The fundamental mantra of the Dawgs Baseball Academy has always been to develop their players so they could succeed at the college or professional levels. And over the past 20 years the program has achieved virtually a 100% track record in placing its young athletes at top universities and colleges. However, notwithstanding that long term success and despite the challenges of a global pandemic that has limited travel and the usual highly competitive baseball schedule, 2020 has been something very special. Utilizing live streaming and the latest technology to measure and demonstrate Dawgs players state of development while at the same time exploiting the vast web of baseball relationships enjoyed by the Dawgs Coaching Staff, the Academy has enjoyed unprecedented success in attracting phenomenal collegiate baseball opportunities for their players.

Consider the following NCAA Division 1 college scholarships over the past year:

Conor Pote – Oregon State University 
Jack Lines – University of Tennessee
Matt Grabmann – University of Oregon
Simon Lusignan – Stetson University
Cody Hendriks – Cal State University Bakersfield
Boston Warkentin – University of Washington
Bennett Freiter – North Dakota State University
Andrew Yusypchuk – Marshall University
Max Hartman – Washington State University

In addition, other Dawgs Academy grads have attracted scholarships from junior college programs to some outstanding collegiate programs. These include Gavin Logan, who starred on the summer collegiate Dawgs in 2019 and moves on from Linn Benton Community College to Oregon State University. Jordan Lussier from Chandler-Gilbert Community College to NCAA Division I Illinois State University. Ryan Olchoway and Ethan Francis from Colby Community College to NCAA Division I Northwestern State University. Tristan Peters from Chandler-Gilbert Community College to NCAA Division I Southern Illinois University. Noah Geekie from Barton Community College to NCAA Division II Emporia State University. Andrew Asselin from Colby Community College to NCAA Division II Shorter University. Shaun Atamanchuk from Colby Community College to powerhouse NAIA Georgia Gwinnett College. Clayton Keyes from Central Arizona to Georgia Gwinnett College. Jack Marlin from Wabash Valley College to NAIA Midway University. 

And beyond that consider other Dawgs Academy players earning scholarships to other outstanding four year universities and colleges. Aidan Rose will follow in the footsteps of former Dawgs Academy and collegiate standout, brother Brendan, and suit up for the UBC Thunderbirds. Hard hitting outfielder and first baseman, Thomas Bakoway, has accepted a scholarship to Siena Heights University in Michigan. Academy catcher, Chase Tucker, will be joining the Tigers of Salem University in West Virginia and Devon Moore will be donning the red and black of the Coyotes at Okanagan College.

In addition, a number of top Dawgs players have elected to take the junior college route and accepted scholarships to a number of elite JC programs. Consider the following standout Dawgs Academy players and where they will be heading in 2020:

Ricardo Sanchez – Crowder College (Missouri)
Jackson Fraser – LSU Eunice (Louisiana)
Jean-Luc Bussieres – Barton College (Kansas)
Brandon Green –  State Fair Community College (Missouri)
Blake Pongracz – Pratt Community College (Kansas)
Logan Grant – Bismarck State College (North Dakota)
Daegen Morcom – McCook Community College (Nebraska)
Derek Palmiere – Williston State College (North Dakota)
Justin Breen – Bossier Parish Community College (Louisiana)
Jackson Wilson – Prairie Baseball Academy (Lethbridge, AB)
Fernando Fuentes – Moraine Valley Community College (Illinois).

The success of the Dawgs Academy in developing its young athletes and exposing them to these types of opportunities is truly phenomenal and honestly, unmatched. Well done Dawgs Coaches. Congratulations Dawgs Players, you earned it and wherever you go in your baseball and collegiate travels, remember that other Dawgs mantra, “Once a Dawg Always a Dawg!”