The MNU Pioneers, looking to build off their post-season berth, continued their development by competing in some of the most elite Summer Ball leagues. With 15 guys placed in many leagues across the country, the players represented the Pioneers well.
Ban Johnson League
Jarid Renzelman (Sr.) finished second in the Ban Johnson league hitting at a .413 clip. He wrapped up a stellar summer season with an all-star appearance where he had a triple and 2 stolen bases. Also competing in the Ban Johnson league: Justin Huggins (Jr.) had 18 K’s in just 12 1/3 innings pitched and John Burgat (So.) hit .474 in 21 plate appearances. Mason Lent (So.) and Kyle Seagraves (Jr.) played for the KC Bandits and represented the Pioneers well.
Boise Summer League
Incoming Freshman David Hamlett finished eleventh in the league in hitting (.343) with 5 doubles and 4 triples. Joining Hamlett in the Boise Summer League were juniors AJ Nunley and Mark Foley.
Jayhawk League
Tim Purdin (Sr.) hit over .300 for the Haysville Heat which won the Jayhawk League and had a sixth place finish in the NBC World Series.
Alaska Summer League
Harrison Helms led the Fairbanks Fire in appearances, and junior transfer Matt Netherton was a starter and held opponents to an impressive .257 batting average.
New York League
Junior Ben Alison excited the Pioneer faithful while being selected to play in the futures game, and Kevin Liddle continued to hone his skills while manning the shortstop position everyday for the Niagara Power.
Arizona Collegiate League
Transfer Jordan Goliat hit .368 with 2 doubles, 4 triples, and 9 stolen bases on the summer season.
Matt Arruda had an impressive summer playing for Top Speed Baseball where he hit .386, slugged .525, and had 12 doubles with a .451 on base percentage.
Assistant Coach Rob Ramseyer helped lead the Bourne Braves to a Western Division Crown in the Cape Cod League.
“The commitment these young men and staff showed this summer in continuing to improve their game is important for the growth of our program,” said MNU Head Coach Ryan Thompson. “As we look to springboard off of our HAAC post-season berth, the work put in this summer will go along way in us reaching our goals. I look forward to getting on the field and seeing the results of their hard work.”
The Pioneers open the season February 4th and Loyola University (LA) at 4:00 PM.