Porter Marley- Rigby, ID

1. Marley joins Miles CC BaseballAugust 8, 2015(Miles City, MT) Miles Community College head baseball coach Jeff Brabant has announced the signing of Porter Marley from Rigby, ID for the 2015-2016 season.Porter Marley- 6’2”-220- IF Rigby, ID/Rigby HSMarley is the son of Greg and Catrina Marley and is a 2015 graduate of Rigby High School. While at Rigby, Marley was an honor roll student for all four years while competing on the baseball diamond for head coach Ray Swanson.In his senior season, Marley was named as an Honorable Mention first baseman in which he hit .342, with 6 doubles, 12 walks, and had an on base percentage of .500. The past few summers he has competed for the Rigby American Legion program.While at MCC, Marley plans to work towards his Bachelor’s degree in computer business.On why Marley chose MCC: “I was very impressed with how personable and tight knit the college is. It is very family oriented.”

Coach Brabant on the signing of Marley: “Porter is a great find for us so late in the recruiting process. He has the ability to be a difference maker in our program. He has great character, is a great student and he'll fit right in the structure we have for our players. I am excited to see his career unfold as a Pioneer.”

2. Pioneer Baseball Announces Coaching ChangesJuly 20, 2015Sanchez joins MCC as Assistant Baseball Coach and Sports Information Director(Miles City, MT)- Miles Community College head baseball coach Jeff Brabant has announced that former Pioneer player Alfonso Sanchez will replace Dan McKinney on the Pioneer coaching staff. McKinney has resigned to pursue other professional opportunities after serving as an assistant under Coach Brabant for the past three seasons.Sanchez joins the coaching staff after spending the last two seasons (2014-2015) as a middle infielder for the Pioneers. A native of Duarte, CA, Sanchez graduated high school in 2010 after his family relocated to Burley, ID. In Burley, Sanchez played high school and legion baseball for head coach Devon Kunz. His legion teammates included former Pioneers players Jake Mills, Slade Winmill, and current Pioneer, Taylor Carson.Sanchez’s primary responsibilities with Miles CC will be handling the catchers, outfielders, and hitters. He is eager to begin his coaching career at his alma mater.“I am excited for the opportunity that has been presented by Coach Brabant. I look forward to giving back to the program that has given me so much and to help aide in the continued success of Pioneer Baseball,” said Sanchez.This summer, Sanchez has served multiple coaching roles in assisting head coach Jeff Brabant with the Legion “A” Miles City Mavericks and was the co-head coach of the 13U Babe Ruth All-Star State Champions, the Miles City Mudcats.After suiting up for the Pioneers and spending time in program, Coach Brabant believes that the transition from player to assistant coach will be a seamless transition for Sanchez."We talk a lot about developing relationships with our players and that someday, with a select few, you would like them to come back and coach with me. Today is that day. I am excited to have Coach Sanchez be my assistant. He knows my system, he knows my philosophy and he knows what we need to be recruited. He'll step right in and hit the ground running. Coach McKinney has been right in the middle of grooming Sanchez as his replacement. Coach McKinney has been an outstanding asset to this program, this school and this community. He made a profound impact in this area in just his three short years here. He will certainly be missed and you can't replace him,” said Brabant.In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Sanchez will also serve as the Sports Information Director at Miles Community College. Sanchez has already begun his duties.Miles Community College will begin the 2015-2016 season when fall ball kicks off Monday, August 31st. The Pioneers welcome back a host of former Pioneers for alumni weekend beginning Friday, September 4th. The weekend’s festivities will conclude on Sunday, September 6th when the Pioneers square off against the alumni in a doubleheader at Tedesco Field in Miles City. The Pioneers are currently scheduled to play 20 games over the fall semester and will be headed into their second season as a Division 1 member of the Empire Conference.

