Homeschool Baseball

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Coach Marcus Richards is a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, TX. He is currently the owner of CrossWood Technology Group LLC, an IT consulting company. He lives in Porter, TX with his wife and four kids.

Coach Richards is entering his seventh season with the Mustangs and fourteenth year of coaching. He is excited about the 2018 season as the Mustangs have a strong core of young players moving up to add to their returning upper class leaders. After a successful fall training, Coach Richards and his coaching staff believe this year’s squad has bonded like no other class before them. “They have committed to making sure this team lives up to the MtB (More Than Baseball) standards both on and off the field,” according to Coach Richards. He continues to strive to teach the kids how to use their God-given talents to glorify God through their actions and words. Coming off two successful twenty plus win seasons, Coach Richards believes this young group has accepted the challenge to continue to reach new heights despite their young age. The Mustangs have put together another challenging schedule playing against some of the premier teams in the Houston and surrounding areas.

Coach Richards believes this year’s squad is ready for the challenge. Coach Richards is dedicated to providing the best possible coaching to his players. A consummate student of the game, he is continually studying and learning new techniques and strategies to get the most out of each player and team.

  

 

  JUNIOR VARSITY

 Head Coach:  Brian Pollan

 

Updated soon ... 

 

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Team History

2017

Varsity 

Updated soon ...  

Junior Varsity 

A number of new faces made their HS debut for the JV Mustangs, winning five games in a tough scheudle. the team put together an impressive streak of play down the stretch, putting together wins over Stafford High School (4-1), HCYA (10-3), the West Houston Thunder (7-5), and Cypress Christian (6-5).  

Junior High

A very young team took the field and opened the season with a 9-8 walkoff win vs. Providence Classical School.

They also scrapped their way to a third-place finish in San Antonio at the FEAST pre-season tournament.

They also fought an older and more experienced Cypress Christian team to a 2-2 tie on their home field.

Also, for the first time since 2007, the JH Mustangs logged an impressive 6-2 win over the Dallas Angels in a DH split at Barton Park. 

2016

Varsity

Record: 25 wins - 10 losses (represents highest win total in Mustangs history)

   Highlights:

      - Aldine ISD Elliot Lansford 5A Tournament - 2nd Place

      - Danbury Invitational 3A / 4A Tournament - 2nd Place

      - Record vs. Homeschool Teams (12 wins - 6 losses)

      - Homeschool World Series - 3rd Place, Division II

At the Homeschool World Series in Florida, the Mustangs went 3-3 for the week, taking 3rd place in the Division II bracket. This placed them at 11th overall in a field of 23 teams.

Junior Varsity

Record: 11 wins - 6 losses

Junior High

The 2016 MtB Junior High team finished their schedule with an overall record of 7-10. The team put together some great performances including a first place finish in the Salem Lutheran Tournament in March, and victories over the Northside Falcons and Dallas Angels. Throughout the season the MtB coaches, players, and fans demonstrated excellent character in their interactions with each other and the umpires, as well as towards the players, coaches, and families of the other teams. 

2015 

Varsity

The Mustangs finished the season with a record of 17-16-1.

At the Homeschool World Series in Florida, the Mustangs went 4-3 for the week, taking 5th place in the Division II bracket. This placed them at 13th overall in a field of 22 teams.

 2014

Varsity

Though they had to replace 4 Varsity players on the roster during the course of the season and battled through fractures and other assorted injuries/obstacles, this group of Varsity Mustangs turned in a great season that was a tribute to their never-say-die spirit.

They got their first win with a 9-inning come-from-behind effort versus the perennially-tough, TAPPS 4A playoff-bound Northland Christian Cougars, 10-9.

Facing a typically-tough schedule, four of the team's losses this season were to state champions (Houston Christian, of Southwest Preparatory Conference), Cypress Christian (from TAPPS 3A), and Kinkaid (the Southwest Division II Champ).  The Mustangs lost a tough, 8-inning game at Kinkaid, 6-5.

Turned in their best-ever performace at the John Cooper Tournament, going 3-0-1, with wins over TWCA, the Houston Power, and Arlington Oakridge of the SPC.  The Mustangs tied St. John's in another great game between the teams. The Mustangs thus were the champions of their bracket at the Cooper Tournament for the first time ever. This was the Mustangs first tournament championship in three years.

At the Aldine Wayne White Tournament, the Mustangs lost to UIL 5A Playoff-bound Oak Ridge HS, 3-2, in a walkoff in the bottom of the 7th.  The game was the de facto championship game of the tournament, as the Mustangs were undefeated in their other tournament games.  They defeated Alief Taylor, 5-4, with a walkoff single.  They also won over Aldine Eisenhower, 10-1, and Houston Davis, 11-2, while tying UIL 5A District Champ Aldine MacArthur, 2-2, in 8 innings.   

In a game that epitomized so much of their spirit and season, a short-handed and young Mustangs team rallied three times (from deficits of 6-3, 7-5, and 9-7) before scoring 4 in their last AB to defeat Houston Memorial White, 13-9.

In another memorable battle against mud, fog, rain, and fowl ... the Mustangs rallied with two outs in the last inning on the road to outlast the HCYA Eagles, 11-8.

Defeated District 23-3A Champion Houston Furr, 11-6.  

Lost a well-played game to a fine, 3A-playoff-bound Huffman Hargrave team, 4-2.

After falling behind, 3-0, the Mustangs clawed back take the lead and then hang on to defeat the perenial UIL 2A playoff-contending Danbury Panthers, 5-4.

Defeated John Cooper, 12-7, and TWCA, 18-1, winning on the home fields of both teams for the second year in a row.

