Gems Announce New Head Coach
September 12, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
Justin Barchus will take the helm as the Head Coach for the Klamath Falls Gems for the 2015 Season. The announcement, made by team General Manager Lisa Walker, comes just a few days after the Gems' announced a major commitment to Klamath Falls by extending their Stadium Lease through 2020. The Lease was originally set to expire after next season. "We believe Justin is the perfect candidate to lead the Gems in 2015 and for many years to come," said Walker. "He brings a perfect blend of many tremendous qualities that will benefit the Gems as we look to the future."
Barchus, a native Oregonian, has been the Head Coach for Capital City Select, one of the premier College Prep travel teams in the country, for the past seven seasons. Under his tenure the team posted an incredible overall record of 206-83-5 (.718 winning percentage), and completed seasons with USSSA national rankings of 6th, 18th, 1st and 4th respectively through 2010-2014. Barchus said, "Our goal for the Gems will be to build and maintain character, integrity, and community through our actions on and off the baseball field. Volunteerism in the Community will be a huge aspect of our program; the ability to build and maintain respect and an understanding of what it means to take action in the community. We've placed over twenty players in College programs across the country, many at the highest levels possible and plan to use that player network to stock the Gems with the very best players in the nation."
He becomes the fifth coach in Gems history following Brian Embery and John Welker in 2011, Josh Hogan, 2012, Mitch Karraker in 2013/2014.
"Justin has experience as a College level player and he also served as a Pitching Coach from 2009 through 2011, at Keizer's McNary High School helping the team compile a 48-32 record. His tutelage helped decrease the team's earned run average by nearly a run per game and led the pitching staff to an impressive 2.67 ERA over his three seasons with the Celtics. He brings an ability to connect with college players and a complete understanding of the recruiting process. His outstanding communication skills and his ability to create and maintain an identity for the Gems and his desire to create and maintain community ties weighed heavily in our decision to bring Justin on board," said Walker.
"I have the communication and networking skills to help build and maintain a winning program. We built our last program completely on the basis of networking with players and coaches, and maintained it through retaining players and parents that respected the way we represented ourselves," said Barchus. "Justin is also a certified trainer and his training and nutrition plan will be a great addition to our program. This knowledge will be a valued asset in preparing our players to be ready to compete on the field," concluded Walker.
Ticket packages for the 2015 season are already on sale. In addition, there are marketing opportunities for businesses to become involved with the Gems. For tickets or marketing opportunities call Dustin Howell at the Gems' offices 541-883-4367, his cell 541-539-1278 or by e-mail at dustin@klamathfallsgems.com.
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West Coast League Stories from September 12, 2014
- Gems Announce New Head Coach - Klamath Falls Gems
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