The Cavaliers enter the 2022 season with high expectations. The program has enjoyed recent success, including an NJCAA National Championship in 2017, and are poised to make a run at another Region IV Championship this spring. In 2021 the team finished with a 37-20 record and a 3rd place finish in the Region IV Tournament.
The Cavaliers believe they have talent to get to a Region IV Championship. The game starts with pitching, and the Cavaliers have several key players returning to go along with several talented arms being added to the staff. Returners Dylan Wolff (7-1, 66 IP), Trent Spoon (5-3, 69.1 IP), Gavin King (3-2, 50.2 IP) Kyle Iwiniski (6-3, 71.1 IP), Matt Lelito (3-1, 32 IP), Tanner Sobkoviak (1-1, 19 IP), and Malachi Mabins are joined by first-year pitchers Joel Holtcamp, Ryan Eiermann, Brodi Winge, Ben Dickerson, Nick Barlow, Isaiah Immke, Gabe King and Jake Pevion.
“We like our starting pitching and feel we have depth in the bull pen,” says Head Coach Todd Post. “We will see who steps up out of the bullpen and is successful in the closer role.”
The catching duties will belong to returning All Region player Garrett Latoz and first year players Kyle Czarnecki, Hayden Stork and Lucas Bateman. Czarnecki and Bateman also will see action at 3B.
The infield consists of returning All-American 1B Owen Jackson along with 1B Danny Puplava, middle infielders Beyoncé Paulina, Dailan Reece, Jack Michaels and Immke. Andy Onnen joins Czarnecki and Bateman at the hot corner.
The outfield consists of returning All-Region RF Joey Humphrey and CF Drake Schrodt. Freshmen outfielders will be Braedan MacDonald and Anthony Sykes.
“We feel we have some thunder in our lineup and good team speed,” says Post. “This will help us put pressure on our opponents and score runs in a variety of ways. Consistent pitching and defense are always the keys to winning in a very competitive Region IV Tournament.”
“A familiar announcement every game for two years during 2016-2017 spring seasons, batting lead-off for the Cavaliers 2nd baseman #13 Matt Littrell.” Roy Cordes announces.
Matt was a 2-year starter for Kankakee Community College Baseball after missing the previous season recovering from a major knee injury.
He was a key member of the 2017 National Championship team as our starting 2B and lead off hitter. Matt was named the MVP of the National Tournament and still holds the record for 15 RBIs in the tournament. He was also named the Best Defensive Player of the National Tournament. Matt was 1st Team All Region IV and Academic All-American in 2017. He transferred to Ashland University and was an All0 Conference player 2018 and 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree from Ashland University in 2019.
Coach Post says, “You will not find a better teammate or person than Matt Littrell. He had a tremendous career at KCC that culminated in a National Championship. He took his play to the next level at the World Series both offensively and defensively.”
Matt joins KCC Baseball Alumni Bryce Redeker and Casey Fletcher, as well as Coach Todd Post as members of the Region IV Hall of Fame.
Matt currently lives in Bradley with his wife Lauren and is an assistant branch manager for Enterprise Rentals.
Alayna Valone-
Alayna Valone a standout winger at Reed Custer High School will add some speed and creativity on field for the Lady Cavs this upcoming Fall season. Alayna’s pace will cause defensive thirds some trouble and help create scoring opportunities. She adds that creativity factor in the final with her crossing ability with both feet and her finishing! Excited to welcome aboard Alayna Valone.
Scotty Eldridge-
The defense for the Cavaliers is in good hands with incoming freshman Scotty Eldridge. Eldridge brings to the Cavaliers a defensive tenacity that is hard to find. Hard nose for winning 50/50 balls coupled with his smart decision making out of the back, will allow the Cavs to be very dynamic moving forward in the attack.
Samantha Porras-
Very excited to have Samantha Porras joining the Lady Cavs this fall. Samantha was a standout goalie for Southland Striker and Slayers Academy. Samantha brings an amazing work ethic/drive to be the best player she can be. She also brings a fearlessness approach to goalie that will provide as a great anchor to the defense.
Aiyana Lopez-
The rich keep on getting richer! We are excited to bring on Aiyana Lopez a stand out winger at Kankakee High School! Lopez is bringing to the Lady Cavs a can dot spirit along with her attacking third creativity. Aiyana Lopez final third creativity will be vital for the Lady Cavs this upcoming fall! We are excited to bring on such a talent like Aiyana Lopez.