In their last home game, the Mustangs fell behind, 3-0, to the Houston Power.  However, in a familiar refrain, they took the lead in their last AB and then threw out the potential tying run at the plate from CF to preserve the victory, 5-4.  The win over the Power resulted in the Mustangs winning the season series between the two teams, 3-2.

At the Homeschool World Series, the Mustangs' losses were to national third and fourth-place finishers, Oklahoma City and Charlotte, as well as the Division II finalists, the Raleigh, N.C. Warriors.  Thus, three of their losses on the season were to the top 4 teams in 2014 homeschool baseball, including the 2-0 loss earlier in the season vs. the Dallas Angels in Richardson. 

At the HWS, the Mustang also defeated the Richmond, Va. Patriots, 10-1, to advance to the Qualification Games for the fourth time in five years.  In their first Division II game, the Mustangs battled HCYA in a hard-fought, emotional, see-saw affair on Field #2.  The Eagles rallied with 4 runs in the top of the last inning to tie game, 11-11.  After a scoreless sixth, HCYA plated a single run in the top of the 7th.  But, very fittingly in their last win of the season, the Mustangs did what they had done so often in 2014 -- they refused to quit. Instead, they scored two runs in the bottom of the 7th to win in a walkoff, 13-12.  As a result, the Mustangs won the season series from the Eagles, 2-1.

The Mustangs HWS finish also marked the first time in program history that they finished higher than all Houston-area team at HWSA post-season play. However, in another respect, by again finishing ahead of all other teams from the Montgomery County/North Houston area for the 6th time in 8 years, the Mustangs were back in familiar territory. 

In sum, with yet another schedule loaded with UIL, SPC, and TAPPS playoff teams, the Mustangs finished  20-17-2, coming from behind often and, in fact, in most of their wins. The win total was the second most wins in team history and made them only the second team in organization history to win 20 games. In the end, two words describe this group ... resilience ... relentlessness.      

2013 

Varsity

With only 3 seniors, a young but resilient team battled throughout a tough schedule to make their mark in program history.  The Mustangs played an extraordinary number of close games in 2013. More than half (18) of the Mustangs' games were decided by three runs or less, including two that went extra innings and three ... yes, three ... that ended up tied. The Mustangs finished 15-17-3, with most of their games in the 2013 campaign against UIL, TAPPS, and SPC Div. I Playoff teams.

For the second time in team history, the Mustangs defeated John Cooper and The Woodlands Christian Academy in the same season; this time, however, the Mustangs won at both teams' home fields in a single season for the first time.  After falling to TWCA, 7-6, on a squeeze bunt in the season opener, the Mustangs defeated the Warriors two weeks later, 8-3. TWCA went on to the TAPPS 3A State Semi-Finals.

Went 3-1 at the Aldine Wayne Tournament vs. UIL 4A and 5A opponents, including their second straight win over playoff-bound UIL 5A Aldine MacArthur, 10-7.  

Rallied for three runs in the 7th to tie at Lutheran South, and then went on to win in the 8th, 6-5.

Battled hard in a well-played game at St. Pius before losing to the eventual TAPPS 5A Finalists, 6-4.

Rallied in their last at-bat on the road to defeat UIL District 29 2A Champion Danbury, 4-2, in the first meeting ever between the programs.

Lost, 6-5, in 8 innings at UIL 3A Regional Finalist, Huffman Hargrave.

Defeated two Houston-area Homeschool teams and tied the other one in a rain-shortened game.

Advanced to the Homeschool World Series Qualification Games for the third time in four years, with a 5-3 victory over Tulsa.  The Mustangs then lost to eventual national third-place finisher, Peachtree City, GA and Division 2 Champion St. Louis.  The Mustangs drew top-seeded Fort Worth twice in the tournament, losing 4-1 and 4-3.  In finishing 6th in Division 2 (or 14th in the nation), the Mustangs also scored a tournament-high 18 runs in their victory over Hendersonville, TN.  

All told, the Mustangs battled from start to finish and represented their team and program with character.  They honored each other and those that have come before them with their relentless spirit. As a result, the future is very bright and the stage set for 2014 and beyond.   

2012

Varsity

After graduating 7 seniors, a new generation of Mustangs carried the mantle forward in 2012.  This scrappy group of Mustangs still managed to record double-digit wins (12) for the fifth consecutive season while establishing still more team firsts. 

Defeated Rosehill Christian, 6-2, in the first-ever meeting between the programs.  With the victory over Rosehill and Fort Worth Calvary Christian, the Mustangs went 2-1 in the John Cooper Tournament.

Defeated Cypress Christian, 5-3, for the second consecutive season.  

Held off UIL 4A playoff team Houston Davis, 3-1, in the Aldine Wayne White Tournament, marking the second consecutive victory over the Panthers.

In another first, hosted an out-of-state opponent at Barton Park, Pulaski Academy (4A) from Little Rock, Arkansas.  The Bruins rallied late to defeat the Mustangs, 5-3, in a great ball game.

In a well-played and pitched game at Taub Field against St. John's, the Mustangs staged a dramatic, 5-run rally in the top of the 7th inning and then held on with great pitching and defense in the bottom of the inning to defeat the Mavericks, 6-5.  

In their final home game of the year, the Mustangs defeated the perenially-strong Baytown Christian Bulldogs, 16-4.  The Bulldogs went on to win their third consecutive TCAL state championship.  

