Once again, the Rock Valley College (RVC) baseball team has proven to be a top team in Region IV, excelling in both the classroom and the baseball field. Who is the RVC baseball team? RVC baseball started during the 1960s, the same year RVC opened. Just like minor league baseball, under the guidance of a strong coaching staff and with the support of the community. RVC Baseball has become more than just a college sport, it is a stepping stone for athletes striving to advance both academically and athletically.
The team is led by Head Coach Chad Herren, Recruiting Coordinator and Hitting Coach Jack Howard, Pitching Coach Tyler Ingram, Bullpen Coach and Catching Coach Kody Kleve, athletic trainer Kristen Kearns, and lastly, Coach James Buss is the team’s strength coach. The supporters are the players’ family and friends. Among the standout athletes on the team are Mason Lei, Troy McLeese, and Ethan Storm, 3 of the 7 student athletes are committed to NCAA Division I next year. They have earned recognition for their outstanding performances on the field, including scholarships to play at the highest level of college baseball.
The team has achieved several significant accomplishments. It made a regional appearance last year and broke multiple offense, pitching, and team stats. RVC is very talented and multiple individuals have won awards. Last year RVC Baseball went 42-15 overall, won their regional and advanced to super regionals. The coaching staff produced two NJCAA All Americans last year, Griffin Smith (Washington State) and Jackson Lindquist (Wisconsin-Parkside).
They play against students from other colleges. They played against a variety of opponents, with their rival teams Morton College, Madison College, and Kishwaukee College. They host the games at the RVC baseball field and the other teams’ fields. During the spring season, players are expected to train 5 to 6 times a week, refining their skills in batting, pitching, and fielding. With a focus on “scoring runs, throwing strikes, and putting zeros on the scoreboard,” stated by one of the Rock Valley players.
The team holds multiple fundraisers to provide new equipment, clothing, and food to enhance their performance. The fundraisers include the 100-inning game, E-Team, and BMO events in downtown Rockford. Their hard work and dedication continue to pay off as the program pushes forward with aspirations of advancing to the Junior College World Series. The financial support also ensures the players are well-prepared for their contests and future opportunities.
RVC Baseball has helped the students not only in practicing baseball but to help the students in their school as well. The coach’s goal as being part of the team is to help young baseball players reach the highest level they can go and prepare them for life in real society. RVC Baseball offers scholarship opportunities, helping students with tuition while providing guidance through their academic journey.
First-year RVC Baseball Coach Kody Keleve says, “We as a staff ensure all of our guys leave with a two-year degree. Last year our team recorded a 3.4 team GPA, a new program best”.
Coach Howard, who has been with RVC for three years, and is the program’s recruiting coordinator adds, “This is a program that believes in pushing our athletes to the limits to find out what we can truly unlock with a player’s potential. You will be pushed, you will be yelled at, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows when it comes to player development. The important part is, as a coaching staff, we believe in building personal relationships with the athletes so they know we are here for the right reasons. Without the trust from players, they wouldn’t understand what we are pushing them for”.
The impact of RVC baseball is very important in RVC, it is more than just some sport. It is a way students can use to prepare if they want to go pro in the MLB. It is a way for students to be the best that they can be in school. It helps them reach a high GPA and get them into 4-year schools.
With its impressive history, supportive coaching staff, and players who are committed to playing baseball and going to class. The team’s success on the field and in the classroom is due to the hard work and dedication of the players and the guidance of their coaches. They will be a team to follow in May as they make a postseason run.
