Program History
Mountain View High School opened in the fall of 2000. Located on the east side of Loveland, Colorado, it is the newest and third traditional, full service high school in the city. Loveland is a city of around 60,000 people and is part of the Front Range Urban Corridor of around 4.5 million.
Our founding head coach was former major league player (Dodgers, Brewers), Greg Brock. Coach Brock was the architect that built the organization and set it on the path of success for its first ten years. His tireless dedication to the team, the ballpark, and the Mountain View family is the reason our team has its highly esteemed reputation today.
The baseball organization was formed during the summer of 2000 & enjoyed immediate success. That summer our American Legion team finished second in the state at the tournament in Grand Junction. It was this great start that propelled what would become a long winning tradition.
Click the links below for Lion Baseball school records
Spring School Records
Career & Single Season Records
Season-to-Season History
Spring 2001
The spring of 2001 was our first CHSAA spring baseball season. The team finished 9-3 in the Skyline Conference, second to league winner, Centaurus HS. Overall, the Lions were 11-8 and reached the playoffs. It was there that they fell 1-0 to Evergreen in the school's first playoff game.
That year, Nick Beghtol, Casey Brock & Wayne Dowling were named All-Skyline Conference Players.
The staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Mike Kerr, Assistant Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Jason Klatt, Head C Team.
Spring 2002
Spring 2002 would prove to be a very special year. Following a great opening campaign, the Lions would become Mountain View’s first state champion, winning the 4A title 5-4 versus league rival, Skyline HS.
During the regular season the Lions rolled to a 12-2 league record blemished only by two losses to league champion Centaurus. Posting a final record of 17-2, the Lions entered the playoffs as an underdog. Beginning at Ralston Valley HS, the Lions won their district championship with wins over Berthoud, Liberty & Ralston Valley.
In the second round, the Lions faced Lewis Palmer and won 7-1. Next was regional favorite and the winner of 2 of the past 3 state titles, Niwot HS. It was here that the Lions really entered the championship conversation by defeating the Cougars 9-2 behind a masterful performance by ace junior lefty, Wayne Dowling.
Now in the final four, the Lions beat Pueblo County 4-1 and waited for an opponent in the championship game. As Skyline and Centaurus dueled, we thought of another matchup with the only team to have beaten us that year. Surprisingly, Skyline won setting up the championship game. There, the Lions entered the final inning down 4-2. After a leadoff single by Nick Marino and a run scoring single by Nate Pearcy, the bases were loaded and the score was 4-4. It was then that senior Ben Sherlock drew a walk and plated the winning run giving the Lions the 2002 championship.
That year Nick Beghtol, Casey Brock, Wayne Dowling, Wes Dowling, Nick Marino & Ben Sherlock were named All-Skyline Conference Players.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Mike Kerr, Assistant Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Jason Klatt, Head C Team.
Spring 2003
The Lions came into 2003 as the top ranked 4A team, expected to repeat as state champions. They did not disappoint in the regular season going 18-1 and winning their first conference championship. They entered and hosted the first round of the playoffs as the top seeded 4A team.
In the first round the Lions defeated Evergreen & Longmont to advance to Englewood HS and the regional tournament. At regionals, the Lions stayed on a roll beating Pueblo Central, Golden & Thomas Jefferson, all by 10 runs or more. It appeared the Lions could not be stopped.
The Lions opened the final four defeating Pueblo Centennial & set up a showdown in the finale against Golden. Despite winning their first game 13-1, the Lions were upset by Golden and their ace and future major league pitcher, Mark Melancin 2-1. This being the first year that the tournament was scheduled as a double-elimination tournament, the Lions had to be beaten twice. In the end, Golden bested the Lions again by the score of 6-3 to end a whirlwind season.
Nick Beghtol, Casey Brock, Wayne Dowling, Nick Marino, Turreal Moore Nate Pearcy were named all conference. Additionally, Beghtol, Dowling and Marino were named Denver Post All-State 4A players. Finally, Wayne Dowling, our ace pitcher, was named to the Denver Post All-Colorado Team.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Mike Kerr, Assistant Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Jason Klatt, Head C Team.
Spring 2004
Spring 2004 saw the graduation of the school’s first, full, four-year graduating class. This class had been around for the 1-0 Evergreen loss in 2001, the championship of 2002, and the heartbreak of 2003. In 2004, they upheld the young tradition Mountain View was building by going 12-1 and winning the Skyline Conference was again. Moreover, they held a record of 14-5 going into the 2004 playoffs. Once again, Mountain View hosted the first round and beat Windsor and Pueblo South to advance to the regional tournament at Englewood HS in Denver.
Regionals opened with league rival Northridge and MV won 6-5. Next, the Lions were defeated by eventual state champion Niwot HS 6-1. Led by future Stanford University standout and major league draft pick, Sean Ratliff. After coming back and beating Pine Creek and reaching the final four for the third straight year, the Lions bowed out against league rival Broomfield 6-3, ending the 2004 season.
Nick Beghtol, Danny Brock, Jeff Ebel, Taylor Hall, Kyle Hogue and Max McKay were named All-Skyline Conference. Nick Beghtol was also named to the Denver Post All-State 4A team.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Mike Kerr, Assistant Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Jason Klatt, Head C Team.
