ABOUT NMMI

 new Mexico

 military

 institute

Roswell, NM

Baseball Quick Links

Schedule

Roster

Statistics

Coach Profiles

Press Releases

Questionnaire

2007 Media Guide

Strength & Conditioning

Facilities

Former Broncos

NMMI I Club

APPLICATION

VISIT THE CAMPUS

2008 Fall Season Workouts Begin

NMMI SportsPress, 13Aug08

After matriculation, and with 8 days left in the RAT training program, the Bronco Baseball team began it's first workouts.  Before heading to the batting cages, head coach Brett Simmermacher put the team through some conditioning and agility training exercises, developed by Strength and Conditioning coach Brad Brimhall.   Now normally this wouldn't be too tough a task for these 25 new and 7 old cadets, but thanks to the high humidity from recent monsoons, coupled with the intense mid-August heat, well, let's just say the black practice jerseys were drenched and plenty of water bottles were happily consumed.

After making sure the sweat glands of all his players were working properly and profusely, Coach Simmermacher, working without an assistant coach at present, broke out the sticks.  "We're going to learn how to hit this year. I'm tired of seeing weak fly balls to the outfield. We need to learn to get that top hand over and drive through the ball,"  The cadets broke into their practice groups: one in the field shagging down hit balls, one in the batting cages hitting trap and off the tee, one at the home plate cage (erected and moved into place only moments before) working on bunting and hit and run situations, and one running the bases and reacting to the results from the bunts and hits of the former group.  Those relegated to pitching-only detail, worked on long-toss drills designed to improve stamina and arm strength.

With seven players returning from last semester's Spring team, the Broncos have some veteran leadership to build around, including:

• Kurt Hurley, a North-South All-Star, at catcher and DH. Great blocking ability and arm, improved nicely at the plate at end of the season last year.

• Dustin Thompson, one of the better relief pitchers for the Broncos last season, and a regular at first base. Strong bat.

• Mark Morales, spot starter and relief duties last year. Look for him to compete for a job in the starting rotation this year.

• Josh Magallanes, one of the better returning hitters; played short and third and a bit of outfield last season.

• Neil Fulsang, two words: speed and outfield. Needs to work on his hitting to earn a spot this season.

• Joseph Hinojos, plagued by injuries last year, but has the talent to earn a starting spot in the outfield if he stays healthy and learns to bunt.

• Shane Hellekson, solid defensively at second base. Improving his hitting skills will allow him to earn the starting role.

View the entire photo gallery HERE.

Athletic Department

New Mexico Military Institute

101 W. College Blvd.

Roswell, NM 88201

phone: 575-624-8270

fax: 575-624-8287 

email: gunn@nmmi.edu