3. Pioneers fall in extra innings twice, earn split on Sunday in series finale against NJCApril 13, 2015(Sterling, CO) Miles Community College fell 5 times at the hands of the Plainsman of Northeastern Junior College as the Pioneers dropped to 11-26 overall and 3-21 in Region IX play.In the series, MCC was on the losing end of 2 extra inning ball games and 3 walk off wins for NJC.Game 1: NJC 8, MCC 1MCC pushed across their lone run in the 4th inning when Zach Robinson grounded out to second base to plate Michael Gahan.NJC had 8 runs on 12 hits, while MCC had 2 hits and committed 3 errors in the loss.Starter Tristan Shockley was tagged with the loss as he went 3 innings, surrendering 9 hits and 3 runs.Sean O'Connell and Brandon Kemp had the lone hits for MCCGame 2: NJC 5, MCC 0NJC pushed across 4 runs in the first inning off of MCC starter Kolton Bleggi and tagged one more on in the 4th as they shut out MCC, 5-0.NJC scored 5 runs on 8 hits while MCC tallied 5 hits. Zach Robinson finished 2-3, while Gahan, Cole Ashby, and Zach Neuhaus recorded the other hits for MCC.Game 3: NJC 4, MCC 1- 9 InningsTied at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th, NJC first baseman Tyler Vandebark sent a three-run homerun over the left center field fence for the 4-1 Plainsman victory.Starter Cole Ashby was tagged with the loss after walking the lead-off hitter in the inning before giving way to relief man Michael Garcia. Ashby threw a stellar 8 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 4 hitters.After NJC pushed across a run in the 3rd inning, MCC responded with a single run in the 4th on an RBI single from Bleggi.Cadis Chase, Alfonso Sanchez, and Bleggi had the only hits for MCC.Game 4: NJC 5, MCC 4Like a broken record, NJC found a way to outlast the Pioneers as they won on a walk-off single in the bottom of the 7th for the 5-4 victoryStarter Michael Gahan dropped his record to 2-2 after throwing 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 9 hits. MCC was hampered by 2 errors.The Pioneers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after Brandon Kemp and Tyler Reitz led off the game with back to back singles. After Robinson sacrificed Kemp to third and Reitz to 2nd, Cadis Chase hit a 1 out 2 RBI double to left field to score Kemp and Reitz.Miles CC would tack on another run in the 3rd on a sacrifice fly out off the bat of Chase and would push their 4th and final run across the plate on a double from Kemp in the 4th inning to plate Zach Neuhaus.With the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the 7th, NJC would celebrate after Lucas Lingreen plated the 5th run for NJC on an RBI single.

Game 5: NJC 12, MCC 11-8 inningsIn game 5 of the series, MCC would taste defeat in walk-off fashion for the 3rd straight game, 12-11 in 8 innings.After NJC jumped out to an early 5-0 lead after 2 innings, MCC chipped away with a single run in the 3rd inning when Cameron Guevara scored on an error by the Northeastern shortstop.After NJC scored a run in the bottom of the 4th to make it 6-1, MCC would tie the game at 6-6 in the 5th inning when 5 Pioneers crossed the plate, all coming with 2 outs.Zach Robinson got the ball rolling in the 5th with a double to centerfield followed by a single from Bleggi to score Robinson. Josh Meader followed Bleggi's at bat with a walk followed by a single from Shockley.Catcher Hans Madsen plated Bleggi and Meader with a double, while Shockley came across to score on a wild pitch. Madsen would later score on an error by the NJC shortstop.Miles took a 10-6 lead the next inning after scoring 4 runs in the 6th. Guevara, Ashby, and Robinson all singled to load the bases followed by Bleggi's RBI single to score Guevara from 3rd for the first run of the inning. Ashby would score on a throwing error and Robinson would come home on an RBI single from Shockley. MCC scored their final run of the frame on an RBI sacrifice fly from Hans Madsen.With a comfortable 10-6 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th, NJC came storming back with 4 runs in the frame to tie the game. Jaron Balman lead off the inning with a solo home-run over the right field fence and pinch hitter Nick Dimpfel connected for a 3-run shot later in the inning.After Tristan Shockley put the Pioneers up 11-10 in the top of the 8th with a towering homerun to left field, NJC would plate the game winning run on a bases loaded walk-off walk.Starter Sean Getchell gave up 8 runs on 14 hits in 7 strong innings of work for the no decision.Offensively, MCC was charged by Hans Madsen's 2-4 day at the plate that included 3 RBI's. Tristan Shockley added a 3-5 day and 2 RBI's, while Robinson finished 3-5 as well. Guevara was 3-4 and Bleggi was 2-5 with 2 RBI's. MCC received doubles from Madsen, Robinson, and Neuhaus.Game 6: MCC 11, NJC 1-5 inningsIn a game shortened to the 10-run rule, MCC jumped on NJC starter Jacob Kreiger scoring 3 runs apiece in the 2nd and 3rd innings and closing the door with a 5 run 5th inning.Josh Meader would have the hot bat on the day as he finished 2-3 with 5 RBI's, while Neuhaus added 1 hit and 4 RBI's. Sean O'Connell was a perfect 2-2 on the day, while Chase added a double, and Westin McCord added a triple as MCC ended a 17 game conference losing streak.Zach Shelstad picked up his first win of the season as he improved his record to 1-3. Shelstad hurled a complete game, giving up the lone run on 5 hits while striking out 6 Plainsman.MCC takes a break from conference play as they host a mid-week doubleheader with former Mon-Dak rival Williston State College on Wednesday, April 15th.