At the Homeschool World Series in Auburndale, Florida, the Mustangs played hard and finished strong.  The team put together its best effort of the season in defeating the Atlanta South Knights,  11-2.  On the last day of the HWS, the Mustangs won twice -- defeating the Denver Eagles, 4-2, and the Hendersonville (TN) Royals, 14-1 -- finishing 21st nationally.

Though this season marked the first time in six (6) years that the Mustangs had not finished first among homeschool teams in the North Houston/Tomball/Montgomery County area at HWSA competition, the Mustangs still went 3-3 in Florida against a tough field.   

The Mustangs accomplished all of the foregoing with the youngest roster at the HWS and the youngest Varsity roster in team history.

This team made their mark in Mustang history and showed that the future is very bright for the red and black.

Junior Varsity

Our Junior Varsity again played a very competitive schedule against good baseball programs including Kinkaid, Cypress Christian, and Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, AR).  Early in the season, the JV won a dramatic, hard-fought victory against Cypress Christian and then solidly defeated HCYA.  The team finished 3-5-1, and once again had great fan support!  The JV looks to be as strong as ever in the 2013 season.

Junior High

The Junior High Mustangs finished their third-consecutive winning season (18-9), this time compiling a team-record for victories.

The Mustangs also placed in the following tournaments: 2nd Place at the Salem Lutheran Tournament; 2nd Place at the Cypress Christian Tournament; and 3rd Place at the Faith West Tournament.  The Mustangs defeated the Northside Falcons in the Third Place game at Faith West.

Other key victories included defeating perennially-tough Faith West and also Kinkaid twice.  

This group of Mustangs established a great foundation for the future of Mustangs baseball, while playing with heart and class.    

2011

Varsity

Began the season with an opening day DH sweep of Northeast Christian, the defending TAPPS 1A/2A champ.  It was the Varsity's first-ever win over NCA.

Bounced back from a pool-play loss to The Woodlands Christian Academy to defeat Tyler Bishop Gorman, 5-2, host Concordia Lutheran for the first time in team history, 13-3, and finally TWCA, 17-2, in the title game to claim the championship of the Concordia Lutheran Tournament.

Participated in the team's first-ever UIL 4A-5A tournament at Baytown Sterling, falling to a very tough Galveston Ball team in the Mustangs' final game, 7-4, with the tying run at the plate in the final inning.

Won the Aldine Wayne White Tournament, becoming the first homeschool team in Texas to win a UIL 4A-5A tournament.  The Mustangs defeated co-hosts Aldine MacArthur, 6-5, and Eisenhower, 8-3, on their home fields in consecutive days.  The Mustangs also held off Sam Houston, 8-7, and Houston Davis, 11-6, to win the tournament. 

Two tournament wins in a season tied a team record.

Defeated both John Cooper and Cypress Christian for the second consecutive year.

Went 3-3 vs. UIL 4A teams and 3-0 vs. 5A programs, running the Mustangs all-time record vs. UIL 5A opponents to 7-1.

Came from behind in all three wins at the Homeschool World Series, defeating eventual 6th-place finisher Richmond, VA, 9-7, in a great pool game.  The Mustangs finished 7th in Div. II, or 15th nationally.  The HWS finish marked the fifth consecutive year that the Mustangs finished higher at HWSA competition than any other homeschool team in the North Houston/Montgomery County/Tomball area.

Became the first homeschool team in the North Houston/Montgomery County/Tomball area to have a player(s) sign with a four-year college to play baseball on scholarship.

For the second consecutive year, the Mustangs overcame a 7-run deficit on Field #2 in Auburndale, this time vs. the Atlanta South Knights to win the "Atlanta Fight."  Battling against all manner of obstacles and playing short-handed, the Mustangs rallied for 15 unanswered runs and held off a tough Knights team to win, 15-11, in one of the most memorable Mustang games ever. 

In spite of a year full of injuries and obstacles and while playing the toughest schedule in team history, set a team and organization record for wins (22) and also posted the second consecutive winning season (22-18) for the first time in team history.

Posted a winning record against total of 14 playoff teams from TAPPS and UIL -- the UIL teams were 3A to 5A -- going 9-8.  

Finished with the best home record (4-1) in team history, after defeating the HCYA Eagles, 6-5, in their final home game. No shutouts were recorded against the Mustangs.

In their final game, the Mustangs battled to the end, as usual.  As a result of a sluggish start on an emotional day, the Mustangs trailed 8-3 in the 5th inning vs. the Augusta Crusaders before tying it up late to force extra innings.  In the bottom of the 8th ... and with two outs ... the Mustangs won 9-8 on a walkoff single. They never led until the final pitch ... but they walked off as winners. 

This group of Mustangs finished the season in their typical fashion -- with class and heart -- and they set a new standard for MtB baseball excellence going forward.

Junior Varsity

The JV team battled hard all year and was known for its scrappiness and battling to the last out.  The JV team played an excellent game against St. Pius which was decided in the late innings.

Defeated John Cooper, HCYA and a tough Lutheran South team, all on their home fields.
 
Overall, the level of play and intensity of this group were outstanding, and with their hard work and dedication in practice, they made a significant contribution to the Varsity's best season to date.  

Junior High

Another young bunch piled up an impressive 13-7 record, including victories over homeschool rivals the Dallas Angels and the West Houston Thunder.    

2010

Varsity

Won the Burton Tournament, defeating Ganado H.S., 1-0, host Burton, 12-0, Milano H.S., 4-3, and perennially-strong Fayetteville, 7-6, in the Championship Game.

Reeled off 9 straight wins to set a team record.  The win streak was snapped by TAPPS 6A defending champ St. Pius, 9-8.