Mia Robbins-
We are very excited to have Mia Robbins joining the Lady Cavs this upcoming Fall! Mia is a force to be reckon with in the back of the net! She brings an elite level of athleticism to the goalie position! Mia will be a vital part of the Lady Cavaliers!
Jesus Guzman-
Jesus has been a anchor for the Bradley Bourbonnais High school Men’s team, and will bolster the Cavs defense. Jesus has a great soccer IQ, and his size will pose a problem for opposing teams.
Tess Wallace-
The general of the middle field has been appointed! Tess Wallace a dynamic center mid for the BBCHS Boilers over her four years there, will come aboard for the Cavaliers this upcoming Fall! Tess’s decision making with the ball is going to create chaos for the opponent. Tess offensive mindset in setting up teammates for goal scoring opportunities.
Hailey Brady-
Goals are the name of the game! We are excited to add a dynamic goal scorer in Hailey Brady! Hailey has a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net! Hailey is very good in the air and winning headers off corners! She provides great runs into the box giving opportunities to score or her teammates!
Hailey Brooks-
The Lady Cavaliers are happy to welcome Hailey Brooks to the program! Brooks will help anchor the Cavaliers defensive! Hailey’s defensive IQ will help sure things up in the back along with her ability to go forward she poses the opposing team as serious threat!
Another award for Jackson. This time from the JBB! Congratulations Owen!
https://thejbb.net/2022/04/14/2022-week-12-awards/
Cavaliers moving on to a 4 year institution:
Ian Sanders 2B: 2nd Team All Region- Ashland University DII
Jake Vera OF: St. Francis University NAIA
Garrett Latoz C: 2nd Team All Region- Nichols State University DI
Bobby Nowak P: Valparaiso University DI
Two teams and 23 individual athletes from Kankakee Community College have been awarded NJCAA honors for academic achievement during the 2020-21 school year. The awards were formerly called Academic All-American.
The women’s volleyball and men’s soccer teams were named 2021 NJCAA All-Academic Teams for having team GPAs above 3.0. The women’s volleyball team had an overall team GPA of 3.32 and the men’s soccer team GPA was 3.17.
The All-Academic First Team members, with a 4.0 grade point average, are:
Congratulations to our Lady Cavs!
2021 Region IV Women’s Basketball
Division II All- Region Team
Brandi Hudson (All-American Nominee)
Madison Allen
Live streaming ALL Home games for all 7 sports on the Kankakee Community College - Athletics YouTube channel
Check out their team schedule page for a list of all home and away games:
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Kankakee Community College police officer Vernal Turner does a lot of walking around the college. In his second job, he runs the sidelines as a basketball official.
In spring 2021, Turner will be inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his work as an official. For 17 years, Turner has been an Illinois High School Association official.
He currently officiates for the Northern Athletic Conference, Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference and the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin. For eight seasons, Turner has been an official at NBA training camps for the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. In 2019, he became a court side administrator, working for the NBA.
Among the noteworthy high school games he has officiated are seven Chicago city championships; three IHSA boys basketball championships (3-A in 2013, 4-A in 2014, and 3-A and 4-A in 2019); and the McDonald’s All-American game in 2016. He will be the first person to have played in IBCA All-Star Game (1981), officiate the IBCA All-Star Game (2016), and be inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame.
In all, there will be more than 100 new IBCA Hall of Fame members, including nine officials. Due to COVID-19, the IBCA has not finalized its plans for an induction ceremony.
Turner also is president of Top Notch Officiating Camp for Officials Training and Development. In 2019 and 2020, he organized the Top Notch Health Awareness Challenge at KCC. The event pitted Kankakee-area high school basketball teams playing teams from Chicago. Each team also participated in health awareness sessions.
At KCC, Turner has been a part-time police officer since 2015.
Posted On: 06/04/20
Twenty-three Kankakee Community College student-athletes have received NJCAA honors for academic achievements during the 2019-20 school year.
The All-Academic First Team members, with a 4.0 grade point average, are: Leighann Allison of Kankakee, volleyball; Mallory Drake of Watseka, women’s basketball; Paige Glass of Kankakee, softball; Anna Jennings of Cissna Park, volleyball; Kloe Longtin of Herscher, volleyball; and Lanie Malone of Manteno, softball.
