We don’t talk enough about our assistant coaches – Andrew Davalt, Tony Fiore, Jacob Gerson, Matt Graham, Sam Grise, Bill Maroney, and Dan Schmidt. It’s important to know what each contributes to our program.
Andrew Davalt – Coach Davalt joined our staff in January as assistant coach for our junior varsity. Andrew has several years of coaching experienced and is a former high school middle infielder. He played collegiately for the Fort Hays State Tigers. Coach Davalt has quickly developed a strong relationship with our squad. Andrew’s full-time profession is in the pharmaceutical industry.
Tony Fiore – Coach Fiore has helped develop our Level 3 program into one of the strongest club programs in the area. Tony was a stellar high school shortstop both with his defense and bat. Tony played soccer at the professional level. A teacher at Parmalee, Tony is our only full-time educator. His experience as a Jeffco employee is a great asset for the rest of the staff.
Jacob Gerson – Before joining the staff, Coach Gerson spent several seasons in West Jeff baseball. He developed several stand-out players who are just now entering our program. Jacob was a high school and college pitcher. I’m confident he was the best former player on the staff, but he’ll never talk about it. He threw serious heat. Coach Gerson is a law enforcement officer.
Matt Graham – Coach Graham is an assistant on our L3 teams and so much more. Coach Graham has done an amazing job as an ambassador to Cougar baseball. Participation in our L3 program is at an all-time high. Matt puts in countless hours behind the scenes with field maintenance, repairs, and equipment management.
Sam Grise – I can’t think of a more qualified coach at any level. Coach Grise has two years of experience coaching in West Jeff and could be premier minor league coach if he desires. I’ve known Sam for 22 years. Sam was a first-team All-Jeffco and All-State catcher for the Cougars, graduating EHS in 2012. Coach G played four years at College of Idaho. He played infield, outfield and finished his career as the starting catcher there. Sam limited would-be base stealers to a 62% success rate, which is elite. Two of Sam’s pitchers were drafted following his senior season in 2017. He still catches pens with minor league pitchers in the winter. Coach Grise works full time in the digital marketing industry. Coach Grise will serve as our defensive coordinator. He’ll be managing our pitchers and catchers as well as our pick-off plays and bunt defenses.
Bill Maroney – Coach Maroney joined our program over the winter. He’s already built a strong relationship with the players, spending countless hours hitting fungos and being at the cages for winter workouts. Bill is a former high school third baseman and coached several West Jeff seasons. His son, James, was a First Team and All-State Cougar in 2012. Coach Grise was his teammate. Bill recently retired from a career in journalism, non-profit organizational management, and digital marketing. Coach Maroney will be working with the infielders and serve as our bench coach on game day.
Dan Schmidt – Coach Schmidt is our longest-tenured coach and our backbone. He joined the staff back in 2019 and has worked in every level of our program. His recent experience at the varsity level brings perspective that we must have. Coach Schmidt is a registered engineer. Coach Schmidt will handle the outfielders, hitters and will be our first base coach.