2011 Wrap up

Third year = highly successful!!

The 2011 summer season has come to an end. The third edition of the Katy Collegians was a big hit! The Collegians shared the 2011 Centex Collegiate Baseball League title with the Austin Gold Sox and made their third straight trip to the National Baseball Congress World Series. A number of players had outstanding seasons with the club which resulted in increased exposure to both college coaches and professional scouts; which equals future playing opportunities. The organization spread its wings a little also, bringing in talented players from beyond the Katy area. By doing so, we have earned a new found respect among, not only the Texas collegiate coaching ranks and programs, but from coaches and programs beyond our borders.

Unfortunately, with the turning of the calendar, we must say good-bye to a few Collegains who are moving on with their careers. Stephen Nikonchik, a RHP from James E. Taylor HS and Houston Baptist will earn his degree this December (CONGRATS, Nike!). Nike is on the radar of a number of professional organizations and will hopefully get the chance to continue his career.  Also, veteran captain, Beau Warren a CRHS grad, has hung up his cleats for the last time. Beau is in the final stages of his MBA (Accounting) program at HBU. After four solid years for the Huskies, Beau is moving to coat and tie land after he completes his degree. Ryan Bacak (SLHS and HBU), an ORIGINAL Collegian, like Nike and Beau, is also "retiring" although he has indicated a desire to join the Collegians coaching staff as he pursues a future in the education/coaching profession. Hopefully we can convince Ryan to throw some BP and hit a little fungo for the next few years. Former Taylor Mustang B.J. Hrinevich is also completing his baseball career this year at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton. B.J. has been a steady component in our success the past two seasons and will unquestionably enjoy a great future in the medical profession (Nursing). Lastly, another KC original is moving on with his academic career sans baseball. Travis Martin (Taylor HS) will take his almost spotless academic record from McLennan CC, a few miles down the road to Baylor where he will complete his degree program. We hope to also convince Travis to continue to be a part of our program in a coaching capacity.

Lastly, the Collegians players and coaches would like to thank all of the individuals and businesses that supported us this summer. We could not have enjoyed the success we did without all of the kind and continued generosity of a number of people who donated funds and hours in making our program go!
Thanks, especially, to Tim Archibald, our Director of Operations, for his tireless energy. Tim and Dee Archibald's son, Cliff, has been in professional baseball for two years, but they both keep on supporting our young guys. Thanks to you both! Thanks, too, to Larry Warren and John Shannon for all that they do to help Collegians baseball. Larry and John throw some outstanding BP and pitch in wherever and whenever we need help. They are great promoters and supporters of young men who are in pursuit of baseball dreams!  Ron Roesler, who's son Ryan played his first summer with the club, made a number of road trips and helped in numerous capacities when we were away from Katy. Thanks, Ron, for your kind assistance. We would also be remiss if we didn't mention Don Martin. Don has been a "behind the scenes" Collegians backer since we began our program three years ago. He quietly did any and everything that was asked of him and he did it without fanfare. Thanks, Don, for being a true friend of our program! Lastly, to the coaches who make the Collegians a priority and a passion. Marc Jones, the head baseball coach at Ft. Bend Kempner and Ryan Moreau, an original Collegian who is now coaching at Cleveland (TX) High School, are two of the most outstanding baseball men in this area and quite possibly, the state. They both pour their heart and soul into our program - they are at the top of any "Who's Who" list. They have no agenda and only want to see our young baseball players enjoy our game like they do! "Thanks! Jonesey and Pudge"

2012 is just around the corner and preparations are already underway for another great summer of Katy Collegians Baseball. A number of our 2011 team has indicated that they will once again make their summer home in Katy and be a part of our program. Until then - best of luck to all!


TIP OF THE CAP - RANDY and JENNIFER BERNARDI - CHOCTAW (OK) HS

The Collegians would like to extend a very special THANKS to Randy and Jennifer Bernardi for hosting a number of the players and Coach Miller at their home in Choctaw, Oklahoma while the team was in transit to the 2011 NBC World Series. The Bernardi's (including Mr. and Mrs. "Grandma and Grandpa" Bernardi) opened their home and refrigerator to the team for two days and nights and in so doing deserve a tremendous TIP OF THE CAP! Due to the fact that neither Coach Jones or Coach Moreau could commit to the trip because of school obligations, Randy also donned the Collegian uniform and coached first base for the club at the WS. Thanks, again!

Now the BIGGEST BONUS that the ball club enjoyed.....The cooking/baking of Dalton's grandmother (Randy's mom). MY GOODNESS! Without question, the best Cinnamon Rolls EVER! Thanks Grandma Bernardi!

Lastly, we would also like to extend a special thanks to the baseball team and staff at CHOCTAW HIGH SCHOOL for opening up their field for us to practice on. Choctaw HS has a tremendous program and facility and our club certainly appreciated the opportunity to work out there.

TIP OF THE CAP - TAMMY LUCAS (and EDNA and BROOKLYN!)

The Collegians had a great fan base this year, thanks to a number of folks - but, Tammy Lucas and her mother, Edna, along with Tammy's niece, Brooklyn made almost every game the Collegians played this summer and they did it by driving from Yukon, Oklahoma to various points in Texas and Kansas. The many pictures that have been posted on our website this summer are courtesy of Tammy Lucas! Needless to say those action shots have added a lot to our site! To all three of you we offer another TIP OF THE CAP! And, we hope to see you again next summer!

Welcome "HOME"  Coach Folkerts

Former Cinco Ranch HS teacher and coach, Erik Folkerts, has accepted a professional position with the Ft. Bend ISD and will join Coach Marc Jones' coaching staff at Kempner HS. Coach Folkerts and his family have been living in Atchison, KS for the past four years, where Eric has been the Assistant Principal and AD at Atchison HS. Coach Folkerts has been on the KC staff roster since its inception and helped coach the ball club in Wichita in the 2009 World Series. The Collegians look forward the having the "BIG E" back in uniform (full time!) next summer.

GOOD LUCK COLLEGIANS - 2011-12 School Year and Spring Baseball Season

The Coaches, Baseball Administration, and Fans of the Katy Collegians would like to wish all Collegian players (past and present) the best of luck and good fortune as you move forward with your 2011-12 school year. Thanks for a great summer! We look forward to following your school season and watching you move forth with your careers! To those who plan to return to Katy next summer....we can't wait! All the BEST!

HOST FAMILIES for 2012

Due to the respect and popularity that our program has earned, we have had the chance to bring in a great number of talented ball players from beyond the Houston Metro Area. 2012 looks, on paper to be another banner season for the club! We will have a number of young men from various parts of the country (and beyond) make Katy their summer home next year. ANYONE interested in HOSTING a current college baseball player and possible future professional baseball player, is urged to contact General Manager, Jerry Miller or Director of Operations, Tim Archibald, for information.