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JCC's Rick Smith named Coach of Year; players honored
Congratulations to Jackson Community College’s head baseball coach, Rick Smith, who was named Coach of the Year by the Michigan Community College Athletic Association for the 2009 season.
The Jets finished the season in first place in the MCCAA, with a conference record of 25-5 and an overall record of 43-12. They are ranked No. 7 in the nation by the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II baseball poll. In addition to Smith’s honor, five team members received conference honors.
“We had a very successful season this year, winning the conference title and qualifying for the regional tournament,” Smith said. “All five players that were honored by the region and/or MCCAA earned their award. The whole team worked hard on conditioning and fundamentals all year, and they were able to transfer that work onto the diamond when playing the game.
“I am humbled to have received the MCCAA Coach of the Year Award. Without the hard work of this year’s team and my assistant coaches, this distinction would not have been possible.”
Steve Bloomfield, athletic director at JCC, congratulates Coach Smith and the 2009 baseball team for their many accomplishments this year. “The first time I met Rick, I immediately recognized his passion for baseball and for developing the young men who make up his team. He is goal-oriented and driven to succeed, and those who are fortunate enough to be associated with him follow his lead in their own lives. Rick has earned this award and I am so happy that the league recognized him for all he has done this year.”
Players receiving honors were:
Christopher Harrison, right fielder from Saline, Mich., All-Region XII Team, All-MCCAA First Team, NJCAA Region XII All-Tournament Team (signed to play at Southern Arkansas University next year)
Daniel Bream, pitcher from Coldwater, Mich., All-Region XII Team, All-MCCAA First Team (will decide soon which four-year school he will attend next year).
Matthew Jacobson, pitcher from North Branch, Mich., All-MCCAA First Team (signed to play at Saginaw Valley State University next year).
Tyler Wehner, left fielder from Blissfield, All-MCCAA First Team (signed to play at Grand Valley State University next year).
Lee Finley, designated hitter from Jackson, All-MCCAA Second Team (will play one more year at JCC).
