FROM WOLFPACK TO TIGERS-TALE OF ALEX PONICH
For Release: February 17, 2009
Kamloops, BC—As the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Baseball team makes its way to Phoenix for their annual spring training, one of their alumni is gearing up to play his final year of University Baseball.
Although Alex Ponich has played four years of post-secondary baseball, he finds himself as a rookie with the Campbellsville University Tigers in Kentucky. The Tigers play in the N.A.I.A. (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
The 5’10”, 190 pound Ponich, who was an All star and MVP with the WolfPack is one of four Canadians on the Tigers roster. “A few guys I played with this summer (with the Okotoks, Alta Dawgs of the Western Major Baseball League) go to school here, “ he says. “Brandon Hunter also was here last year.” Hunter was a member of the WolfPack from 2003-04 and then 2006 who has since moved onto playing professional ball in Australia.
Ponich (who hit 376 last season with 37 stolen bases) has a lot to offer the Tiger’s program: a team which won its Conference title for a fourth straight year in 2008. Their coach is Beauford Sanders, who is entering his 19 th season at the helm of the program. “Alex is physically as strong as any of our outfielders. His hitting has caught my eye a bit more than defense but we have had some rough weather of late and that has hampered work in the outfield. If he continues to grow in his trust of me and level of comfort with his new surroundings and team mates I believe he can be a solid contributor. “
Sanders plans to rotate Ponich and the other outfield prospects during the first couple of weeks of the season, which opened yesterday (Feb 13, 2009).
Ponich believes his experience at Thompson Rivers University will benefit him as he vies for a starting role with the Tigers. “Some stuff is the same here but there are a lot of things that are different. It’s nice to be a part of the school’s athletic program.”
At TRU, the WolfPack Baseball team is affiliated with the school.
WolfPack head coach Ray Chadwick has a lot of good things to say about Ponich’s development under his tuteledge, which started in 2005. “In Alex's four years at TRU he grew as a player, leader and young man that you would be proud to say he was a part of your program. He went from playing sparingly in his first year to a three year starter and two time CCBC all-star. ‘
Chadwick continued. “Through his hard work in the weight room to his extra work in the batting cage, along with his willingness to win and make himself and his team better will all contribute to whatever he decides in life. Hopefully he will continue to improve and someone will give him a chance to play for pay. He definitely has the makeup and drive. “
Although Kentucky is a long way from Kamloops, Ponich hasn’t forgotten his baseball roots and the relationships he forged here. “I’m sure Kyle Dhanani and Bryan Mahon will lead the team to another successful year.”
DOUBLE PLAYS: During his time at TRU, Alex Ponich won two Canadian College Baseball Conference titles and was part of two second place finish teams. He hopes to use the experience he gained here and in Kentucky to earn a pro contract.
Among his coaches at Campbellsville is Manitoba born Randy Lebeau, who was involved in the Team Canada Baseball program. He also managed minor league baseball in Medicine Hat and Thunder Bay. He was named Canadian Baseball Coach of the year in 2000.