Spring 2005
2005 was a rebuilding year for MV as they went 12-7 in the regular season but still qualified for the playoffs. With a solid group of juniors and seniors, the Lions traveled to Runyan Field in Pueblo to play Cheyenne Mountain. There they were beaten 4-2, ending the season.
Danny Brock, Chris Stine & Jake Walkowicz were named All-Skyline Conference.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Mike Kerr, Assistant Varsity; Adrian Armenta, Asst Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Jason Klatt, Head C Team.
Spring 2006
In the spring of 2006, the Lions ‘roared’ back and finished in the top half of the division, earning a hosting position in the playoffs with a 14-5 record, good for 2nd in the new, Northern Conference. After defeating Skyview 6-3 in the opening game, the Lions were upset by Canon City 4-3. Another great senior class, the 2006 group included future college players: Danny Brock, Chris Stine, Taylor Hall & Jake Walkowicz.
Brock, Cody Smith, Stine & Walkowicz were named all conference.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Jason Klatt, Assistant Varsity; Brad Moore, Asst Varsity; Tony Marino, Asst Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Adrian Armenta, Head C Team; Nate Pearcy, Asst C Team.
Spring 2007
The 2007 season was a hard fought campaign. The Lions went 10-9 in the regular season, but qualified for the playoffs as the 30th seed. Traveling to Canon City to rematch the team that had upset them in 2006, the Lions pulled off an unlikely victory, beating the hosts 3-1. After beating Skyview, the Lions headed for regionals for the first time since 2004.
At regionals, the wheels came off and the Lions were beaten by Ralston Valley and Northridge to end their season. This would, however, be the first of a four year progression to a future state championship.
Kyle Channell, Thomas Stainbrook & Kevin Liddle were named All-Northern Conference.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Jason Klatt, Assistant Varsity; Brad Moore, Asst Varsity; Harold Simmons, Asst Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Adrian Armenta, Head C Team; Nate Pearcy, Asst C Team.
Spring 2008
2008 would be the first season the Lions didn’t qualify for the post season in their 10 year existence. After going 8-7 in the Northern Conference and series of one run losses, the Lions’ season ended at Greeley’s Butch Butler Field on the last day of the regular season. Seemingly a step back, it would prove to be the fuel that would fire the team to play in the next two state championship games.
Kevin Liddle and Nick Miller were named all conference.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Jason Klatt, Assistant Varsity; Brad Moore, Asst Varsity; Brian Smela, Head JV Coach; Randy Felton, Asst JV; Adrian Armenta, Head C Team; Nate Pearcy, Asst C Team.
Spring 2009
Once again, the Lions would be back in the state conversation for the best 4A team. Not since 2004 had this been seriously considered, and the team finished the regular season 17-2 and just missed winning the conference title. Led by junior pitchers Derek Neeper and Nick Miller, the Lions hosted the first round of the playoffs, defeating Alameda & Lewis Palmer, both 10-0.
At regionals, the Lions continued their roll beating Silver Creek 6-0. In the day’s second game, the Lions recorded one of the organization’s greatest victories, beating top ranked Wheat Ridge 2-1. Unfortuneately, as the winning run scored ending the game, Coach Brock ruptured his Achilles tendon and was off his feet for the remainder of the post season.
Following the Wheat Ridge victory, the Lions beat Cheyenne Mountain 14-4 behind the strong pitching of Logan Moore & a home run by Steve Ryan. This put MV in the final four to rematch with Wheat Ridge. In heated pitching matchup, WR’s ace beat Derek Neeper 3-2, but MV was still in the championship game.
Having worked their way back through the loser’s bracket, Cheyenne Mountain and Wheat Ridge played and Cheyenne Mountain was victorious. In the rematch state title game, Cheyenne Mountain would exact revenge, beating MV 9-8. In a topsy-turvy game, MV opened the game taking a 5-0 lead behind the pitching of Nick Miller. In the middle innings, CM hit a grand slam to pull to 8-5, and kept coming. In the final inning, MV entered with an 8-7 lead. Logan Moore was on to pitch and got the first out of the inning. The second batter hit a ground ball up the middle that Matt Hlushak fielded clean and threw on to first, seemingly for the 2nd out. After deliberation, the umpires changed their call and the runner was safe, eventually becoming the tying run of the game. After a solid single and bloop hit to right, runners were on 2nd and 3rd with two outs and the game was tied. Cheyenne Mountain’s nine-hole hitter lifted a soft fly ball to the left field line. Left fielder Dom Giella dove for the ball but trapped it, allowing the go-ahead to score, ending the game. Sadly, this was Coach Brock’s last game in uniform; he retired following the 2009 season. It would be the anger of 2008 and 2009 that would propel the 2010 team to finish the job and bring home the title in 2010.
Derek Neeper, Nick Miller, Devin Heitman, Ben Netzel & Logan Moore were named All-Northern Conference. Neeper was also the Conference Player of the Year & Coach Brock was Coach of the Year. The Denver Post also named Derek Neeper and Nick Miller to the All-State team.
Staff: Greg Brock, Head Coach; Jason Klatt, Assistant Varsity; Brad Moore, Asst Varsity; Brian Smela, Assistant Varsity; Adrian Armenta, Head JV Coach; Nate Pearcy, Asst JV; Nate Howell, Head C Team Coach; Phil Yearous, Asst C Team.