The All-Academic Second Team members, with grade point averages between 3.80-3.99, are: Makenna Goldtrap of Chebanse, softball; Eddie Saner of Springfield, baseball; and Julian Stadeli of Cissna Park, men’s basketball.
The All-Academic Third Team members, with grade point averages of 3.60-3.79, are: Madison Allen of Bushnell, women’s basketball; Owen Behrens of Prophetstown, baseball; Sloan Boyce of Cissna Park (pictured), volleyball; Sierra Cureton of Manteno, volleyball; Andrew Douglas of Watseka (pictured), men’s soccer; Ashley Harwood of Kankakee, volleyball; Isabelle Hille of Fort Wayne, Ind., women’s basketball; Michael Machnic of Walkerton, Ind., baseball; Michael Moshkovitz of Jerusalem, Israel, men’s basketball; Andrew Saliba of Peotone, men’s soccer; Emma Schriner of Bourbonnais (pictured), softball; Clayton Thompson of Schererville, Ind., baseball; Peyton Williams of Lafayette, Ind., baseball; and Kierra Williamson of Hazel Crest, women’s basketball.
Congratulations to Coach Todd Post on being inducted into the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame for 2020
Todd Post started his college coaching career at Kankakee Community College in 1993 as an assistant baseball coach. During his seven years as assistant (1993-2000), the program won three Sectional and three Region Championships. Coach Post took over as the head coach for the 2001 season. Since that time, the Cavaliers have won 16 Sectional Championships and two Region Championships. At the National Tournament, Post’s teams finished third in 2009 and won the NJCAA Div. II National Championship in 2017. Overall, Post’s record as KCC head baseball coach is 791-356 (.684). Since 2008, Post’s teams have averaged at least 43 wins per season through the 56 game regular season. During Post’s tenure as head coach, more than 150 players have transferred to four-year institutions to complete their degrees, and 12 players have signed to play professionally.
Congratulations Dylan Post and Nick Crowe
2019 Division II All North Central District/Region IV
Rawlings Gold Glove Team
The Cavaliers are coming off a 42-17 season and a 3rd place finish in the Region IV Tournament.
The 2017 NJCAA DII National Championship was a great accomplishment for the players and the program. We continue to have the same goals for our program, which include preparing our players academically and athletically to be successful at the 4-year university, compete for a Region IV Championship, and win 40 games each season.
The Cavaliers have several key players back for their sophomore seasons. These include OF Dylan Post: .295 BA, 9 2B, 5 3B, 1 HR, 31 RBI, 15 SB, INF Wade Rankin: .455 BA, 11 2B, 1 HR, 20 RBI, and 6 SB, C Jett MCGowan: .308 BA, 7 2B, 24 RBI, DH/1B Cristian Burciaga: .315 BA, 11 2B, 1 HR, 37 RBI, and RHP Will Wentz: 5-0, 1.61 ERA, 28 IP. Nick Barnes: 3-0, 4.03 ERA, 22.1 IP. Sophomore infielders Alex Hoss, Jake Campbell, Tobey Rigsby and transfer Cole Eshleman are looking to contribute this season. On the mound sophomores, LHP Nick Crowe and RHP Donnie Craft are both coming off solid fall outing and look to contribute to the pitching staff.
The freshman will definitely play a key role in the success of this team. They are led by shortstop Cole Stigleman, who has a dependable glove and a lethal bat. Corner infielders Jaret Humphrey and Michael Machnic will provide some thunder to the middle of the lineup. Nate James also provides a solid middle infielder and a left-handed bat. Outfielders Koltan Moore, Griffin Scaggs and Nate Vargo will also impact the lineup for the Cavaliers. Catcher Nick Anderson provides depth behind the plate or off the bench as a pinch hitter.
On the mound, the team will look to Freshman Nick Laxner, Owen Behrens, Bobby Nowak, Aaron Ball, Jacob Duffy and Tyler Jasmin to solidify the starting rotation. Nolan Lebamoff, Jake Schueter, Tanner Walls, Max Minich and Ike Speiser will compete for innings out of the bullpen.
“We have talent and depth on the pitching staff and will be able to look to multiple players for success this season,” says Head Coach Todd Post. “Pitching and defense is our focus and being consistent in both areas will give us a great chance to win the Region IV Tournament in May.”