Won the Houston-Area Homeschool Championship, defeating the HCYA Eagles, 18-5, and the Northside Falcons, 8-4.

Two tournament championships set a season record.

Went 2-1 vs. Southwest Preparatory Conference schools, defeating John Cooper for the first time in team history.

Defeated Northbrook for the second year in a row, as well as Houston Memorial's JV, to run the Mustangs all-time record vs. UIL 5A opponents to 4-1.

In an elimination game of Gold Division HWSA play, the Mustangs mounted a 7-run, last inning rally ... starting with two outs and the bases empty ... to defeat the Centex Chargers, 9-8.  The "Centex Miracle" was the biggest comeback in team history.  The Mustangs won three games in Florida in their last at-bat. 

Indeed the team displayed mental toughness and grit all season, going 6-1 in one-run games. 

Went 4-2 and finished second in the Gold Division at the Homeschool World Series, or 10th nationally.  This was the highest finish in Mustangs history, and it was the fourth consecutive year that the Mustangs finished higher at HWSA competition than any other team in the North Houston/Montgomery County/Tomball area.  

After starting 2-7, the Mustangs finished with a 17-16 record against a challenging schedule of public, private, and homeschool competition.  The 17 wins were the most ever by a Mustangs' Varsity team.

All of the foregoing was accomplished by the youngest Mustangs team ever.  There were no seniors on the roster.

Junior Varsity

A young group with a lot of heart, the JV Mustangs helped their Varsity teammates achieve heights never before achieved by their hard work and dedication.  The team played an undefeated Dallas Angels team extremely tough, and also defeated the West Houston Thunder.  In addition, the JV recorded two victories over John Cooper.

Junior High

Another young JH team of Mustangs went 13-7 against a challenging schedule that included teams that were comprised of mostly older players.  The Mustangs defeated the Dallas Angels and Cooper on their way to combining with the Varisty for the most wins ever (30) between the two teams in a single season in team history.    

2009

Varsity

Won the Lutheran South Baseball Bash Tournament, defeating host Lutheran South, 12-4.  This marked the first tournament championship in Varsity team history.

Defeated two UIL 5A Varsity baseball programs -- Houston Northbrook, 19-7, and Carnegie-Vanguard, 18-3, becoming the first homeschool program in Texas to defeat a 5A program during the spring season.

Defeated the West Houston Thunder twice in a row by coming from behind -- first while hitting 5 HR's in a 15-8 win, and then 7-6 in the Houston-Area Homeschool Tournament.

Finished 7th out of 16 teams at the HWSA West Regional while winning the most pool games ever by a Mustang team.

Won more games (11) than any Mustang team since resuming Varsity play in 2006.

Finished higher than any homeschool team from the North Houston/Montgomery County/Tomball area at HWSA regional competition for the third consecutive year.

Junior Varsity

Finished with its second winning season in a row, going 9-3.

Junior High

Young team navigated a difficult schedule comprised of mostly older 8th-grade teams, winning five games and laying the foundation for future success.  

2008 

Varsity

Defeated 2007 and 2008 TAPPS 1A Champion Brazos Christian, 16-6, and former TAPPS 2A Champion The Woodlands Christian Academy, 8-4.

Rallied for 7 runs in the final inning to defeat St. John's, 12-11, for the team's first-ever win over a Southwest Preparatory Conference school.  The victory also secured second place in the Black Bracket of the John Cooper Tournament.

Defeated the San Antonio Patriots, 18-7, to claim third place in the Texas State Homeschool Tournament.

Won two games at HWSA competition for the first time, defeating both Little Rock and HCYA.

Had a 10-win season for the first time since resuming Varsity play in 2006.

Junior Varsity

Recorded its first winning season in only its second year, going 10-2-1. 

Swept the Dallas Angels with two walk-off wins.  

Junior High

Won seven games against a difficult schedule, defeating Salem Lutheran, Kincaid, and rival Westbriar Middle School.  

2007

Varsity

Won the season series from the Northside Falcons, 2-1.

Won four more games (total 9 wins) than the 2006 team.

Won the season series from the HWSA World Series runner-up West Houston, defeating the Thunder, 5-3, on their home field and then posting a walk-off 7-6 win at Barton Park.

Won the Mustangs' first-ever HWSA game, defeating the Denver Eagles, 7-5.

Junior Varsity  

In the first year of junior varsity play, the JV team became the first group of Mustangs HS players to defeat John Cooper.  

Junior High

Recorded the fourth winning season in five years.

Tied the team record for victories, going 17-3.  

Swept SATCH and the West Houston Thunder.

Recorded the program's first-ever victories over the Dallas Angels, sweeping both of the Angels' JH teams in Richardson, 16-1 and 8-1.   

2006

Varsity

In the first year after resuming Varsity play, won 5 games.

Signature win was a 13-8 victory over West Houston at the Thunder's home field. 

Won the Christian Character Award at the HWSA West Regional. 

Junior High

Recorded second-straight winning season, going 14-6-1.

Highlights included wins over TWCA and SATCH in the first-ever meeting between the programs.

Won the first tournament in program history, taking the Salem Lutheran Tournament with a victory over St. Mark's Lutheran.    

2005

Varsity

The Mustangs did not field a Varsity team this season.  However, a core of 8 young men who bled red and black practiced and scrimmaged and laid the groundwork for future Mustangs HS teams and success. 

Junior High

Rebounded from a difficult year in 2004, and set both team and program records for wins, going 17-6.

Formed the Houston-Area Middle School Conference along with Grace School, St. John's, Village School, KIPP Academy, and 3D Academy.

