Instructors

The staff at Sandlot is some of the most qualified baseball and softball coaches in the America! Please read their bios below and choose one of our qualified coaches to help you or your ball player reach their full potential!

****************************BASEBALL INSTRUCTORS*******************************

RAY SWANSON - Pitching

 Ray was an all-state pitcher for Pocatello High School, where he pitched varsity for four years. He played four years of American Legion baseball for the Runnin' Rebels and capped his senior year with a 10-1 record. The Rebels places 3rd , 3rd, 2nd, and 3rd in the state the years he played.

 He then moved on to Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California. While at Rio Hondo he was named team captain, pitcher of the year, conference all-star, student-athlete of the year, and had the second most wins in the Rio Hondo history when he finished his two years, as well as many other academic awards. Ray also played for the Citrus All-Stars, a college team chosen to play in Tokyo, Japan.

 As a coach, Ray was Head Coach of the Pocatello "A" team (then called "B" team), when they won the state championship in 1989. He went on to coach 8 years of High School ball, twice being named "Coach of the Year". He coached 5 years of American Legion baseball and his teams qualified for the state tournament each year.

 Ray started the Upper Valley legion program in 1993, and coached the team to a district championship, a 4th place finish at the state tournament, and also won the state Team Sportmanship award.

 Swanson was the pitching coach for a total of 10 years at Ricks College/BYU-Idaho. He has helped produce 4 Major League pitchers, as well as many minor leaguers. He now has more than 20 years experience as a pitching coach.

 Ray has been no stranger to success throughout his life. Apart from baseball, he is in the Basketball Hall of Fame as the National Champion for free throws. He graduated high honors from Idaho State University and then went to get his Masters degree with High Honors. 

 

SCOTT STRANSKI- Hitting and Pitching

              

  1975- Drafted by St. Louis Cardinals

              Attended Northwestern University on a football scholarship

  1978- Drafted by Chicago Cubs

  1979- Drafted and signed by Seattle Mariners

              Graduated Northwestern University with a B.A. Economics

              Played at Bellingham, WA (Northwest League)

  1980- Played at San Jose, CA (California League)

  1981- Played at Spokane, WA (P.C.L.)

  1982- Played at Lynn, MA (Eastern League)

              Played at Maracay, Venezuela (Winter League)

  1983- Played at Salt Lake Ciy, UT (P.C.L.)

  1984- Signed with Chicago White Sox

              Played at Glenn Falls, NY (Eastern League)

  1985- Played at Buffalo, NY (American Association League)

  1986- Signed with Baltimore Orioles

              Played at Hagerstown, MD/Charlotte, NC/Rochester, NY

  1987- Signed with  Kansas City Royals

              Played at Memphis, TN (Southern League)

 

SCOTT WOLFENBARGER - Hitting and Fielding

                                   

            

*Graduated from Pocatello High School where he was a three sport athlete

*Earned All-State honors in football and baseball

*Named USA Today Athlete of the year for the state of Idaho in 1990

*Played baseball at Oklahoma State University

*Currently an Assistant Varsity Coach for the Highland High School Baseball Team

*Heavily involved in Chubbuck Little League Baseball as well as serving on the board for Pocatello American Legion Baseball


*Works as a loan officer at Ireland Bank

 

Kevin Hall - Catching and Hitting

 
*  Graduated from Highland High School in 1987, as a three sport athlete


*   All Gem State Conference in both football and baseball, 1987


*   All State Player both football and baseball, 1987


*   Played for the Running Rebels for 3 years as a pitcher/catcher/outfielder


*   Signed contract with San Francisco Giants, August 1987


*   Catcher with Giants for 4 seasons, in Minor Leagues


*   Released due to arm injury


*   Coached Varsity Baseball 5 years at Pocatello High School


*   Currently Assistant Varsity Catching/3rd base coach for Highland High School


*   Involved in Southeast Idaho Youth Football League & Girl’s Youth Basketball

Vinnie Benavidez  -  Pitching, Fielding, & Hitting

Vinnie graduated from Pocatello High School.  Played three years of Varsity and Runnin Rebels "AA" baseball.  Played college baseball at Walla Walla Community College.  Vinnie has 13 years coaching experience and is currently the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Pocatello High School as well as the Head Coach of "AA" Runnin Rebels.  Vinnie coached 2009 Junior Showcase game for Eastern Idaho.  He was named 2008, 2009, 2010 District 5  4-A Coach of The Year

 

                                        

Mike Green - Pitching, Hitting & Fielding

Mike graduated from Highland High School. He teaches Health at Highland High School.  He is currently the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Highland High School and the Head Coach for the Rebel Single "A" American Legion Baseball Team.  He also coaches Football at Highland.

