Knights Sign A Trio Of San Jacinto Gators

The Knights baseball team made significant improvements today with the addition of three San Jac Gators; Brad Padia, Will Fontnow, and Deric Hawkins. The Gators had a great year finishing runner up in the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado as all three signees played significant roles in their team's success.

Padia, a utility player from Grapevine, Tx is expected to compete at a variety of positions. He has the ability to catch, play corner infield, and outfield. Padia's biggest asset is his left handed bat. In 2010 Brad hit .330 with 9 doubles and 2 homeruns; after hitting .360 with 12 doubles in 2009. Padia transfered to San Jacinto from The University of San Diego.

Fontnow, an outfielder from Vidor, Tx hit 2nd for the Gators as they made their run through the World Series. Will, a left handed hitter, is expected to find a home in left or center field. In 2010 Will was the second leading hitter for the Gators; .366 12 doubles 8-8 stolen bases.

Hawkins, also a left handed swinger from St. Pius HS in Houston, Tx held down center field in his freshman year and played first base in 2010. In 2009 Hawkins was named Second Team NJCAA All-American after hitting .402 with 12 doubles, 22 Home Runs, and 66 RBI. Hawkins is expected to compete at first base and in the outfield while hitting in the middle of the Knight line-up.

Northwood University Announces Plans For New Clubhouse and Indoor Hitting Facility

Northwood University Provost, Dr. Kevin Fagan, announced today that the plan for a new clubhouse and indoor hitting facility will become a reality in 2010-2011.

The facility will include two coaches offices, locker room, and indoor hitting tunnels. It will be located behind the first base dugout where the current NU maintenance shed is located.

This latest improvement project does not have a ground breaking date but will be completed in the 2010-2011 academic year. The clubhouse project will continue NU's commitment to improving the baseball facility.

Recent improvements:
2006: New Infield
2008: New Sprinkler System
2009: New Outfield and Skin on Infield
2010: New Outfield Wall
2010-2011: New Clubhouse/Coaches Offices/Indoor Hitting

Coats Named NAIA Rawlings Gold Glove Second Baseman

Justin Coats continues to get the recognition that he deserves after his outstanding senior campaign as he now adds NAIA Rawlings Gold Glove Winner to his mantel.


Coats fielded .984 after commiting just 4 errors in 243 chances. His performance also set a new NU fielding percentage record for middle infielders. Coats broke the record of .981 set all the way back in 1990 by Mike Coulter.

For more information about the Rawlings Gold Glove Award: www.rawlings.com

Knights Land Two On All American Teams

After a spectacular season for the Knight's, Justin Coats, was honored as an NAIA 2nd Team All-American at second base. Coat's impressive offensive numbers where outdone only by his defensive performance as he made just 4 errors all season.

Also receiving recognition was Knight's outfielder Jeff Sakowski who was named to the Honorable mention All American list.

Coats becomes the third Knight to be honored with a Second Team recognition. In 1990 Brett Petite was a 2nd Teamer behind the plate and in 2000 Russell Lewis was also a 2nd Teamer at second base. Petite signed with the Cubs and Lewis signed with the Red Sox following their standout years.

Coats and Sakowski make the 2nd and 3rd All American honorees since Head Coach Jeremy Kennedy took over in 2008. Carey Crain was selected in 2009 following his record breaking season where he produced 81 RBI.

You can veiw the NAIA All American Teams by clicking on the following link: http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/060310aaa.html

Richter and Stout Named NAIA Scholar Athletes

Each year the NAIA names all the baseball players from around the country that qualify as a scholar athlete. Winners of the honor must a cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.

Randy Richter and Chaney Stout both graduated in May. Stout graduated as NU's 2010 valedictorian. This feat was more impressive considering Stout had held down a starting spot in the Knights line-up since his freshman year. He was slowed in his senior year due to chronic back issues.

Both Richter and Stout were instrumental in the programs turnaround, their character and leadership will be missed. The Knight's program is improved because of their contributions over the last four years.