Zac Cole Hired to be New Head Coach of the Waynesboro Generals
Zac Cole has recently been hired to lead the Waynesboro Generals in the summer of 2019. If the name sounds familiar to Valley League Baseball fans, it’s because for the past 3 years Coach Cole has been the Head Coach of the New Market Rebels. If the name sounds familiar to General fans, Cole spent the summer of 2004 playing for the Gens. General Manager Tyler Hoffman feels like the hire couldn’t have been any more perfect. “Zac brings years of experience in collegiate summer baseball and more importantly, in the Valley League,” said Hoffman. “He is a great leader of men and it will be really special to have a General alumnus heading the staff for the summer.”
Zac’s playing days began at Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth, Florida. There he recorded 7 wins in his sophomore season with 3 complete game shutouts while picking up an honorable mention nod for the Southern Conference. After earning his Associate of Arts degree from Palm Beach, he transferred to Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee. As a weekend starter, Cole would record the lowest ERA on the team and would also be named as a finalist for the 2006 Tennessee Tech University Man of the Year award. He would earn his Bachelor of Business Administration with concentration in Management degree in 2007. After his collegiate career, Cole was signed in 2007 by the Baltimore Orioles. The next year, he found himself in Independent baseball where he would suit up for the Traverse City Beach Bums, Amarillo Dillas, Normal Cornbelters, and finally the Kalamazoo Kings before retiring in 2011 due to injury.
Cole tried his hand at collegiate coaching for the first time in 2011 at the University of Tennessee Martin as the club’s pitching coach. In his time there, the team set a school record for strike outs in 2012 and again in 2013, recorded the lowest ERA over the past 6 years, and pitched their first shut out in 180 games. He would also graduate with his Master’s degree of Business Administration. Cole then spent time at North Florida Christian School as an Assistant Coach while also running and coaching an 18U travel team in the summer where he was the head man.
In the summer of 2016, Cole took over as the Head Coach of the New Market Rebels in the Valley League. The Rebels saw instant success with Cole at the helm. In his first year as the skipper, the team surpassed their win totals and featured 6 All-Stars and a Home Run Derby participant. After his successful job in the summer of 2016, Cole was named the Associate Head Coach at Andrew College, a Division 1 Junior College in Cuthbert, Georgia. Before the summer of 2017, Cole was named to the Assistant Athletic Director position at Andrew College, as well. Zac would continue his hot streak when in the summer of 2017, the Rebels made their first post season in 5 summers. Finally in his 3rd year at the helm, the New Market Rebels won the 2018 Valley Baseball League Championship with a 30-19 record that included a 13-game winning streak that started towards the end of the regular season and lasted throughout the playoffs.
“Coaching the Generals is such a unique opportunity,” said Cole. “The Valley is a special place for me. I’m excited to be back in the town where my brother, my best friend, and myself all played. It’s more an honor than anything, really, to coach this great organization.”
Coach Cole has nothing but the best for the New Market organization. “The Rebels organization was nothing but amazing to me. They gave me the opportunity to be a Head Coach and I can’t thank them enough for that.” Cole had planned on stepping away from summer collegiate baseball, however when Tyler Hoffman reached out to him with a deal too good to pass up, he found his way right back into the Shenandoah Valley.
“With Zac’s years of experience and knowing what it takes to be successful in the Valley League, Zac has proven his ability to manage and bring in quality players and men,” said Hoffman. “We hope he can bring that same excitement to Waynesboro.”
Cole feels that his experience and familiarity with the Valley is a huge advantage and says the goal will always remain the same: “Try to win this thing.”
The 2019 Gens will try to capture its first Valley League Championship since they went back-to-back in 2013 and 2014.
Cardinals Pitching and Defense Shuts Down General Offense
Front Royal’s Christopher Krennrich had it going Tuesday night as he maneuvered his way through an impressive outing. Krennrich threw 6.2 innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits. He struck out 9 en route to his first win of this Valley League season.
As for the scoring, it all happened in 2 innings. For Waynesboro, their run came in the 3rd to put them up 1-0. Jackson Webb (UCF) drilled a double into the left field gap to lead off the inning, and on the very next pitch, stole third. After Krennrich struck out a General hitter, Kyle Wrighte (William & Mary) hit a fly ball to straight away right field. Webb was able to score well ahead of the throw. Other than that sequence, the game was all decided in the top of the 5th.
Front Royal started the frame out with Spencer Packard singling to left off of Generals starter Matt Ellmyer (Wofford), who had been dealing to this point. The next hitter hit a ground ball to second that would have most likely been the third double play ball Ellmyer had induced. However, an error put runners on first and third. Two pitches later, brother of starting pitcher Chris, Brandon Krennrich doubled off the wall in right center for 2 RBI, but was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a triple. The double was followed up by a single to put a runner on first with one out. Ellmyer then got yet another ground ball, this time to third base, only for another General error to pop up. One more run came in on an RBI groundout by Andrew Burden. That put our score at 3-1 and that is where it ultimately finished up.