Defeated Ft. Bend Baptist Academy's 8th-grade team for the first time.  

Swept Grace School and St. John's en route to finishing second in the Houston-Area Middle School Conference.   

2004

Varsity

A team of 10 players completed a difficult schedule by finishing 3-13-1.

Junior High

With virtually no 8th-graders, the young Mustangs scrapped their way to a 3-13 record in their second full season of play.  

2003

Varsity

A strong, senior-laden team finished 14-7, including a sweep of HCYA.

Junior High

After dropping its first 4 games, the Mustangs reeled off 11 wins in a row, finishing the season 12-5.  

2002

Junior High

While the HS played an abbreviated schedule, the JH played six games (all against HCYA), winning one. 

General Manager Rick Rutledge posts on topics relevant to Mustangs baseball, in particular topics relating to the how and the why we do things the way we do around here ... the Mustang way. 

There is a reason we have made the strides we have. In short, we are striving to maintain a culture of excellence, with the mindset of a learner, always humble, and yet hungry ... on the cutting edge in our quest to get better.  

Bookmark the blog and keep up with the MtB Mustangs at:

http://coach-rut-takes.blogspot.com/

To comment on a post, ask a question or discuss anything Mustangs-related, please email Coach Rut at rickrutline-at-gmail-dot-com or call 281-413-5418.

See you on the field ...

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Here are the former Mustangs who have taken their game to the next level:

 Jacob Slaten (2017) -- RHP/2B - Jacob, a steady force in the middle of the Mustang infield and also as a dominant starting pitcher, will join his brother and Mustang teammate Michael at Bendectine University (NAIA) in Atchison, Kansas for the 2018 season. 

Andrew Astalos (2013) - LHP/CF - Andrew joined Varsity as a junior and provided stellar OF defense, speed on the bases, a power bat, and a power arm for two seasons.  While also anchoring the Mustangs starting pitching rotation, Andrew was among the team leaders in slugging percentage and batting average.  In 2016, Andrew made his collegiate debut as a redshirt freshman LHP for the Fort Hays State University (NCAA Div. II) Tigers in Hays, Kansas.  

In 2017, Andrew pitched for Lamar Community College (NJCAA) in Lamar, Colorado. In 9 appearances, he was 1-1, with a 6.75 ERA.  Andrew struck out 11 batters in 6.2 innings, a remarkable 14.75 K's per 9 inning.  

Ben Chambers (2011) - P/1B - Ben was a three-time Pitcher of the Year and an HWSA All-American. He anchored the infield at first base and consistently led the team in appearances, saves, and ERA.  Ben was awarded an academic scholarship to attend Covenant College (NCAA Div III) in Lookout Mountain, GA.  In his freshman season with the Scots, Ben batted .306, with 7 2B, 2 3B, and 13 RBI.  On the mound, he threw 4 scoreless innings.

In 2013, coming off a serious hand hand injury, Ben saw limited action for the Scots. 

Andrew Ellwanger (2012) - RHP/IB - Andrew played for the Mustangs JH before being pressed into Varsity duty as a pitcher as an 8th-grader in the 2008 Homeschool World Series Regional Tournament.  He appeared in two games, throwing a complete-game gem over the Little Rock, Ark. Flames.  Andrew finished his high-school baseball career with Magnolia West High School, where he was a stellar contributor to both the basketball, tennis, and baseball teams. Andrew became a two-sport collegiate athlete (basketball and baseball) at Rockhurst University (NCAA Division II) in Kansas City, Missouri.  In 2015, as a sophomore for the Hawks, Andrew posted a 1-4 record on the mound, with a 3.06 ERA in 32.1 innings; he struck out 14 and walked only 5 batters.

In 2016, Andrew made 13 appearances for the Hawks, starting 8 games with 2 CGs.  He was 4-3 with a 5.63 ERA.  In 56 innings of work, Andrew walked only 6 batters.

In 2017, Andrew finished his career at Rockhurst with an excellent senior campaign.  Again a dual-sport athlete, Andrew started 10 games for the Hawks, going 6-5 with a 4.19 ERA.  His 62.1 IP were third on the team; in typical fashion, he walked only 11 batters all season. 

John Fox (2011) - C/P/OF - John was a recipient of the MtB Spirit Award. An outstanding defensive backstop throughout his career, as a senior, John led the Mustangs most prolific offense in history in slugging, RBI's and OPS while batting .387.  John made the roster as a freshman at LeTourneau University (NCAA Div III) in Longview, Texas.

Luke Ludwig (2016) - 1B/RHP - Luke established himself as a force on the mound for the Mustangs over three seasons, while he also became a stellar 1B in the process.  Luke was named Pitcher of the Year twice for the Mustangs.  Luke took his game to Letourneau University (D-III) in Longview, Texas where he is pitching for the Yellow Jackets in 2017.

In 2017, Luke worked his way into the Yellow Jackets starting rotation, going 1-2 with a 7.14 ERA in 45 IP.  He led the team in appearances with 15. 

Lance Martin (2014) - IF/P - Lance was a two-time HWSA All-American and the Pitcher of the Year for the Mustangs in 2013. A steady presence,  he was a Team Captain, lead off hitter and played all over the diamond and IF with a consistency that was key to the Mustangs success in 2014.  Lance decided to attend Schreiner University (D-III) in Kerrville, TX.  In 2015, he appeared in 5 games for the Mountaineers, collecting his first college hit on 2/7/15 against Sul Ross State.  Lance also earned Academic Honor Roll Honors in 2015. In 2016, a highlight for Lance and the Mountaineers was his walk-off single in extra innigns on Senior Day. Lance also earned Academic Merit List for both the Fall and Spring.