4. Former Pioneer head baseball coach Rob Bishop reaches 500 win markMarch 25, 2015*(The Sports Information Department at MSUB and Billings Gazette contributed to this article)*

(Billings, MT) Former Pioneer Baseball head coach Rob Bishop earned his 500th career victory this past weekend as his Montana State University-Billings Yellowjackets earned a 4-game series sweep at Northwest Nazarene University.A native of Miles City, Bishop entered the weekend with 498 victories, in a career that started at Huron University, lasted a decade at Miles Community College and is in its fifth season with the Yellowjackets. His combined record sits at 502-289-1 dating back to the 1999-2000 season. MSUB is currently 11-16 on the season and 6-5 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.Bishop began the program at Miles Community College in Miles City, Mont., where he was the skipper for 10 seasons and the athletic director for five. With the help of current Pioneer head coach Jeff Brabant, the two put MCC on the map both regionally and nationally. Bishop led Miles CC to 10 conference championships, five consecutive regional championships (2006-2010) and qualified for the NJCAA College World Series in 2007.In his coaching stops at Miles Community College and Huron University, Bishop won an impressive 71 percent of his games as a head coach (414-169) and earned NJCAA Region IX Coach of the Year honors four consecutive years (2007-2010). He also was the Mon-Dak Athletic Conference Coach of the Year each of his 10 years at Miles. Bishop took over the athletic director position in July of 2005.Coach Brabant on his mentor and friend earning his 500th win: “Congrats to Rob on a huge accomplishment. The time and effort that goes into a milestone like this is not without struggles, hurdles, limitations and hours of involvement. Rob has plowed through those road blocks as a professional. I was honored to be under his tutelage for a majority of those wins. To move from team to team at different levels and continue to win is a testament to his relentless pursuit of building a class act program. You'll be seeing more milestones in years to come from Rob.”Prior to Miles, he was the head coach at Huron University in Huron, S.D., from 1999-2000, after serving as a graduate assistant coach at South Dakota State from 1997-99.Bishop and the Yellowjackets make their home debut this weekend when they host Saint Martin’s University March 27-28th.

5. Crowe joins Pioneer BaseballJanuary 29, 2015Montana product first to sign with Miles CC(Miles City, MT) Miles Community College head baseball coach Jeff Brabant has announced the signing of Dakota Crowe from Deer Lodge, Montana as the first commitment for the 2015-2016 season.Dakota Crowe- 5’10”-165- UTLDeer Lodge, MT/Powell County HSCrowe is the son of Jeff and Heidi Crowe. He currently attends Powell County High School where he competes in basketball and has been named to the Academic All-State team the past two seasons.In the classroom and at PCHS, he serves as the Vice President of his Senior Class, participates in National Honors Society, and has been on the honor roll each of his 4 years of high school.

On the baseball diamond, Crowe has played for his hometown Deer Lodge Wranglers American Legion program coached by Jeff Crowe, his father. He has been selected the Montana Class “A” All-State team twice and been named the Southern “A” District catcher of the year 2011-2014. In addition, he has been selected as the Wranglers hitter of the year 2012-2014. During the fall, he has participated and competed for Big Sky Baseball and head coach Duwayne Scott.While at MCC, Dakota plans on working towards his degree in Wildlife Biology.Crowe on choosing MCC: “I chose MCC because I really liked the coaches and the winning program that Coach Brabant has built. I also like the smallness of the college where everyone knows everyone."Coach Brabant on Crowe: "Our program has had a chance to watch Dakota grow and develop the last few years in Deer Lodge. Getting another quality Montana product is critical to our program. Dakota is a phenomenal student with great character and his intangibles will transfer easily into the mold of our program. We are excited to get him on campus next fall and we look for him to establish himself as a leader behind the dish next season."

