian Hills college with a great inning of work. Look for big things from Conner in the future!

If interested in joining Inside Pitch in the future please feel free to contact us at 306.591.6165 or email insidepitch@cableregina.com. We will be returning to the Classic in March 2012, as well we are planning a trip to Arizona in the Fall of 2011. Applications are being accepted now.

Morgan Reiter, B.A.(Honors), TSU
IPBA President
306.591.6165
NPA Certified Instructor
Inside Pitch Baseball Academy
www.insidepitch.ca

Photos

The boys at the Jack Howell Classic in Tucson, Arizona at the Diamondbacks spring training facilities.

Conner L. and Giles V. charting

Dylan Kozak piching against Nationally-ranked Indian Hills

Conner Leoppky on the mound

Jim Chapman (scout with the world champion San Fran Giants), Morgan Reiter, Giles Virgin