In 2017, Lance returned to the mound, throwing 3 innings for the Mountaineers.  He had 2 K's and 0 BBs.  A stellar student, Lance continued to impress in the classroom, earning a spot on the President's List and the SCAC Honor Roll.

Kevin Rushing (2012) - IF - Kevin made the smooth transition to 3B and was a big part of the Mustangs' success in 2010-11, Kevin was a mainstay in the Mustangs infield and in the middle of the lineup.  He twice earned Defensive Player of the Year.  In 2011, he hit .373 with 30 RBIs while leading the team in 2B (11) .  Kevin saw limited action as a freshman while playing for LeTourneau University (NCAA Div III) in Longview, Texas. 

Reagan Rutledge (2011) - switch-hitting CF/SS/P - Reagan was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, a recipient of the MtB Spirit Award, and a two-time HWSA All-American. He also set team records with 8 HRs and 36 SB (in 37 attempts) in 2011. Reagan was awarded a partial baseball scholarship to attend Belhaven University (NAIA) in Jackson, MS.  In his freshman season, Reagan hit .250 in limited action.  Then, while making the transition to a full-time LH hitter, Reagan led all regulars on his 2012 summer college team (the Westchase Express Cougars) in hitting with a .359 average. 

In 2013, Reagan had a breakout year at Belhaven in the tough Southern States Athletic Conference.  He was one of only three (3) players on the 33-man roster to play in all 58 games for the Blazers.  He started all but one game and ended the season as the Blazers' regular CF. Reagan hit .295, good for 4th on the team. He led the team in runs scored (56), as well. Reagan also broke the Belhaven single-season record for stolen bases and finished tied for the school record with teammate Dominick Francia; both had 42 steals. Reagan stole 42 bases in 44 attempts, even though he battled a bad groin for much of the season.  Reagan also earned a spot on the 2013 SSAC All-Academic Team.  At the conclusion of fall baseball workouts, Reagan was named to the SSAC Fall All-Star Baseball Team along with four other Blazers.

Building on the previous season, Reagan was again the Blazers' CF in 2014 and took over the leadoff spot in the order, as well.  One of only three players to play in all 63 games for the Blazers, Reagan started each game, as well.  Completing his second season of playing in every game, he played all but one defensive inning, as well.  For the second straight season, he led the Blazers in OF assists. Reagan hit .278 on the season and led the team in AB's (237), Runs (60), and Triples (5).  In spite of hitting in the leadoff spot for most of the year, Reagan also had 30 RBI's, good for third on the team. He was also third in slugging (.367) and fourth in OBP (.396) out of Blazer regulars.  

After his 6.3 60-yard-dash time at Belhaven's pro day in the fall of 2013, Reagan established himself as one of the fastest college baseball players in the nation. Indeed, on the bases in 2014, Reagan shattered the Belhaven single-season stolen-base record with 64 steals in 69 attempts.  He also led the entire nation (NAIA), as well, with 17 more SBs than his nearest competitor.  In the process, Reagan became the career stolen-base record holder at Belhaven, with 106 in only two seasons of play. Reagan accomplished the foregoing on a very good Belhaven club (42-21) that finished 3rd in the perennially-tough Southern States Athletic Conference and came within one game of advancing to the NAIA World Series.  The Blazers finished the season ranked #18 nationally in the NAIA.

In 2015, Reagan again played in every game (57) for the Blazers, starting 54; he played in every game for the Blazers over three seasons.  He compiled a .290 average in '15 again out of the lead-off spot, hit 4 HRs, had 21 RBIs, while leading the team in triples (7), runs scored (61), and SB (53 in 56 attempts, which was also second in the nation).  Was second among Blazer regulars with a .900 OPS. He earned Second-Team All Conference Honors. The Blazers finished 33-24 and again qualified for the very tough SSAC tournament.  Along the way, the Blazers posted a number of impressive victories over ranked opponents and were undefeated (5-0) vs. NCAA competition.

Over the course of a remarkable career at Belhaven, Reagan became the all-time career leader in two categories:  Stolen Bases (159, while being caught only 10 times in his college career), including the three highest single-season SB totals in school history; and 3B (15).

As of 2015, He was also among Belhaven's career leaders in Runs (3rd with 163); ABs (6th with 624); Walks (7th with 80); Hits (10th with 176); and HBP (10th with 22).

No one in college baseball stole more bases from 2013-2015 than Reagan.

On July 3, 2015, he made his professional debut with the Alpine Cowboys of the Pecos League. In the process, he became the first Mustang to play professionally, and apparently, the first homeschooler from Texas to do so. He collected his first professional hit on July 4, 2015 vs. the Roswell Invaders. Reagan took over as the Cowboys' regular CF and lead-off hitter down the stretch, playing stellar defense and helping his team win the Southern Division title.  He hit .264 with 2 3B and 9 RBIs.  He also stole 15 bases in 17 attempts, finishing second on the team in steals in a little over three weeks of action. 

In 2016, Reagan returned for a second season with the Alpine Cowboys.  He again established himself as the regular CF, playing stellar defense and hitting in the leadoff spot for much of the season. The Cowboys made the Pecos League playoffs, though they fell in the first round.  Reagan hit .318, and he led the team with 255 ABs while playing in more games than any Cowboy (62); he scored 60 runs (2nd on the team), hit 9 2Bs (3rd on the team), and he had 4 HR and 41 RBIs. Reagan also stole a team-record 42 bases in 47 attempts.  He also set the Cowboys' career mark for SB with  57 in 64 attempts.  With 3 3B in 2016, Reagan also tied the team career triples mark.