Spring 2010
For the second time in its ten year existence, the Mountain View Baseball team would be the 4A state champions. This was a record breaking season, and ended in dramatic fashion.
The 2010 team dropped an early league game to Silver Creek and promptly went to reel off 21 straight victories before losing in the state tournament’s final four. Finishing the season 18-1, the Lions entered the playoffs the top seed, for the first time since 2003. In the opening district round, Derek Neeper and Nick Miller each threw shutouts beating Conifer, and exacting revenge for ’09 against Cheyenne Mountain.
At regionals, MV played Silver Creek first. Looking avenge their lone loss, the Lions sent ace Derek Neeper to the mound. Neeper pitched well, but despite a first inning solo home run from Nick Miller, was down 4-3 going into the bottom of the 7th. Steve Ryan led off the inning with a walk and Joey Hlushak sacrifice bunted him over to 2nd. In a key at-bat, Keeton Krause then was hit by the pitch, putting runners on 1st and 2nd and bringing a hot-hitting Nick Miller to the plate. It was then on a 2-2 count that Miller hammered a breaking ball to deep left field, winning the game in walk-off fashion, becoming a legend in Colorado baseball yore.
Following the emotional Silver Creek win, the Lions beat Greeley West 11-3 and destroyed Rock Canyon 26-0. This set up a game in the final four with league rival, Broomfield. Broomfield was in control throughout and won the game 4-3 despite a 2 run homer by Brandon Baeckel. Next, the state championship game.
In the finale, both starting pitchers matched each other pitch-for-pitch and the game was locked at 0-0 into the bottom of the 7th inning. Nick Miller was, for the first time, in a jam with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. On a 1-2 count, the hitter tapped weakly to Miller who threw the batter out at first and held the runners in place. He struck out the next hitter to end the threat and the inning.
In the top of the 9th, second baseman Keeton Krause collected his second hit of the game with a single to center. Next, he stole second and the catcher’s errant throw ended up in centerfield. Krause moved up to 3rd but the throw in from center deflected off of his helmet and into the stands, allowing him to score whatwould be the game’s only run. In the bottom of the 9th, reliever Derek Neeper struck out the final batter with the tying run on 2nd base to win Mountain View’s second state baseball championship. Coach Brian Smela, a first year head coach, but a 10 year veteran of the organization, joined a very short list of first year coaches to win a state championship.
Derek Neeper, Nick Miller, Ian Josh and Langston Jones were named to the All-Northern Conference team with Miller also named the Player of the Year along with Coach Smela as Coach of the Year.
Additionally, Miller & Neeper were named to the Denver Post All-State 4A team, and Miller was named 4A Player of the Year by the Denver newspaper & Coach Smela was named the 4A Coach of the Year. Finally, Miller was also named to the Post’s All-Colorado Team.
Staff: Brian Smela, Head Coach; Jason Klatt, Assistant Varsity; Brad Moore, Asst Varsity; Jim Aylward, Asst Varsity; Randy Felton, Head JV Coach; Simon Suarez, Asst JV; Nate Howell, Head C Team; Phil Yearous, Asst C Team.
Spring 2011
The spring of 2011 would prove to be a difficult season for the defending 4A State Champions. After a promising 5-1 league start, the Lions would lose five straight and have their season come down to their last four games. In late April the Lions traveled to play Silver Creek & would earn a hard fought 8-4 victory behind Keeton Krause and Chandler Conley's pitching. Two days later, however, Mountain View would lose a heart breaking 2-0 game to the Raptors. Now facing their final league series, the Lions would face cross-town rival Thompson Valley needing to sweep the season series to have a chance at a playoff berth. In game one, junior Brandon Baeckel spun a gem beating the Eagles 3-1. In the season nightcap, the Lions ran out of magic and were soundly defeated 13-2 to end their hopes at defending their state title from the year before. For only the second time in school history, the Lions had missed the playoffs.
Brandon Baeckel was the lone member of the 2011 squad to earn 1st Team All-Northern Conference honors.
Staff: Brian Smela, Head Coach; Jason Klatt, Assistant Varsity; Brad Moore, Assistant Varsity; Randy Felton, Assistant Varsity; Jeremy Baeckel, Assistant Varsity; Tracy Hogue, Head JV Coach; Christian Jorgensen, Assistant JV; Bill Waddell, Head C Team Coach; Tony Medina, Assistant C Team.
Spring 2012
The Lions followed up the 2011 season with another rebuilding year. After another 5-1 league start, the Lions won one more game to finish conference play at 6-8. Overall, the Lions won six & dropped 13. Despite the difficult times, there were some individual highlights. Brandon Baeckel closed out a stellar career by winning four tough games on the mound despite a broken wrist & not being able to hit or play the infield. Newcomer Adam Baumann made a splash batting .351 as a freshmen & senior Tanner Starck won the team batting title hitting .362.
Brandon Baeckel (pitcher) & Adam Baumann (infielder) were named to the 2012 Northern Conference Team.
Staff: Brian Smela, Head Coach; Jason Klatt, Assistant Varsity; Brad Moore, Assistant Varsity; Randy Felton, Assistant Varsity; Tracy Hogue, Head JV Coach; Christian Jorgensen, Assistant JV Coach; Chris Stine, Head C Team Coach.