 

                                                

 

 

Bo Burrup  -   Pitching & Hitting

My name is Bo Burrup. I am a sophmore at Highland High School and have been playing baseball since I could hold a bat. I have had the opportunity to play for TEAM USA BASEBALL and BASEBALL NORTHWEST as well as tournaments all over the over the country.  This past year I played Varsity baseball as a freshman at Highland High School playing Pitcher, 1st Base, and DH. I was named to the ALL REGION TEAM. I played Single A American Legion baseball this past summer.  I have achieved my Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. I love the game of baseball and feel that hard work will take you anywhere you want to go.

 

                                          

 

Bodie Cooper  -   Pitching, Catching & Hitting

<> Varsity Pitcher and 1st Baseman at Pocatello High School

<> Selected to 2011 All area First Team

<> 2 Time 5th District 4-A Champion with the Pocatello Indians

<> 2 Time American Legion Area C District Champion as a member of the Pocatello Razorbacks

<> Invited to play for the 2011 Idaho Cubs Prospect Team

<> Attended the College of Southern Idaho Camp for past 3 years

<> Attended the 2011 Idaho Cubs High School and Jr. College Prospect Camp for catchers

<> Attended 2011 Sandlot Winter Showcase

<> Volunteered as instructor/helper at American Legion Youth Camp & Sandlot Holiday Camp

<>Played in the Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament for 12 year olds

<> Has received hitting instruction from professional players since the age of 9

                                 

 

Colin Drury  -  Catching & Hitting

<> Varsity Catcher at Pocatello High School

<> 2011 All Area Idaho State Journal Player of the Year

<> 3 Time 5th District 4-A Champion with the Pocatello Indians

<> 2010 American Legion Area C District Champion for the Pocatello Razorbacks

<> Invited to play for the 2011 Idaho Cubs Prospect Team

<> Attended the College of Southern Idaho Camp for past 4 years

<> Attended the 2011 Idaho Cubs High School and Jr. College Prospect Camp for Catchers

<> Volunteered as Instructor at American Legion Youth Camp & Sandlot Holiday Camp

<> Catcher and Outfielder for the AA Runnin' Rebels American Legion BAseball Team

<> Is Currently On Baseball Northwest's Prospect List

<> Attended the College of Idaho Catchers Only Camp in 2010

 

                                

 

Bradford Peck  -   Pitching & Hitting

 

Hey I'm Bradford Peck and I'm 18 years old. I love baseball and have been playing for as long as I can remember. I am a pitcher and outfielder for Highland Highschool and have been playing on the varsity team since my sophomore year. This last season I was selected as second team all area pitcher. I also play Pocatello American Legion baseball in the summer, and was on the AA Runnin Rebels who took second at the State Championships this summer. I am ranked on the top 30 watch list for the class of 2012 in Baseball Northwest magazine. I love attending college and proffesional camps and learning from players who have made it to the next level. I have some experience in coaching young children. I have helped out in several youth camps and I have a nephew that I love to coach. I love teaching and learning from young kids who are willing to work hard to become better baseball players. I plan on playing college baseball next year, and cannot wait to have the oppurtunity to play at the next level. My life isn't all about baseball though. I have a 3.8 GPA at Highland and challenge myself by taking AP and Honors classes. I have also worked at the Pocatello Reel Theater for three years and am now a supervisor there. I want to go to law school when I am older and will work as hard as I can to achieve that goal. Baseball isn't just a fun sport to play, it also helps build character and develops keys for success.

 

                                                 

++++++++++++++++++++SOFTBALL INSTRUCTORS+++++++++++++++++++

TISHA COLVIN - Pitching and Hitting

Tisha is very committed to developing young pitchers by teaching proper mechanics.  She is very proud to say that 16 of her former players have played college softball with 3 of those being pitchers.  Tisha has a true passion for the game of softball and loves helping her players find their true potential.

Experience:

^ Master's Degree in Athletic Administration, Idaho State University 1996

^Bachelor's degree in Math, Linfield College 1994

^1991-1993 Scholarship Pitcher for Linfield College, Oregon

^1987-1990 Toledo High School, Washington

^Maintained an average ERA of .84 during 1989-1990

^Team MVP 1989, 1990

^Washington State ASA 19 and under champions, 1989

^16 years coaching 18u, 16u, and 14u ASA teams with 2 National tournament appearances and 2 third place Triple Crown World Series finishes.