Nathan Schneider gave the Gens a strong 4.2 innings to keep them in the ball game. Waynesboro was able to threaten a couple of times in the 8th and 9th innings, but nothing came out of either inning. The final score came out to be 3-1 in favor of Front Royal.
Key Performers for Front Royal:
- Christopher Krennrich: W (1-0), 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K
- Brandon Krennrich: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
- Andrew Burden: 1-4, RBI
Key Performers for Waynesboro:
- Matt Ellmyer (Wofford): L (0-2), 4.1 IP, 3 R, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K
- Nathan Schneider (St Marys): 4.2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 4 K
- Alex Webb (Chipola): 3-4, 2B
- Jackson Webb (UCF): 2-3, 2B, SB, R
Head Coach John Jeans’ team will be back in action tomorrow night when they travel to Rebel Park to take on New Market.
Warner Adds Local Flavor; Soto Joins from FIU
Waynesboro, Virginia
The 2018 Generals will feature a little local flavor in a former Turner Ashby standout, Cody Warner, as he will be joined by hard throwing Gio Soto from Florida International. Warner is a catcher/utility player for Virginia Military Institute as Soto is a right-handed pitcher throwing in the relief role for the Panthers of FIU.
Cody Warner – Catcher/Utility
A native of Harrisonburg, Virginia, the 5’11 180-pound freshman made his way to VMI following a stellar career at Turner Ashby High School where he was a two-time first team all-conference catcher and ranked the #5 catcher in the state by Prep Baseball Report. Warner was also named the 2017 District and Conference Player of the Year. Warner currently sits with a .231 average in his freshman season with the Keydets as his most valuable asset is his ability to play multiple positions.
Gio Soto – Right-Handed Pitcher
A native of Miami, Florida, the 5’11 220-pound sophomore is a hard throwing right-handed pitcher out of the Panthers’ bullpen. Soto currently dons a 4.09 ERA over 13 appearances this season, along with 1 save and 13 strikeouts over 11 innings pitched. Soto looks to be a vital piece on the back-end of the Generals bullpen this season.
Waynesboro Amateur Athletics Inc is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Visit waynesborogenerals.net for more information and game schedules.
Faulkner Pipeline Continues
Waynesboro, Virginia
The nations’ premier and top-ranked NAIA baseball program, Faulkner University, will be sending two impact arms to Waynesboro this summer. Right-handed pitcher, Alex Carrillo, and left-handed pitcher, Evan Gillespie, will be joining forces with current Faulkner and Generals’ assistant coaches Mike Correa and Tucker Willard.
Alex Carrillo – Right-Handed Pitcher
A native of Riverside, California, the 6’0 190-pound junior made his way to Faulkner following a stellar career at East Los Angeles College where he finished his 2017 season with 64 strikeouts over 70.1 innings pitched. Currently for the Faulkner Eagles, Carrillo boasts a 1.56 ERA with a 4-0 record and 1 save over 40.1 innings pitched. Carrillo has 45 strikeouts and has held opponents to a .204 batting average.
Evan Gillespie – Left-Handed Pitcher
A native of Princeton, New Jersey, the 5’10 210-pound junior made his way to Faulkner following a short stint at Coastal Carolina University. Prior to Coastal Carolina, Gillespie starred at Mercer County Community College where he was named an Impact D-1 JUCO Transfer by Perfect Game. Currently for the Faulkner Eagles, Gillespie boasts a 3-1 record and 4.00 ERA over 36.0 innings pitched. Gillespie is holding opponents to a .248 batting average and registered 32 strikeouts.
Waynesboro Amateur Athletics Inc is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Visit waynesborogenerals.net for more information and game schedules.
Two Nighthawks Added to Pitching Staff
Waynesboro, Virginia
Cade Heil and Parker Morrison will be joining the Waynesboro Generals for the 2018 summer from the University of North Georgia. The University of North Georgia, an elite NCAA Division II program, will return members to Waynesboro for the first time since they sent key contributors to the Generals’ 2014 Valley League Championship team.
Cade Heil – Right-Handed Pitcher
A native of Suwanee, Georgia, the 6’3 185-pound freshman has been the ace of the Nighthawks’ staff in his freshman campaign. Currently, Heil boasts a 5-5 record with a 2.97 ERA and 4 complete games over 11 starts. Heil’s 78.2 innings pitched lead North Georgia as he has walked a minute 10 batters as opponents are currently batting .241 with Heil toeing the rubber.