Spring 2013
The 2013 season provided the greatest surprise season in the history of the program. After failing to reach the playoffs in '11 & '12, the 2013 team narrowly reached the playoffs & then proceeded to storm their way to the Class 4A State Championship, the third in the school's history.
The season appeared that it would be remembered for the weather. More snow was recorded in the 2013 season than any other. All in all, the Lions would practice on the baseball field for a total of ten days - half of the time they were on the field for games! The season would effectively come down to a two week stretch in late May, beginning with a Friday road game at Roosevelt. The Roughriders would trample the Lions 8-3 but would provide the needed motivation to start a streak. The next day the Lions came back from athree run deficit in the 7th inning to beat Greeley Central and keep pace for the playoffs. The following week, MVHS beats Loveland in 9 innings & then defeats the conference champions, Broomfield, to qualify for the playoffs on the season's final day. Next, the Lions would travel to Monument for a playoff date with district top seed, Palmer Ridge.
The Lions began their playoff domination by beating higher seeds Palmer Ridge & Green Mountain to make it to the state tournament. At Cherokee Trail HS, the Lions began by downing Windsor & then faced a powerful Valor Christian. On the verge of being ten-runned several times, the Lions rallied but lost a high scoring game, 21-18, giving them their first playoff loss. The next day the Lions beat Northridge to make the Final Four.
At All-Star Park in Lakewood, the Lions took on the number one seed Pueblo West. Staff ace Adam Baumann shut the West lineup down & the Lions qualified for Championship Saturday winning 8-3. On the final Saturday of the season, MVHS reunited with Valor Christian. This time, the results would be different. Junior Jerrod Klug pitched the game of his life, holding down the explosive Valor lineup 8-5 to put the Lions in the championship game, once again , versus Pueblo West.
In the finale, the Lions would find themselves down 5-0 after two innings. But they weren't finished. Behind senior reliever Alec Suarez, the Lions battled back behind a Dakotah Shea-Shelley ('14) three run HR & a go-ahead double by junior Hunter Porterfield. The final out was a 6-3 assist-putout from Adam Baumann ('15) to junior Hunter Porterfield to seal the victory and the 2013 Class 4A State Championship.
In the aftermath, Adam Baumann (UT), Dakotah Shea-Shelley (C) & Hunter Porterfield (UT) were named All-Northern Conference team members with Aaron Morrison ('14) gaining Honorable Mention.
Baumann & Shea-Shelley would also be named All Class 4A All State by the Denver Post with Jerrod Klug, Kollin Evens ('13) & Hunter Porterfield named Honorable Mention. Brian Smela was also named the Class 4A Coach of the Year.
Staff: Brian Smela, Head Coach; Brad Moore, Varsity Pitching Coach; Randy Felton, Varsity Bench Coach; Chris Stine, Varsity First Base Coach; Rich Benedict, Varsity Bullpen Coach; Tracy Hogue, Junior Varsity Head Coach; Nate Howell, C Team Head Coach.
Spring 2014
Followingthe great season of 2013, there were high expectations for the 2014 squad. These expectations, however, would prove to be too much as the 2014 team finished a tough 9-10 on the season & failed to make the playoffs.
The Lions began in promising fashion winning their opener versus Pomona HS, but then faced rival Longmont. Leading 14-4 in the 4th inning, MVHS allowed Longmont to come back and win the game on a walk off home run, 14-15. After a season-long three game winning streak including a ten-running of crosstown rival Loveland, the Lions would be swept by eventual league champion, Niwot, putting them firmly behind the 'eight ball' in the league standings.
Nearing the final leg of the season, MVHS would see its season highlight as they would sweep crosstown rival Thompson Valley to win their first ever, mythical, "City Championship". Down 12-8 in the 7th inning, the Lions would come back to win going away, 14-13. Max Moree, Adam Baumann & Justin Clinton would each homer in the game to power the Lions.
Despite not making the playoffs, the Lions did have some individual highlights including:
All-Northern Conference: Adam Baumann (IF), Dakotah Shea-Shelley (C), Hunter Porterfield (DH), Justin Clinton (OF), Jerrod Klug (P)
All-Northern Conference Honorable Mention: Ozzie Pearcy (IF), Aaron Morrison (IF).
Staff: Head Coach, Brian Smela; Assistant Varsity Coaches, Brad Moore, Chris Stine, Derek Neeper; Head JV Coach, Tracy Hogue; Assistant JV Coach, Kyle Hogue; Head C Team Coach, Randy Felton; Assistant C Team Coach, Rich Benedict.
Spring 2015
After a talented 2014 graduating class had departed, the Lions had to regroup & rebuild for a new season. 2014 saw the most prolific run scoring team in the conference, but a new direction was required. The direction was back to pitching and defense. 2015 brought one of the best seasons of each. The Lion staff would lead the Northern Conference in runs allowed & the MVHS defense was a top five performer in school history. Leading the way on the mound for MVHS was senior ace Chad Riggenbach who finished 5-2 in the tough Northern. Following Riggenbach was junior Locke Bernhardt whose record was 2-1 including two decisive road wins - at Thompson Valley & at Silver Creek. Rounding out the heralded staff was junior Holden Bernhardt, dubbed by Coach Brian Smela as the Lions' finisher. He completed the season with 2 saves & led the team with 33 strikeouts. Offensively, the Lions weren't bad either led by sophomore Dylan Norsen whose .436 batting average was second in the Northern.