In 2017, Reagan turned down a Frontier League contract and returned to the Pecos League with the Trinidad Triggers in Trinidad, CO. He appeared in 28 games for the Triggers, who made the playoffs with a 36-23 record; Reagan hit .224 in 58 ABs.  He had 1 HR and 7 RBIs.  As always, he was a force on the bases; he scored 21 runs and stole 11 bases in 12 attempts.  As the regular season was winding down in White Sands, NM, Reagan took the mound to help his team preserve its pitching for the playoffs.  He pitched one perfect inning against the Pupfish, with 2 Ks.     

Wyatt Saltarelli (2014) - P/IF/OF - Wyatt was a 2013 HWSA All-American and Pitcher of the Year in 2014 for the Mustangs.  A Team Captain, as well, Wyatt was a key team leader for the Mustangs for 4 years on the Varsity.  He accepted a partial baseball scholarship to attend the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO, becoming the first pitcher-only for the Mustangs at the next level.  In 2015 as a freshman, Wyatt appeared in 11 games for the Bobcats, starting five. He posted a 1-4 record, with 3.70 ERA (second best on the staff).  In 24.1 IP, Wyatt walked only 7 batters and had 21 K's.  

In 2016, Wyatt again made key contributions for the Bobcats on the mound.  He posted a 3-1 record, with a 4.40 ERA in 9 appearances.  He started five games for the the Bobcats, who finished 31-24, going 12-1 in conference play.

In 2017, Saltarelli became a key member of the Bobcats' rotation, starting 10 games and throwing 3 CGs.  He had a 5-5 record, with a 4.28 ERA; Wyatt threw 61 innings in 12 appearances.  He was also named an NAIA Scholar Athlete for maintaining better than a 3.5 GPA. 

Michael Slaten (2016) - RHP/3B - Michael played three seasons for the Mustangs, and he set new records for HRs (12) and also batting average as a senior.  Michael also grew into a dominant force on the mound, as well.  A two-time Homeschool All-American, Michael received a baseball scholarship to play at Benedictine University (NAIA) in Atchison, Kansas.

In 2017, Michael quickly established himself as an integral part of the Ravens; the team had an excellent season, going 35-22. Michael hit a remarkable .380 with 14 HRs and 52 RBIs.  He had an OBP of .502 and a SLG pct of .737.  He led the team in SBs with 23 in 24 attempts, and was also named Conference player of the week for the week of March 20. Additionally, Michael also made key contributions on the mound for the Ravens.  He was 5-1 with a 5.83 ERA.  He started 11 games, completing two (one shutout).  In 58.2 IP, Michael struck out 54 batters. 

Sheldon Spurgin (2011) - RHP/3B - Sheldon joined the Mustangs for his senior season and became a key member of the team.  He had an outstanding HWS with 8 hits and solid defense at 3B.  The Mustangs also won two of his starts on the mound in Florida, and he singled to start the winning walk-off rally in the final game of 2011 vs. Augusta.  Sheldon made the roster as a pitcher at Richland College (JuCo) in 2012 but was red-shirted for medical reasons.    

Michael Wurster (2011) - OF/P/IF - "Sauce" hit .420 or above and led the Mustangs in hitting all four years that he played for our Varsity.  He was a four-time Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time HWSA All-American.  Michael was awarded a partial baseball scholarship to attend Belhaven University (NAIA) in Jackson, MS.  Michael saw limited action as a freshman and began his second second season with the Blazers in 2013.

In 2013, with as good a curve ball as any pitcher on a deep staff, the Blazers moved Michael to the bullpen.  Sauce was a consistent contributor for the Blazers on the mound in 2013, as he was 4th in appearances (25) with 3-0 record and 6.04 ERA.  The Blazers finished 37-21, good for 4th in the very tough Southern States Athletic Conference. Michael also earned a spot on the SSAC 2013 All-Academic Team.

Michael moved back to the Blazer OF in 2014, where he was a valuable member of the team as a baserunner, as well.  Michael played in 49 of the Blazers' 63 games, hitting .238. He also stole 9 bases. Belhaven had another fine season, finishing 42-21, third in the Southern States Athletic Conference. The Blazers, who ended the season with a #18 national ranking, fell to #3 Oklahoma Wesleyan, 8-7, in the NAIA Opening Round Final. Michael also earned a spot on the SSAC All-Academic Team again in 2014.

The consummate teammate, Michael was again called upon to pitch for Belhaven in 2015, and he responded with an outstanding senior campaign.  He appeared in nearly half of hte Blazers' games (23 APP), and was a steady presence in the bullpen.  He went 2-0, with a 3.86 ERA, good for second best on the team.  In 21 innings pitched, he also had 14 K's and only 9 BBs.

Also of note, Sauce was the only Blazer named to the NAIA Academic All-American Team.

The Blazers finished 33-24, posting a number of wins over highly-ranked, quality opponents. competing in and qualifiying for the conference tournament in the perennially-tough SSAC.   

 

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Here are 10 things players need to know/do to play at the next level:  

 1. Work hard both off and on the field.  Playing well is the key to being noticed but a good GPA and a strong SAT will open the door to college.  Obtain a copy of NCAA Guide For College Bound Athletes.  A free copy can be obtained by calling 1.800.638.3731.  This will help you plot a course for the remainder of your high school years.  Please note: Membership in the NCAA is NOT necessary for junior or two year colleges.  GPA and SAT are very important in these schools.  They do not want to invest in a player who can't make the grade.  Some schools have asked perspective homeschooled students to obtain a GED and submit SAT scores before admittance.  