The early season for the Cavaliers consists of a 10 game schedule opening up with John A. Logan on the way to Myrtle Beach for the spring trip March 1-9 at the Ripken Experience.
Congratulations to our 3 Athletics All Americans:
Jasmine Elliott- Women’s Basketball
Christian Jacobson- Men’s Basketball
Bryce Butler- Baseball
Congratulations to two of our athletic teams for being recognized by the NJCAA for their academic excellence. To be recognized the team must have a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Baseball 3.14 GPA
Softball 3.17 GPA
Congratulations to our Academic All Americans. These athletes received a 3.60 or higher GPA.
Soccer
2017-2018 Bobby Cooper 3.84
2017-2018 Connor Blanchette 3.85
2017-2018 Santiago Mena 3.91
2017-2018 Nicolas Mena 3.91
2017-2018 Jacob McCleary 4
2018 Andrew Newsome 3.63
2018 Dawson Swearengen 3.77 *Freshman
Volleyball
2017-2018 Courtney Johnson 3.69
Softball
2018 Halle McCrory 3.75
2018 Megan Lanie 3.78 *Freshman
2018 Amber Daly 3.92
2018 Marissa West 3.64
Baseball
2017-2018 Hayden Stoewer 3.94
2017 Dylan Dodd 3.63
2018 Bryce Butler 3.65
2018 Dylan Post 3.76 *Freshman
2018 Wade Rankin 3.78 *Freshman
2018 Matt Kingery 3.77
Congratulations to Baseball’s Bryce Butler for being named to the NJCAA DII All American 2nd team.
His individual achievements for KCC during the 2018 season are as follows:
217 At Bats- 17th all time
70 Runs- tied 11th all time
86 Hits- 9th all time
40 Base on Balls (Walks)- 14th all time
Bryce will be attending Catawba College in North Carolina.
The new athletics Facebook is now live. Please follow us for updates on teams, scores, and happenings in the athletic department at Kankakee Community College.
Congratulations pitcher Brennan Kelly on your Gold Glove Award! This national honor is awarded to the best fielding percentage per position in the NJCAA DII. Brennan fielded a PERFECT 1.000 for the 2018 season!
KCC 2018 Incoming Class
Name: Height: Weight: Position: High School:
Nick Anderson 6’2” 180 C Highland(IN)
Aaron Ball 6’2” 200 RHP Lakeland (MI)
Owen Behrens 6’1” 175 RHP Prophetstown
Lynn Bland 6’2” 175 INF Benton Harbor(MI)
Jacob Duffy 6’5” 225 RHP Pontiac
Cole Eshleman 5’9” 175 INF PBL
Jaret Humphrey 6’3” 230 INF Lewis Cass (IN)
Nathan James 5’8” 150 INF Castle (IN)
Tyler Jasmin 6’1” 180 INF/RHP BBCHS
Luke Jones 5’9” 160 C Rantoul
Nolan Lebamoff 6’4” 200 RHP Neuqua Valley
Michael Machnic 6’4” 210 INF John Glenn (IN)
Max Minich 6’2” 215 RHP Leo (IN)
Koltan Moore 5’10” 175 OF Bluffton (IN)
Bobby Nowak 6’4” 180 RHP/INF Hanover Central(IN)
Griffin Scaggs 6’ 175 OF Castle (IN)
Ben Smith 6’1” 205 C Normal West
Cole Stigleman 6’1” 180 INF Jay County (IN)
Jake Schlueter 6’ 170 RHP St. Joe Ogden
Nate Vargo 5’10” 175 OF Penn (IN)
Tanner Walls 6’2” 190 RHP Pontiac
The Athletics Department is thrilled to introduce our brand-new website!
This site allows us to interact more than ever before through live social media feeds, news stories, and more. Please share a link to https://athletics.kcc.edu so friends and prospective students/athletes can stay up-to-date with our athletic programs.
What else?
We have improved site navigation so you can find details for both fans and athletes. We’re sure you’ll also notice the pictures are big and bold! Take a look around and you’ll plenty of other helpful information.
Thanks for visiting! Please let us know if you have any feedback.
Baseball finished the season with a Sectional Championship and a record of 42-17. The Cavaliers fell short of the National Tournament losing to McHenry County 6-3. KCC wants to wish all of the sophomores the best of luck as they move on in their athletic and educational careers.