A grueling regular season left the Lions feeling accomplished. Their 10-4 league mark was tied with Longmont HS for the league's best, but a loss to Longmont in the final game of the season gave the tie-breaker to Longmont. Though one win away from their first league title since 2010, the Lions had completed an outstanding season & had qualified, once again, for the 4A playoffs. That playoff run would end at the hands of D'Evelyn High School & a 7-2 loss, but the Lions, finishing at 12-8 had much to be proud of.
All Northern Conference: Dylan Norsen (IF), TJ Felton (OF)
All-Northern Conference Honorable Mention: Adam Baumann (IF), Locke Bernhardt (IF), Holden Bernhardt (OF), Ethan Howell (C), Chad Riggenbach (P)
Staff: Head Coach, Brian Smela; Brad Moore, Pitching Coach; Chris Stine, 3rd Base/Baserunning; Matt Kurtz, 1B/Outfielders. Head Junior Varsity Coach, Randy Felton; Assistant JV Coach, Rich Benedict. Head C Team Coach, Nate Howell; Assistant C Team Coach, James Riggenbach.
Spring 2016
After a disappointing end to the spring 2015 season, the Lions were determined to do more. This began with the summer season of 2015. A mix of veteran's & newcomers had a fantastic season that culminated with the 2015 American Amateur Baseball Congress, 17U Colorado State Championship. This would set the table for an exciting spring 2016.
The season began with a convincing 10-0 win over rival Loveland High School & the Lions would roll on to a great start. Senior brothers, Holden & Locke Bernhardt became co-aces & pitched fabulously throughout the regular season. On March 11, the Lions became the top ranked 4A team in the state, a position they would hold until the state tournament in May. Along the way were some key victories. The first two were against rivals Thompson Valley. Due to weather, the Eagles played Mountain View in a doubleheader. Despite big-time performances by individual Eagles, the Lions came out with a sweep & began to take control of the Northern Conference. Following this, the Lions delivered a dominant performance against Longmont, winning 11-0 on the road. The toughest stretch of the season came against Northridge. The Greeley squad won back-to-back games against the Lions (the only two league losses MVHS would suffer). The Lions would then have a showdown vs Silver Creek, only one game behind MVHS. The Lions would prove the better squad sweeping the series & winning the Northern Conference for the fourth time in school history. Next would be the playoffs.
The Lions were tabbed to host their first round of games, starting with Roosevelt of the nearby Tri-Valley Conference. After making quick work (10-0), the Lions would play for the District Championship vs Palisade. In Hollywood fashion, the Lions won on a walk-off double by senior Holden Bernhardt. In the state tournament, the Lions opened play at All-Star Park in Denver vs Air Academy High School. Holden Bernhardt was dealing on the mound, striking out 11 & pushing MVHS to play Valor High School. Valor supplied too much firepower & the Lions dropped a 10-7 decision. This set up an elimination game vs Erie High School. After 12 innings of intense baseball, the Lions lost ending their outstanding season. Finishing with a record of 20-4, the season will be remembered as one of the best.
All-Northern Conference: Dylan Norsen (IF), Locke Bernhardt(P), Holden Bernhardt(P)
All-Northern Conference Honorable Mention: Ivan Thomas(IF)
Northern Conference Batting Champ: Dylan Norsen
Earned Run Average Champ: Holden Bernhardt
Winningest Conference Pitcher: Holden Bernhardt
Staff: Head Coach, Brian Smela; Varsity Pitching Coach, Brad Moore; Varsity 3rd Base Coach, Chris Stine; Varsity 1st Base Coach, Matt Kurtz; Head JV Coach, Rich Benedict; Assistant JV Coach, Travis Grace; Assistant JV Coach, Nick Miller; Head C Team Coach, James Riggenbach; Assistant C Team Coach, Nate Howell.
Spring 2017
The Lions had one of their best seasons ever in 2016 & 2017 brought high expectations. In many ways, the Lions met & exceeded those expectations. MVHS would finish a respectable 15-6 in the always tough Northern Conference.
The season began strangely as the Lions took on rival Loveland HS & was halted with a tie score due to daylight. Finishing a couple of weeks later, Loveland would win the continuation. After that the Lions would win the next three including beating rival Erie that had ended their 2016 season. The league schedule didn't start as expected, however, as the Lions opened the league 2-2. After this slow start the Lions would go on an 8 game win streak highlighted by two ten-run victories against cross town rival Thompson Valley. Following the winning streak, MVHS would finish the Northern at 10-4 and be one game behind league winner Silver Creek.
The Lions would earn their third consecutive playoff bid & be sent to Pueblo to play local rival Roosevelt HS. Braden Barker took his 5-1 record to the mound & Chad Baumann('19) would deliver the big hit that put the game in the Lion's favor. The Lions would hold on to win 4-2 with Ivan Thomas('17) earning the save. In the District Championship, MVHS would face host Pueblo West. In a hard fought battle, ace-of-the-staff Jace Suarez('17) pitched a gem, but would not figure in the decision. After tying the game & taking a bottom-of-the-seventh lead, the Lions could not hold off the Cyclones & had their season ended in walk-off fashion. Despite the sour end, a great season for the club.