^Varsity Head Coach for past 14 years with 8 Idaho 5A State Tournament appearances

^Private Pitching Coach for the past 15 years

^ Instructor and Organizer for youth softball camps

                                                               

                                                                 

Brittany Olsin - Catching, Hitting and Fielding

 

                           

Brittany is a very driven person and has a great love for the game of softball. She has been playing for over 15 years and has been a part of several top-ranked programs and clubs. She played catcher and outfield for four years at Idaho State University and will be graduating with a double-major in business marketing and management in May of 2012.

Accolades:

  • Bachelors degree in Business Marketing and Management at Idaho State University
  • Full-ride scholarship to Idaho State University to play Division 1 softball
  • Four-year starter for Idaho State University’s softball program
  • Winner of the “Strength and Conditioning: Weight-lifter of the Year” award at Idaho State University in 2009
  • Recipient of the “Player of the Week” award within the Pacific Coast Softball Conference (PCSC) three times over her collegiate career
  • Volunteered in four softball clinics held by Idaho State University’s softball program
  • Lettered in softball four years straight at Torrance High School in Torrance, CA.
  • Helped her team to the 2005 league title
  • Named First Team All-Area and league Most Valuable Player as a senior
  • Named Offensive Player of the Year in 2006 &2007
  • Earned both the Silver Slugger and Golden Glove Awards
  • Also First Team All-League in 2006 and Second Team All-League in 2005
  • Earned the Blanket Award in 2007, having her name put up in Torrance's gym for softball

 

Kandis Clesson - Pitching

                           

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in International Studies
  • Currently working on a Master’s in Athletic Administration – Anticipated Graduation in July of 2011
  • Currently working on Personal Training Certification – Anticipated Certification in June of 2011
  • Played 5 years of Division I softball at Idaho State University
    • Team captain in 2011
    • Defensive Player of the year in 2009
    • PCSC Player of the week in 2010
    • All League Honorable Mention in the PCSC conference in 2010 and 2011
    • Career leader in wins, strikeouts, games started, games completed, innings pitched
  • Played 4 years of varsity softball at Mt. Si High school
    • District Champions in 2003
    • First Team All League Pitcher in 2003, 2005, and 2006
    • Spring Athlete of the Quarter in 2003 and 2005
    • Athlete of the week for the King County Journal 4 times in 4 years
    • 2nd place at the High School State Championship in 2004 with a .46 ERA through 12 games at playoffs, ditricts, and state
    • 3rd place at Districts in 2004
    • All-Eastside Utility Player in 2004
    • Seattle Time Eastside Player of the Week in 2004
    • Second Team All League Pitcher in 2004
    • Mt. Si Fastpitch MVP in 2004 and 2005
    • Kingco Tournament Champions in 2005
    • First Team All League Pitcher in 2005
    • WIAA/Seattle Times State Athlete of the week in 2005
    • Seattle Times Star of the week in 2005
    • First Team All League Pitcher in 2006
    • Team Captain in 2006
    • 6th place at the High School State Championship in 2006
  • Played Select Ball for the Washington Hurricanes and the Absolute Blast
    • Washington Hurricanes NSA State Champions in 2003
    • ASA Metro Champions in 2003
    • ASA Nationals in Midland, Texas in 2003
    • ASA Western Nationals in Roseville, California in 2004
    • 17th place at the Colorado Fireworks in 2005
    • 13th place at ASA Nationals in Columbus Georgia in 2005
    • ASA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky in 2006
    • .88 ERA throughout select ball
  • Worked with different pitching coaches throughout career including:
    • Mark Anderton - New Zealand National Team and King and His Court
    • Eve Gaw - Former pitching coach at University of Washington and Florida State University
    • Mike Richdale - Coached national champion team the San Jose Ladysharks
    • Jim Grant - Coached national championship team
  • Pitched against the Chinese-Taipei National Team in 2007

 

 

JOSH NAYLOR- Fastpitch and Baseball Hitting/Infield

 Josh played Varsity Baseball and American Legion from 1990 to 1992.  After high school he joined the Marine Corps.

Upon returning, Josh played Fastpitch Softball for 8 years, playing in a league and participating on Tournament teams.

Josh has 5 years of High School coaching experience and has been coaching travel/club teams for the last nine years.

Josh has a passion for teaching Hitting.  He is constantly studying and breaking down hitting fundamentals. Josh is currently the head coach of the 12U Sandlot Reign Fastpitch Team and the Hitting Consultant for the Century Diamondbacks softball program.  Josh will give lessons to any age, in both Baseball and Softball.