Knights Elect Leadership Council for 2010

The Knights recently elected their Leadership Council. The council is selected by player vote. Members must not only succeed on the field but they must uphold the Knights Standard in the classroom and the community. The Knights leadership council meets weekly with head Coach Jeremy Kennedy to discuss matters of the team.

It is an honor to be elected by fellow peers to represent them on the leadership council. Congratulations to the following team leaders who were elected.

Sr. Jeff Sakowski

Sr. Chaney Stout (second year)

Sr. Randy Richter (second year)

Sr. Justin Coats

Sr. Tyler Rucker

Jr. Garret Randle

These six men join the small fraternity of Knights that had the responsibility of being counted on to exemplify what the Knights program stands for.
Full List of current and former council members: RJ Harris, Carey Crain, Alberto Gutierrez, Alex Braly, Chaney Stout, Randy Richter, Justin Coats, Tyler Rucker, Garret Randle, Jeff Sakowski.

Jeff Sakowski Sr. OF/RHP

Jeff had a huge impact on the '09 squad as he was counted on in duel roles. He played left field, hitting in the middle of the order, while also serving as the teams closer out of the pen. Jeff transferred to NU in the fall of '08 from Richland College. While at Richland Jeff was part of a NJCAA DIII National Championship. He will once again be counted on in '10 to be the stopper out of the pen while doing damage from the middle of the line-up.

Garret Randle Jr. RHP

Garret is coming off of a strong fall after a very successful summer in the New York Collegiate League. Randle served as the Knights #3 starter for much of the '09 season. After missing his senior year at Nimitz HS due to injury, he has made continual strides and is looking to have a breakout junior campaign. Randle will likely be a weekend starter this spring as his power sinker reached 93mph this fall. Randle also experiences great success in the classroom as he has been an honors student since he stepped on campus 2 1/2 years ago.

Justin Coats Sr. 2B

Senior Justin Coats has battled back from shoulder surgery and hopes to make a statement in 2010. In '09 Coats had labrum surgery after diving for a ball and separating his shoulder. He was released to hit just one week before the Knights opener and in his first game clubbed his first homerun as a Knight. This fall saw Coats make continual strides with his repaired shoulder allowing him to move back to his home at second base. Coats transferred to NU last year after spending one year at Seminole State College and one year at Texarkana College. At SSC he earned all conference honors at second base. He followed that year up with all conference honors at shortstop while at TC. He has also been drafted twice by the Los Angeles Dodgers.




Chaney Stout Sr. UTL
Stout has been a mainstay for the Knights since Coach Kennedy arrived three years ago. Stout was the first player signed by Kennedy and has been a starter since he stepped on campus as a freshman. In his freshman campaign Stout was named as the RRAC Gold Glove Winner at second base. After his freshman year Stout moved across the diamond to third base. He will see action at numerous positions in 2010 as he holds down the leadoff spot for the Knights. Stout excels in the classroom as he carries a team high 3.9 GPA.





Tyler Rucker Sr. RHP
Tyler Rucker will be looked upon as the Knights "ground ball getter"
out of the pen in '10. Rucker was converted to a sidearmer midway through his sophomore year. He has endured numerous injuries including an ankle injury that will nag him for life.
Rucker is healthy and ready to take on a more substantial role in 2010. Tyler also is an exceptional student as he carries a 3.5 GPA.




Randy Richter Sr. UTL

Randy Richter has been a integral part of the growth of the Knights program over the past three years. As a freshman, Richter started at first base. His sophomore and junior campaigns saw him get time at 1B, LF, RF, and 3B. In 2010 Richter could see action again at several different positions after a very strong finish to his fall. Richter also excels in the classroom as he has maintained a 3.6 GPA over his time as a Knight.