6. Gahan inks with Regis UniversityDecember 11, 2014Pioneer Sophomore commits to Division II Rangers(Miles City, MT) Regis University has announced the signing of Miles Community College Sophomore Michael Gahan (Lismore, New South Wales, Australia) for the 2015-2016 class.Gahan, a utility player for the Pioneers will head to the RMAC Division II school located in Denver, Colorado in August as he will have the opportunity to pitch and play infield for the Rangers.As a freshman for Miles CC, Gahan hit .324 with 24 RBI's in 115 plate appearances. On the mound, Gahan went 8-1 with a 3.04 ERA in 50 innings of work. He was named to the MCC Presidents Honor Roll and was selected as a member of the 2013 Mon-Dak Athletic Conference Academic Team.Michael is the son of Anthony and Emma Gahan and will plan to major in Business or Health/Exercise Science at Regis.Regis Head Coach Chris Terry on the signing of Gahan: "Michael is a big sign for us at Regis. Michael possesses some great tools on the baseball field and we are looking forward to working with him. Gahan has the opportunity to step into the middle of our order and also the potential to step into our starting rotation on the mound." (Courtesy of the Sports Information Department at Regis University).Gahan on his signing with Regis: "The reason I chose Regis University is because of its reputable athletics programs and its academic excellence. The school has a lot of history, and you really get that feeling around campus. It is located in such a great area and the staff and students are exceptionally helpful. This is a great opportunity and I look forward to working with my future teammates to make a push for a National championship. While at Regis I am looking to major in either Business or Health and Exercise Science. I really have to thank my family, friends, teammates and all my coaches current and previous for all the time, effort and support that they have provided me with. I know without all these people this definitely wouldn't have

been possible. I’d also like to thank Coach Terry, Coach Pruitt, Coach Vig and Coach Weber for the opportunity to come in and compete for an everyday spot."

7. Kennedy and Pollock inducted into Pioneer Baseball Hall of FameSeptember 19, 2013Both earned All-Conference and All-American honors(Miles City, MT) Former Miles Community College Pioneer baseball players Kody Kennedy and Ryan Pollock were recently inducted into the Pioneer Baseball Hall of Fame. Head coach Jeff Brabant and former MCC head coach Rob Bishop, announced the selections at a recent alumni weekend gathering on Saturday September 14th.The Butte Montana products were selected as the first members to be inducted into the Pioneer hall as they have been key contributors in the thirteen year success of the program.Kody Kennedy (Butte, MT) - Kennedy pitched for the Pioneers during the 2008-2009 seasons. The southpaw was named an All-American as a sophomore, in which he finished with a 5-1 record and a 1.29 ERA in 42 innings of work. He struck out 63 opponents. He was also a two time All Mon-Dak conference selection. Kody finished his career as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in Mon-Dak and Pioneer baseball history. He finished his career at Montana State University-Billings, reuniting him with Coach Bishop. “It's an honor to be elected into the first ever Hall of Fame at Miles, especially with my teammate and good friend Ryan Pollock. We have been playing baseball together since we were 8 and to share this with him is very special”, said Kennedy.“I would like to thank Coach Bishop and Coach Brabant for giving me the chance to play and for seeing something in me, and ultimately making me the person I am today. I would also like to thank my former Pioneer teammates. Without them none of my success would have been possible. Lastly, big thanks to my parents and family that traveled many miles to watch me play and support my dream of baseball. To be part of the Miles baseball tradition, all the players recent and past and all the experiences I had at Miles, is something I will never forget.”Ryan Pollock (Butte, MT) – Pollock was a member of the Pioneer program during the 2007-2009 seasons. Similar to his Butte teammate, Pollock was also named an All-American in his sophomore campaign. In 34 innings of work he earned a 4-0 record with 33 strikeouts, and had a team best 0.53 ERA. Pollock was a two time All Mon-Dak conference selection as well. He joined Kennedy in Billings as the two finished up their careers together as Yellowjackets.“Obviously it's a huge honor being inducted into the hall of fame”, Pollock said. “I have to thank all of the people who coached me throughout my life, without them it wouldn't have been possible. I especially have to thank Coach Bishop and Coach Brabant for giving me the opportunity to continue my baseball career after my legion days in Butte. I was lucky to be part of some amazing teams which included a trip to the College World Series. I also have to thank my parents for always being there and supporting me no matter what.“It is special to be inducted with Kody, as a teammate and friend from Butte. We have been playing baseball with each other since we were 8 years old”.During their days at MCC, Pollock and Kennedy were under the guidance and tutelage of current head coach Jeff Brabant who previously served as the program’s pitching coach under Rob Bishop. “Kody and Ryan were special guys in our program and their numbers show that. These

guys were dominant on the mound and were great leaders on the staff. They were tremendous workers for us and are deserving of this honor. I am proud to have had the opportunity to coach them both”, stated MCC head coach Jeff Brabant.Coach Brabant and Coach Bishop plan on continuing the tradition of the Pioneer Baseball Hall of Fame, as two more inductees are expected to be announced in the fall of 2014.

