INSTRUCTORS
Mitch Wylie: was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 1995 draft after his senior year in high school. He decided to attend St Ambrose University instead and was later drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 8th round during the 1998 draft. He pitched with the Chicago White Sox organization from 1998 - 2005, San Francisco Giants organization 2005, and New York Mets organization 2006. He also played 3 seasons with Independant league teams. Three years of college and eleven years of professional baseball playing experience along with 20 years of coaching and providing instruction have given him the ability to implement the proper training and coaching techniques that will help a player be the best all-around player he can be.
John Swanda: Graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt High school in 2017. The former University of Nebraska commit played for a state qualifying Rough Rider team in 2016, was named first team all state and super team the same year, while also winning Gatorade player of the year for the state of Iowa. In 2017 John was taken in the 4th round of the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels as a pitcher. Over six seasons with the Angels and one in the American Association, John has thrown 381 innings in professional baseball while spending time at every level of the minor leagues.
Cam Cowen: Cam’s baseball journey includes notable achievements at various levels of the game. As an Ankeny Centennial Graduate, he showcased his pitching skills at Kirkwood Community College, contributing to the team’s success in reaching the Junior College World Series. Cam’s talent then led him to Division 1 baseball at Campbell University, where he earned recognition as the pre-season pitcher of the year and won a conference championship. In 2021, he signed a professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Cam’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his ability to consistently enhance velocity and command. His expertise covers all pitching roles, and he emphasizes aspects such as arm health/recovery, movement quality, and mental preparation.
John Swanda: Graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt High school in 2017. The former University of Nebraska commit played for a state qualifying Rough Rider team in 2016, was named first team all state and super team the same year, while also winning Gatorade player of the year for the state of Iowa. In 2017 John was taken in the 4th round of the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels as a pitcher. Over six seasons with the Angels and one in the American Association, John has thrown 381 innings in professional baseball while spending time at every level of the minor leagues.
Shelby Lackey - Originally from Linden, CA, graduate from Linden High School in 2015 then attended Division 1, University of the Pacific. Shelby would spend three years at Pacific. Shelby also spent 2 seasons in the Northwoods Collegiate League during his time in college where he would be apart of the 2017 championship St Cloud Rox team. After the 2018 spring he would be drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 18th round. He would go on to spend 2018-2023 with the Rockies organization where he would make it to AA Hartford. In 2024-2025 he would spend time playing Indy ball with the Lake Country Dock Hounds and Kane County Cougars. Over his professional career he would throw 257 innings with 307 strikeouts.
Derek Weber - Derek Weber - Derek is from De Pere, Wisconsin. He starred as a utility player earning All-state selections in high school and numerous All-Conference selections. Derek also earned an opportunity to play at Des Moines Area Community College as an outfielder. Following college Derek has dedicated his time working and developing baseball players.
Kevin Richardson: Graduated from Ankeny Centennial in 2014 and has three years of College playing experience with the Grand View University Vikings. Kevin has been involved in the program since he was 12 years old, and has been providing baseball instruction the past 3 years. He coached USSSA teams for four seasons. His 2017 14u AAA Game Ready team finished 3rd in the State Tournament.
Max McCay: Max A former standout at Carlisle High School, possesses an impressive baseball background. He played collegiately at Marshalltown CC, Kirkwood CC, and Central Methodist University, where he achieved notable milestones. Max participated in two College World Series, one with KCC in 2018 and another with CMU in 2021, where he earned NAIA World Series All- Tournament honors. At Central Methodist, Max’s leadership skills shone as he served as a two-time captain and received recognition as a two-time Heart of America all-conference selection. He also contributed to CMU’s remarkable 2021 World Series National Runner- Up team. Max specializes in providing expert catching instruction and developing hitting skills.
Cam Cowen:
pitching
Nick Belzer: Graduated from Ankeny High School in 2013 and was on the 2012 4A High School State Championship Team and earned pitcher of year in the state that year. Nick went to Kansas State out of high school and then transferred to DMACC. After graduating from DMACC he went on to play two years at Minnesota State Mankato. Nick also played 3 years in the Northwoods college summer league.
Peyton Long: Graduated from Vally high school in 2016. He went on to attend Kirkwood Community college for 2 years and Central Methodist University for 1 year. At Central Methodist he is 2nd it single season strikeouts with 118. In 2019 after his one year at Central he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 30th round and has spent 3 years with them
playing his first full season in 2021 with the Carolina Mudcats.