All-Northern Conference: Dylan Norsen (IF), Michael Felton (C), Jace Suarez (P), Braden Barker (P)
All-Northern Conference Honorable Mention: Dakota Jimenez (IF), TJ Mendoza (IF), Ivan Thomas (IF)
Northern Conference Batting Champ: Dylan Norsen
Staff: Head Coach, Brian Smela; Varsity Pitching Coach, Brad Moore; Varsity Batting Instructor, Chris Stine; Varsity 1st Base Coach/Outfield Coach, Matt Kurtz; Head JV Coach, Rich Benedict; Assistant JV Coach, Travis Grace; Assistant JV Coach, Nick Miller; Head C Team Coach, James Riggenbach; Assistant C Team Coach, Nate Howell; Assistant C Team Coach Cody Howell.
Spring 2018
The spring of 2018 turned out to be a transition year for MVHS. Upon the departure of a heralded class of '17, the 2018 Lions had many spots to fill with untested players. In some cases, the young Lions struggled, but in many others, the new players rose to the occasion & had fine seasons and success.
The Lions returned a solid group of performers from the 2017 team including All-Northern Conference Catcher Mike Felton, All-Conference Pitcher Braden Barker, and All-Conference Honorable mentions Dakota Jimenez & TJ Mendoza. Another returner, Nate Vondy had high expectations after a superb 2017 summer season. Unfortunately, Nate injured his throwing arm and had to undergo Tommy John surgery in the early spring. That cost the Lions a starting pitcher, starting infielder, and heart of the order hitter. Despite this, the players took up the slack & forged on.
The Lions got off to a great start winning their first three including an opening day victory over rival Loveland High. During that stretch, MVHS scored 39 runs while only giving up 6. The team was on a roll & the season looked great. A quick turn of events would ensue. On March 21, the Lions hosted league rival Longmont & began a four game slide. Following that stretch, the Lions were essentially a .500 team but lost three of four non-league games by a total of four runs. In the end, the Lions finished the CHSAA RPI poll in 38th place, six short of the playoffs. Just one more win would've placed the Lions back in the playoffs again.
Many new Lions had outstanding seasons in 2018. The top newcomer was Shane Shadowen -- a junior shortstop, first year starter. Shane hit .361 in his debut with a .429 on base percentage. Another first year player, Anthony Bartelson (P) made three hard-luck starts without a win, but did post a 1.38 ERA. Finally, senior first year players Christian Patrick & Brexton Butcher hit .325 & posted an ERA of 1.35, respectively.
All-Northern Conference: Mike Felton, Catcher; Braden Barker, Pitcher; Dakota Jimenez, First Base.
Staff: Head Coach, Brian Smela; Varsity Pitching Coach, Brad Moore; Varsity Batting Instructor, Chris Stine; Varsity 1st Base Coach/Outfield Coach, Matt Kurtz; Head JV Coach, Rich Benedict; Assistant JV Coach, Travis Grace; Assistant JV Coach; Austin Harms, Head C Team Coach; Tom Shannon Roving Instructor.
Spring 2019
The 2019 season saw the Lions return to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus in 2018. Putting together a record of 14-10 (9-5 in conference), the Lions reached the Regional Championship game but fell short to the Erie Tigers, 8-5.
The season began with the team traveling to Grand Junction to revisit a tradition that hadn’t happened since 2006. MVHS had been playing spring break games on the western slope since our school opened, but had discontinued due to a bigger league schedule. This year, however, CHSAA opened up our schedule & allowed teams to play 23 games instead of the old 19. The increase in games allowed the program to travel once again to the west to play in better weather. This year, MV played Rifle & Delta High Schools, winning both to get the season off on the right foot.
Upon returning to Loveland, the Lions would begin league play. The Lions would post wins against Centaurus, Northridge, Niwot, Greeley Central & Thompson Valley. The biggest win, though, would be a scrappy 4-2 win at Longmont, a feat only accomplished a handful of times since MV has opened.
As the playoffs opened, the Lions would travel to Lincoln High School to play the Montrose Indians. Ranked the 6thteam in state at the 4A level, Montrose proved to be a very tough opponent. Junior Tanner Miller, the staff ace, would put up five straight scoreless innings when the Lions scored two in the top of the sixth to take the lead. After surrendering one run in the home half of the inning, Miller would slam the door in the 7th– only yielding two hits, while walking one & striking out 10. In the second game, MV would play Erie High School. In a back-and-forth affair, the Tigers were just too much, and Mountain View’s season would end.
Several Lions garnered post-season accolades in 2019. Nate Vondy (Senior) and Tanner Miller (Junior) were named 1stTeam All-Conference, while Shane Shadowen (Senior) & Dylan Naughton (Senior) were name All-Conference Honorable Mention.
Four Lions would move on to play in college: Nate Vondy to Garden City Community College (pitcher), Dylan Naughton to the University of Minnesota-Morris (outfield), Toby Armstrong – Colorado Northwestern Community College (1B), and Colter Williams – Colorado Northwestern CC (pitcher).
The 2019 team included: Anthony Bartelson(JR – P/OF), Chad Bauman (SR – P/OF), Cade Bender (SR – IF), Jaron Davis (JR – C), Tanner Miller (JR – IF/P), Dylan Naughton (SR – P/OF), Jacob Sanchez (JR – P/OF), Shane Shadowen (SR – IF), Taylor Meyer (JR – OF), Colter Williams (SR – P), Nate Vondy (SR – DH), Toby Armstrong (SR – P/1B), Nolan Carda (SO – P/IF).