8. Matheson named to NJCAA All-American second teamJune 10, 2014(Colorado Springs, CO) Former Pioneer catcher Brayden Matheson was recently named to the NJCAA Division II All-American Second Team.The sophomore from Alpine, UT earned the honors on the second team after helping the Pioneers earn their 14th consecutive Mon-Dak championship and a 36-10 record.This is Matheson's third post-season award after being named to the Mon-Dak All-Conference team and All Region IX team.After returning from a two year LDS mission, Matheson finished the 2014 season with a .411 batting average, 60 RBI's, 27 doubles, and 8 home-runs.Matheson will continue his baseball career at Lewis Clark-State College in Lewiston, ID. The Warriors finished as the NAIA national runner-up at the 2014 NAIA World Series.

9. Region IX names 4 Pioneers to All-Region TeamMay 14, 2014Horn named Region IX Pitcher of the Year(Beatrice, NE) On Tuesday, Region IX (NJCAA) named Pioneers Brayden Matheson, Myles Wesener, Dillon Peterson, and Riley Horn to the All-Region team.MCC was second with 4 representatives, with Southeast Community College in Beatrice, NE placing 5, and Dawson Community College placing 3.Matheson is a sophomore from Alpine, UT who was named to the team as the lone catcher. On the year, Matheson finished #1 for the Pioneers in many statistical categories including; 8 home-runs, 27 doubles, and 60 RBI's. He was 3rd on the team in hitting at a .411 clip.Wesener is a native of Banora Point, Australia. The sophomore represented MCC as an OF on the All-Region team. He was ranked first in hits with 69, scoring 55 runs, swiping 21 bases, and hitting 9 triples. He adding 9 doubles, 5 home-runs, 40 RBI's, and ended the year hitting .426.Bozeman Montana's Dillon Peterson finished #1 in average for MCC, hitting a team best .481. He scored 28 runs, while adding 8 doubles, 4 home-runs, and 40 RBI's.Ontario Oregon native Riley Horn was the lone MCC pitcher on the list as he ended his sophomore campaign with an ERA of 1.92 and a 7-1 record. In 56.1 innings of work, Horn gave up 47 hits, 12 earned runs, while striking out 61 opponents. Horn was named the Region IX Pitcher of the Year.NJCAA All-Region IX Division II Baseball TeamCreighton Wilke-Southeast CC: Player of the Year/First Base

Brayden Matheson-Miles Community College: CatcherJake Young-Dawson Community College: Second BaseTandon Dorn-SCC: Left FieldMyles Wesener-MCC: Center FieldBrett Kautzman-DCC: Defensive Player of the Year/Short StopColton Adams-SCC: PitcherDillon Peterson-MCC: Third BaseDanny Regan-SCC: Right FieldRiley Horn-MCC: Pitcher of the YearCody Valdez-SCC: PitcherRupert House-DCC: Designated Hitter

10. Pioneer Athletes Trick or Treat for a good causeMiles City, MT) On Thursday, October 23rd @ 6:30pm the Miles Community College athletic department will participate in the 2nd annual Trick or Treat for Canned Goods. MCC student-athletes from the Men’s Baseball, Women’s Basketball and Men’s Basketball teams will be collecting canned goods to fight hunger! Athletes will be dressed in Halloween costumes as part of a costume competition, and will be traveling from door to door around the Miles City area collecting donations. The collection process will conclude around 8:00 PM the evening of October 23rd. If the athletes do not visit your home and you would like to donate, please drop your contributions off at the Miles Community College Centra. All donations will then be delivered to the local food bank Friday morning. Head Women's Basketball Coach Liz Lewis believes in the contribution of MCC student-athletes helping give back to the Miles City community and paying it forward. “This event provides a great service opportunity for our athletes. By collecting and donating canned goods, we are able to take a moment and think about others who may be struggling this time of year. This is just a small act that can hopefully help a lot of people. As an athletic department we are excited to take action in our community to teach our players the importance of service.”