Parker Morrison – Right-Handed Pitcher
A native of Cumming, Georgia, the 5’11 190-pound redshirt-freshman has served as the Nighthawks’ closer through the 2018 season. Morrison has made 23 appearances and garnered 9 saves while boasting a 2.14 ERA and 2-1 record. Over Morrison’s 33.2 innings pitched, he has struck out 34 batters and opponents are hitting a miniscule .134.
Waynesboro Amateur Athletics Inc is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Visit waynesborogenerals.net for more information and game schedules.
Generals Release 2018 Baseball Camp Dates
Waynesboro, Virginia
The Waynesboro Generals are excited to announce the dates for their revamped Summer Baseball Camps. The Generals aspire to provide Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County with premier instruction and exposure to college baseball coaches and players at an affordable cost. Instruction will be provided by:
Head Coach: John Jeanes (Chipola College)
Assistant Coaches: Mike Correa (Faulkner University), Tucker Willard (Faulkner University) & Hunter Hubbard (East Georgia State College)
Waynesboro Generals Players
Guest Speaker: Ron Mentus (RLM Athletics)
All campers will receive a Generals T-Shirt and a complimentary gift from our Camp Sponsor and those that sign-up for both Session 1 & 2 will receive a $10 discount on their registration. Please make checks payable to Waynesboro Amateur Athletics and mail to 3144 Village Drive, Waynesboro, VA 22980 enclosed with registration form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CAMP FORM
Session 1 – Fundamentals
July 17 – 19
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ages: 6 – 11
Cost: $60
Session 2 – Advanced Fundamentals
July 24 – 26
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ages: 6 – 11
Cost: $60
Session 3 – Rising Stars Camp
June 25 – 28
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ages: 12 – 14
Cost: $100
Limited to 33 participants
(12 Infielders, 9 Outfielders,
6 Catchers & 6 Pitchers)
Session 4 – Elite Camp
July 9 – 12
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ages: 15 – 18
Cost: $150
Limited to 22 participants
(8 Infielders, 6 Outfielders,
4 Catchers & 4 Pitchers)
Pair of ACC Foes to Join as Generals
Waynesboro, Virginia
Two ACC foes will be joining forces for the Waynesboro Generals this summer. Outfielder Darion Jacoby of Virginia Tech and first-basemen Connor Allen of Miami will be key contributors on the Waynesboro Generals 2018 roster.
Darion Jacoby – Outfielder
A native of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the 5’11 185-pound freshman has seen lots of valuable time for the Hokies during his freshman campaign. Jacoby, the 3rd ranked outfielder and 19th ranked recruit from the state of Pennsylvania’s Class of 2017, according the Perfect Game made his way to Blacksburg following a decorated high school career. Currently, Jacoby boasts a .265 average with 1 double, 3 RBI’s and 3 stolen bases over 17 starts this spring.
Connor Allen – First-Basemen
A native of Merritt Island, Florida, the 6’4 210-pound freshman made his way to the Hurricanes following a decorated prep career. Allen was ranked the 312th best freshman in Perfect Game’s annual top-400 freshman rankings after batting .458 with 3 home runs, 30 RBI’s and 14 stolen bases, leading to All-Cape Coast Conference recognition.
Waynesboro Amateur Athletics Inc is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Visit waynesborogenerals.net for more information and game schedules.
Two Golden Grizzlies to Lead Generals
Waynesboro, Virginia
Two members of the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies baseball team will be looking to follow in the footsteps of former Golden Grizzly and 2016 Valley Baseball League MPV, Zach Sterry. The Waynesboro Generals are pleased to introduce right-handed pitcher, Nick Parr, and infielder, Tyler Trovinger, to the 2018 Waynesboro Generals roster.
Nick Parr – Right-Handed Pitcher
A native of Powell, Ohio, the 6’3 220-pound junior has been a staple in the Golden Grizzlies’ rotation throughout his career. Currently, Parr sits with a 5.01 ERA as he has 38 strikeouts and an opponent’s batting average of .283 over 41.1 innings pitched. Parr also completed a successful summer in 2017 with the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League, where he struck out 46 batters over 42.2 innings pitched.
Tyler Trovinger – Infielder
A native of Norton Shores, Michigan, the 6’1 200-pound sophomore was a 2017 All-Horizon League freshman team selection as he was the everyday shortstop for the Golden Grizzlies. Currently, Trovinger sits at a .284 batting average with 5 doubles, 3 home runs and 13 RBI’s. Trovinger also spent the 2017 summer with the Muskegon Clippers of the Great Lakes League where he finished with a .241 average, 6 doubles, 4 home runs and 15 RBI’s to complete the summer.
Waynesboro Amateur Athletics Inc is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Visit waynesborogenerals.net for more information and game schedules.