Coaches: Brian Smela - Head Coach, Brad Moore – Varsity Pitching Coach, Chris Stine – Varsity Bench Coach, Matt Kurtz – Varsity Firstbase Coach, Rich Benedict – JV Head Coach, Travis Grace – JV Assistant Coach, Jordyn Compehos – C Team Head Coach, Jace Suarez – C Team Assistant Coach
Spring 2020
The spring of 2020 was a season no one involved with high school baseball is soon to forget. It started like most other seasons – it was cold outside, the grass was brown & the teams practiced until dark. Here at MVHS we were able to complete our pre-season pitcher/camp in January & February & get through the first two weeks of the season. However, just before the first game, the world began to systematically shut down due to a new, or novel virus, COVID-19. The day before game one, our season was paused & all students were sent home for spring break. Little did any of us know that we would not return to school in the spring of 2020. Our season would be canceled, a horrible outcome for everyone, but especially our seniors.
So, since we can’t commemorate a season here, we’ll permanently recognize our senior class of players:
Taylor Meyer
Taylor was a one-year letter winner from the spring of 2019. He made his varsity debut against Rifle High School on March 18, 2019. He played as defensive replacement that season, but his main job was as a courtesy runner, of which he did an excellent job. 2020 would have seen him start in left field. Taylor will go on to school at the University of Colorado in Boulder in the fall of 2020.
Alex Ackerman
Alex would have made his varsity debut in the spring of 2020. Alex missed the 2019 season due to a season ending shoulder injury & bad luck would rob him of a chance to play varsity baseball in 2020. He was penciled in to play the outfield & to be the team’s third starting pitcher. We had really hoped to utilize his versatility & intelligence to help us have a special season. Alex will attend Colorado Christian in the fall of 2020.
Jacob Sanchez
Jacob was a one-year letter winner that made his debut at the varsity level on March 18, 2019 with a three hit performance including a double. Jacob played the outfield & designated hitter en route to a career .236 batting average & an OPS of .598. Jacob will attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins in the fall of 2020.
Tanner Miller
Tanner Miller was a two-year letter winner & a starter during the 2019 season. Tanner made his varsity debut on April 21, 2018 vs the Northridge Grizzlies. As a pitcher, he made his first mound appearance on March 22, 2019 in a start vs Centaurus where he also recorded his first win. Tanner would go on to a 7-2 career record with a 2.15 ERA. He also played short stop, second base & first base hitting a career .278 with a slugging average of .342. Tanner will attend Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado & play baseball in the fall of 2020.
Anthony Bartelson
Anthony was a two-year starter on the mound and in the outfield. He made his varsity debut on April 10, 2018 & finished his career with a 3-6 W/L record & a career ERA of 2.18. In 2020 he would have been our starting centerfielder as well as our “Thursday” night starter. Anthony will attend Augusta College on a baseball scholarship in the fall of 2020.
Jaron Davis
Jaron was a varsity starter in the spring of 2019 at catcher. Jaron made his varsity debut as a sophomore in the spring of 2018 versus Loveland HS in an 11-2 blowout MV win. He would go on to have a career on base percentage of .438 & an OPS of .612. He would also throw out 21% of would be base stealers. Jaron will go on to Otero Junior College to play baseball in the fall of 2020.
The 2020 team also included: Aaron Baumann (SO - P/IF), Cody Evens (JR - OF), Logan Nichelson (SO P/UT), Daniel Parsek (JR - 1B), Gabe Shelley (JR - P/C), Connor Patrick (SO - P/OF), Damian Pasquinelli (JR - IF).
Coaches: Brian Smela, Head Coach; Brad Moore, Varsity pitching coach; Matt Kurtz, Varsity outfield & 1B coach; Rich Benedict, Varsity Bench Coach & assistant pitching coach; Travis Grace, Varsity hitting instructor; Adam Baumann, Roving infield & hitting instructor; Jordyn Compehos, Junior Varsity Head Coach; Ivan Thomas(‘17), Junior Varsity assistant coach; Josh George, Head C Team coach; Nate Vondy(‘19), assistant C Team coach.
Spring 2021
After losing the 2020 season to COVID-19, the Lions would return to action, in a limited season. Following a topsy-turvy school year marked with remote (from home) learning, blended (some days home, some days at school), and finally full-time, in-school learning, sports were also different. The Colorado High School Activities & Athletics (CHSAA) organization decided to limit each sport to 70% of their normal schedule. That left baseball with 16 games, if teams could play them all amid shutdowns & player quarantines. Additionally, the season didn’t begin until April 26, almost two full months later than normal, finishing the state championships in late June, an unprecedented year in all regards.
As MV began the 2021 campaign, they did so in the newly formed Longs Peak League. This new configuration included Severance, Thompson Valley, Northridge, Berthoud, Frederick, Ft Morgan, Riverdale Ridge, Roosevelt & Niwot high schools. The Lions, for the first time since their inaugural season (2001) had zero returning starters – no one on the team had any varsity experience due to the loss of the 2020 season.
