The Junior Academy of Baseball, which operates youth travel and competitive programs here in Southern Alberta, in cooperation with the Prairie Baseball Academy and the Lethbridge Bulls WCBL club, are excited to introduce the coaches that have been finalized for this Spring Training Program. We are also pleased to share some additional information about their playing and coaching experience (names are alphabetical).

Lukas Ankermann - 2017-2019 infielder at PBA, State Champion in High School, currently works at Under the Lights and studies at the University of Lethbridge. Previous coaching experience with youth baseball through PBA camps.

Nick Ankermann - 2013-2016 infielder at PBA, where he was First Team All-Conference Shortstop, CCBC Champion went on to play at Eastern New Mexico University. He spent two seasons with the Lethbridge Bulls, from 2018-2019. Currently, Nick is a Therapy Assistant at St. Michael's Health Centre in their Post-Acute Rehabilitation program.

Andrew Doyle - 2017-2019 catcher at PBA, top catcher in his High School league. Currently, Andrew is in his 4th year of a combined Kinesiology and Business program at the University of Lethbridge and works in asset management. 

Rhett Feser - played at PBA from 2015-2017, two time CCBC Champion and 2017 CCBC Pitcher of the Year. Took his career professionally to the Dutch Major League in the Netherlands in 2018 as well as Australia in 2019-2020. Currently the pitching coach at PBA and the First Technical Director of the Junior Academy.

Nathan Fulcher - 2017-2020 pitcher at PBA and a current student at the University of Lethbridge working on finishing his Finance degree this year. Has previous coaching experience with camps offered through PBA.

Zach Goruk - 6 years at Prairie Baseball Academy, represented Canada at both the Cal Ripken World Series and Intermediate World Series. Currently finishing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Lethbridge where he has received All-Academic Honours.

Denny Puszkar - played at PBA from 1996-1998 and for the Bulls from 1999-2000. He was 2000 All-Conference and Team MVP at Mayville State. Has coached the youth level since 2007 representing Alberta three times and won the 2019 Canadian Intermediate Championship and represented Canada at the Intermediate World Series.

Brett Semeniuk - 2015-2017 at PBA, two-time CCBC Champion, a fourth year student at the University of Lethbridge for Human Resource Management. Brett also works at Under the Lights here in Lethbridge.

Nick Tillsley - played at PBA from 2003-2004, played at the University of Arkansas at Monticello for 2 years afterwards and took home Freshman of the Year Honours. Played two years for the Lethbridge Bulls. Nick now runs a general contracting and construction company. He has also been involved with coaching and developing youth baseball in the Lethbridge area for 5 years. 

We are extremely proud and excited to have this fraternity of top level coaches ready to educate a new group of baseball players striving to reach their potential. 

With our new coaching staff, the Junior Academy began training this Monday, February 22nd at the Fritz Sick Gymnasium. Participants are divided into training groups of 8 players. Each group will work out in 1 hour 15 minute sessions, twice per week. These training sessions will also serve as tryouts for the 2021 Junior Academy teams, should the opportunity be available based on COVID-19 health restrictions for sport. 

For more information on the Junior Academy objectives and program, please contact Rhett Feser at the Spitz Stadium office, 403-320-2025.