Cavs win first DII World Series The Cavs defeated Mercer County (NJ) 11-5 in the 2017 Division II Baseball World Series to win its first baseball championship in program history.
Head Coach Todd Post brings enthusiasm and a passion for the game to the field every day.
Post has completed 21 seasons as the Cavaliers head coach, with a record of 833-379-8. Prior to becoming head coach in 2001, he was the assistant coach for seven years.
During Coach Post’s tenure, the Cavaliers have averaged more than 41 wins per season, and 170 players have gone on to play at the next level. Since 2001, 69 Cavs have been named All-Region, 37 have been named All-Americans, and 13 have signed professional contracts.
In 2017 Post coached the Cavaliers to the NJCAA Division II National Championship, defeating Mercer County C.C. (N.J.), 11-5 in Enid, Okla. The Cavaliers finished with a record of 54-11-1. In 2009, they finished 3rd at the World Series with a record of 52-14-1. In all, the Cavs have won seven Region IV Championships and have made five World Series appearances. Post was inducted into the Region IV Hall of Fame in spring 2020.
Post is a 1987 graduate of Danville Area Community College, where he played basketball for two years. He then attended KCC and began his college baseball career as a pitcher for the Cavaliers in 1988.
Coach Post transferred to Benedictine University in Lisle where he was a two-year First Team NICC All-Conference pitcher. In 1989, he was named to the All-Midwest Region first team, and Athlete of the Year at Benedictine in 1990. He graduated from Benedictine in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
In addition to head coaching duties, Post works with players on hitting and defensive aspects of the game.
Post also is KCC’s athletic director. He resides in rural Kankakee with his wife, Julianne. Their son, Dylan, is a graduate of KCC and ISU. He is employed at Nucor Steel Company. Their daughter, Jordan, is a registered nurse at University of Chicago Hospital.
Coach Shafer is entering his seventh season as an assistant at KCC. For the Cavaliers, he works with pitchers and catchers and assists with recruiting.
Since 2016, Coach Shafer has seen 25 of his pitchers move on to four-year schools or the MLB Draft: Eleven to NCAA Division I; six to NCAA Division II; five to NAIA; and two (Waylon Richardson and Dylan Dodd) to the MLB Draft. Richardson was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies (2018) and Dodd was selected 96th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 3rd round of the 2021 MLB draft. In 2021, the Cavaliers pitching staff broke the KCC strikeout record with 491 strikeouts on the season.
Prior to KCC, Coach Shafer attended Valparaiso University from 2007-10. He was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2010 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. In 2010 at Valparaiso, Shafer tallied 121 strikeouts, second-most in Crusader history and third most in Horizon League history, earning him Horizon League Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors.
Shafer pitched in the Cubs organization from 2010 to 2012 (2.99 ERA, 110 strikeouts, 111.1 innings). In 2013 Shafer pitched for the Frontier Greys and in 2014, for the River City Rascals, both in the Frontier League of Independent Baseball.
Shafer also works as an academic success coach for the Athletic Department. Shafer has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ft. Hays State University (2015).
Shafer resides in Manteno with his wife, Jill, and their two sons, Carver and Callum.
Coach Ulrey is entering his fourth season as an assistant at KCC. For the Cavaliers, Ulrey works primarily with the hitters and catchers. Prior to KCC, Ulrey was an assistant at NCAA Division II University of Missouri-St. Louis. In the 2018 season, Ulrey helped coach UMSL to three GLVC All-Conference players.
Since joining KCC in 2018, Coach Ulrey has seen 12 hitters move on to four year schools: Three to NCAA Division I, four to NCAA Division II, one to NCAA DIII, four to NAIA. In two seasons the Cavaliers offense produced: 1 All-American, 7 All-Region players, 13 Top10 NJCAA offensive categories. The Cavaliers have averaged 8.6 runs and a .326 batting average.
Ulrey’s collegiate career started at KCC in 2013, where he started both years behind the plate. In his time at KCC, he attained All-Region honors and is in 8 of KCC’s career hitting records. Ulrey transferred to UMSL where he was a two-time GLVC All-Conference player and led the GLVC both years in runners caught stealing. In 2020, UMSL selected Ulrey to the All-Decade Team. Ulrey collected 231 hits and posted a career .334 batting average.
A native of New Palestine, Indiana, Coach Ulrey currently resides in St. Anne with his fiancé Sidney. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.