This season had its ups and downs, as the team worked to gel & gain experience. After a great 3-0 start including wins versus Roosevelt, Ft Morgan & Niwot, the Lions went on to lose five in a row. There were big, emotional wins versus Northridge in 11 innings, league leader Ft Morgan, and playoff entry Erie HS. There were also low points like being no hit by Berthoud. MV finished the season at 7-9 and in the end, everyone was glad to be back on the field again & playing baseball, hoping to never have a repeat of the 2020 season & getting back to team building and striving for championships.
The 2021 team included: Aaron Baumann (JR – SS/P), Anthony Calabrese (JR – IF), Logan Nichelson (JR – C/OF/P), Connor Patrick (JR – OF/P), Dalton Barthlama (JR - C/IF/OF/P), Jaden Bowser (JR – P/3B), CJ Bever (SR – P), Riley Cogan (SR – OF), Cody Evens (SR – OF), Ryan McArthur (SR – P), Jacob Nix (SR – P), Daniel Parsek (SR – 1B), Damian Pasquinelli (SR – IF), Luke Paterson (SR – 2B), Gabe Shelley (SR – P), Keenan Kaufman (SO – OF/P), Jacob Mraz (FR – IF), Nick Garcia (FR – C/OF).
Coaches: Brian Smela – Head Coach, Brad Moore – Varsity Pitching Coach, Matt Kurtz – Varsity 1B Coach, Adam Baumann – Varsity Assistant Coach, Rich Benedict – Head JV Coach, Travis Grace – Assistant JV Coach, Josh George – Head C Team Coach.
Spring 2022
The spring of 2022 would be a welcome return to normal in more ways than one. After two years of anything but normal, the Lions would return to their accustomed schedule of 23 games, and a playoff berth. The team began with a good pitcher/catcher preseason camp back in the gym again after a year off. They suffered through a 1-3 start including a season opening loss to the 3A perennial quality team of Eaton HS. From there, though, the Lions would win four in a row including downing 5A Fort Collins HS. The high point of the season would be a sweep of eventual league champion, Riverdale Ridge. MV would also sweep Roosevelt & split with TVHS & Northridge. The team would earn its 15th playoff spot in 21 seasons by taking on Golden HS. Playing each other for the first time since the 2003 state championship game, MV would lose, but not mourn the season. It was a great year with many highs & some wonderful memories for all involved.
Jacob Mraz would be named All-Longs Peak Conference as an infielder along with winning the league batting championship. Aaron Baumann, Jaden Bowser, Logan Nichelson & Connor Patrick would receive All-Longs Peak Honorable Mention.
The ’22 team included: Dalton Barthlama (SR, C), Aaron Baumann (SR, IF/P), Jaden Bowser (SR, P), James Deal (JR - 1B/P), Nick Garcia (SO, IF), Keenan Kaufman (JR- OF), Michael McKay (SR - IF), Caedon Meyer (SO - OF), Jacob Mraz (SO - IF/P), Logan Nichelson (SR - 1B/OF/P/C), Connor Patrick (SR - OF/P), Brock Raabe (SO - C), Jake Walker (SR - OF/IF).
Coaches: Brian Smela, Head Coach; Rich Benedict, Assistant Coach; Adam Baumann, Assistant Coach; Justin Clinton, Assistant Coach; Randy Felton, Head JV Coach; Travis Grace, Assistant Coach; Josh George, Head C Team Coach.
Spring 2023
Spring ‘23 turned out to be a rebuild season for Mountain View. Still fighting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the class of ‘23 only had two seniors - James Deal & Keenan Kaufman. This was the last class that had lost a season to the virus & many had not returned from that class after the resumption of play. Deal & Kaufman would lead a group of mostly underclassmen not seen since the inaugural team of 2001. Five starters would begin the year as sophomores. Only three returning starters hit the diamond - Deal, Kaufman, and junior Jacob Mraz. The Lions would battle their inexperience and age throughout the season but would come away with some memorable wins including defeating conference runner-up Riverddale Ridge, & conference rival Northridge. Despite losing all their non-league games, the Lions would still finish 10-8 & miss the playoffs by a single game. Lots of experience was gained that the ‘24 squad will be able to put to good work.
Jacob Mraz (catcher) & James Deal (pitcher) were recognized as unanimous All Longs Peak Conference performers along with Bowdy Anderson (pitcher) & Caedon Meyer (outfield) as honorable mention.
The 2023 team included: Bowdy Anderson (JR - P), James Deal (SR - P/1B), Jayden Goode (SO - IF), Levi Gulbrandson (JR - 1B), Lane Haring (SO - OF/P), TJ Horner (JR - OF/P), Jaden Jorgensen (JR - OF), Keenan Kaufman (SR - OF/P), Roman Kenney (SO - DH/P), Caedon Meyer (JR - OF/P), Jacob Mraz (JR - C), Brock Raabe (JR - DH), Brayden Steele (S0 - SS/P), Blake Strom (SO - IF/P).
Coaches: Brian Smela, Head Coach; Rich Benedict, Assistant Head Coach; Justin Clinton, Varsity Assistant Coach; Randy Felton, Head JV Coach; Travis Grace, Assistant JV Coach; Lorenzo Lujan, Assistant JV Coach; Jeff Walls, Head C Team Coach; Jacob Sanchez, Assistant C Team Coach.