2.  Register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.  As a Homeschooling parent, you will need to keep great records!   

 Home School Information
Use high school code "969999" as the high school code for any home school coursework.
 
This information is for those who have attended a home school or nontraditional school for either all or part of their high school career. In order to evaluate your certification status for purposes of NCAA athletics initial eligibility, please submit the following information to the Eligibility Center:

• Completed student release form.
• Fee payment.
• Standardized test score (ACT and/or SAT). Must be submitted directly from the testing agency. Note that test scores received on a transcript cannot be used by the Eligibility Center. A Student Score Report or scores taken directly from a Student Score Report cannot be accepted by the Eligibility Center for initial-eligibility purposes.
• Home school transcript that includes:
  • Course titles;
  • Course grades;
  • Units of credit for courses;
  • Grading scale ( if numeric grading is used, alpha/letter equivalent grades are needed); and
  • Signature of the home school administrator (the parent or other person who organized, taught and evaluated the home school coursework).
• Transcript from any other high school, college and/or nontraditional program attended (mailed directly from the issuing institution).
• Proof of high school graduation, including specific graduation date (month/day/year).
• Evidence that home schooling was conducted in accordance with state laws (a written statement from the home school administrator verifying compliance with state home school legislation). Please attach any supporting documentation.
• A statement of who taught and evaluated the coursework, awarded grades and issued credit.
• List of textbooks used throughout home schooling [course title, textbook title, publisher name and book level (if applicable)].

There are some examples listed below for reference including a home school checklist, transcript example and textbook list. This will help provide guidance on what the Eligibility Center needs regarding home school information.
 
If your home school coursework was taken through an established nontraditional program (e.g., correspondence, internet, tutoring, etc.) that evaluated your coursework and issues transcripts, please have that program provide a copy of your transcript and provide contact information so the Eligibility Center can obtain further information, if necessary.
 
The Eligibility Center will evaluate home school coursework only after all required documents have been received. After the information listed above is received, the Eligibility Center may need to request additional information or clarification before completing an academic certification.
 
HOME SCHOOL EVALUATION ADDRESS:
NCAA Eligibility Center (ATTN: Home School Evaluation)
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202-6222
 
Phone: 877/ 262-1492 or 317/ 223-0700. Follow the prompts or request to be directed to the home school department.

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 IMPORTANT LINKS: 

Homeschool NCAA Checklist: 
https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/pdf/home_school_checklist_example.pdf 

NCAA Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/05e0f8004e0b8ac99cf8fc1ad6fc8b25/Frequently+Asked+Questions+About+Home+Schooling-Updated+2-11-09.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=05e0f8004e0b8ac99cf8fc1ad6fc8b25

Note:  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has its own clearinghouse and eligibility registration.  NAIA requirements are less onerous than the NCAA.  Players interested in an NAIA program(s) check the website at: http://www.playnaia.org/.    

 3.  Register for the SAT through College Board or ACT online.  Upon registering for the SAT when adding colleges for score reports, add the NCAA  Clearinghouse.  It's code is 9999.  The NCAA Guide for College Bound Athletes will help you determine the GPA and SAT scores needed for eligibility.  Having an 1100 combined on the verbal and math will, in most cases, be rewarded with an academic scholarship.   

4.  Visit colleges before your senior year.  Try to spend Sophomore & Junior year taking one day trips to colleges of interest.  Contact your coach and ask him to call the college coach and set up an available date for you to meet.  These visits usually consist of the College coach showing you around the campus, talking about what his expectations will be, and there will be a short try out.  Try to observe your favorite school's teams in game situations.  

5. Get on a Showcase team by your Junior year.  Look for a team that will be playing where College coaches and big league scouts are present.  Make the most of every minute on the field.  Coaches and scouts may come to see one person but if you shine...they will take notice.  This is a very important tool for acquiring invitations to different events and schools.  This will open doors to more college opportunities and draft status.  

6.  In your Junior year try to decide whether a 2 year or 4 year school is best for your situation.  Each has benefits and drawbacks.  Begin to narrow down a list of the schools you want to visit or entertain a try out with.  

7.  Larger four year schools often have commitments from the "best" players by the end of their Junior year.  "Best" players are often those in larger public school teams.  Smaller four year or two year schools will be out looking and making offers the fall and spring of Senior year.  Colleges will first contact your coach then the student.  Colleges and scouts want to speak directly to perspectives.  Some colleges will call and offer scholarships over the phone and request a visit with the athlete.  Most will request a visit and tryout, then an offer will be made.  Athlete, always be polite!  Your courtesy or lack of will develop a likewise reputation.   

8.  Senior year, get a physical!  College coaches will sometimes ask for the results of a Complete Physical performed within the past 5-6 months.  

9.  In the Senior year, visits are really invitations from college coaches.  On a Senior year visit, the school can feed and place the athlete in a dorm or hotel.  This cannot be done before the Senior year.  Visits usually consist of a tour around the school and a tryout.  Most visits are for the day others may be overnight.   

10.    Please know when a college offers a scholarship it is on a year by year basis and may not cover all your school expenses.  Expenses can include: tuition, books, food, and housing.  Ask if there are other scholarships or grants to help. 

11. (Bonus)  Remember ... Your baseball career and future are yours. So, take charge.  Ask for help and support where needed, but ultimately, it is up to you. Sitting back and waiting for a college opportunity to happen is foolish.  Try to find the best baseball experience that goes with the best academic/college experience for you.  Then, go visit that school and make contact with the coaches there.  Be bold. Be proactive.