Team: Big Bend Community College Vikings
Conference: NWAC
College Level: JUCO
2021 Overall Record: 18-12
Location: Moses Lake, WA
Head Coach: Chase Tunstall
Assistant Coaches: Reign Letkeman, Ryan Doumit and Cade Tunstall
Who are a few returning position players that will have an impact in the spring?
Austin Bunn – Returning NWAC Position Player of the year and 1st team Pacific Region All-American. Austin is a right fielder who displayed exceptional power last year while hitting 9 home runs in 24 games. Expect big things out of the Sophomore captain this year.
Brandham Ponce – Returning Pacific Region JUCO All-American. Brandham is a 6-3 switch hitting 3rd baseman that will bat in the middle of the order. Look for Brandham to follow up a strong year with another great 2022 campaign.
Who are a few key returning pitchers that will have an impact?
Hunter Gibson – Tall RHP that has incredible control of all of his pitches including a low-90’s fastball and a devastating change-up. Hunter is a fierce competitor that will anchor the Big Bend Staff and have a big year.
Dylan Gardner – Dylan is a 6’5 RHP that can run the velo up there with the best of them. Will sit 91-93 and occasionally run it up to 95 MPH. After a long year of working to perfect his craft after last season, expect some big things from Dylan Gardner.
Who are some incoming freshman or transfers that can potentially have an impact in the spring?
Mookie Redmond – First year catcher for us that plays very solid defensively and a big left handed bat with some power. Expect Mookie to make some noise across the NWAC this year.
Zakaia Michaels – Zakaia is a RHP that transferred here from a university in Hawaii. A gamer that challenges hitters and knows how to pitch and get outs in an efficient manner.
What things did you see from the team in the fall?
While there is only a few names listed above, the whole team could have been listed in those categories. We have a lot of VERY talented players that will contribute on a daily basis and expect nothing less than that from themselves. What also stood out this fall is their commitment to each other and the standard at which the coaching staff can hold them to on and off the field.
What was the focus during the fall for the team?
The focus for the team this fall was to set the tone for how the season would go and what our work ethic would be. We have a whole team focused on 2 things, getting it done in the classroom and winning on the field and these guys have committed themselves to create something special.
What are the expectations and goals for the team entering the season?
The expectations for this team this year is to make head waves across the NWAC. Win the Eastern Region Title and do bigger things after that.