Heller's Staff?

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Jason Svoboda

Jason Svoboda

The Bird Level
Administrator
With Heller hired, I think one of the next crucial steps is to assemble a solid staff.

I don't know if he retains any of his former UNI staff. The one guy that would be appealing, Scott Brickman, was named the head baseball coach at Belmont Abbey College on August 10th. He was the Panther's pitching coach.

Then there would be the question of does he interview Tyler Herbst, who I believe also threw his name into the ring for the head coaching gig. He was the recruiting coordinator/pitching coach for the Sycamores this past season I do believe.

What do you guys think?
 

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It would be nice to have someone conected to ISU to help with getting this transformation done. Who? I dont know, I would love to help out!

Ruck
 
From what I remember when SkinnyLu and I went to the UNI series in Waterloo this past April, one of Heller's volunteer assistants was Brian Grunzke, who originally was responsible for recruiting Cordell to UALR before Jim Lawler was let go and Grunzke was then on the hunt for another position. Apparently, he was brought in at UALR for his recruiting connections. Not sure if this would pan out, though.

BTW, Herbst was on that same staff with Lawler and Grunzke.
 
Beav89 said:
From what I remember when SkinnyLu and I went to the UNI series in Waterloo this past April, one of Heller's volunteer assistants was Brian Grunzke, who originally was responsible for recruiting Cordell to UALR before Jim Lawler was let go and Grunzke was then on the hunt for another position. Apparently, he was brought in at UALR for his recruiting connections. Not sure if this would pan out, though.

BTW, Herbst was on that same staff with Lawler and Grunzke.
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Wow, small world. I didn't know that. Be sure to let us know if/when Cordell at least gets his pitch by Heller to stay on the team.
 
I know that Heller has told folks here in Iowa that he would like to hire someone with ISU connections and then possibly bring a person from his former staff with him as well. He also has another person in mind depending on how many coaches he can hire. All alumni would like to see another alum hired with all things being equal. That said this is a really solid hire for the Sycamores, proven track record, knowledge of the MVC and he understands the baseball tradition at Indiana State. I applaud Prettyman for making the tough choices he does and not making decisions based upon popularity.
 
Jason Svoboda said:
Be sure to let us know if/when Cordell at least gets his pitch by Heller to stay on the team.
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I heard from Cordell's mom that Coach Heller called him yesterday (Saturday) to discuss ISU baseball and his decision. Not the one to pass on hearsay as a third party, so I will leave it at that.

I think it's a good sign that Coach is already following up with the players. I will say that it's more than Cordell heard from the previous staff after the Meggs departure call.
 

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Awesome. I love hearing stuff like this. Sports are so much more than just what happens on the field. I'm really, really interested in hearing who Heller puts on staff -- hopefully he can assemble his dream staff and get his Sycamore tenure off on the right path.
 
Heller's call

Hi Sycamore Family

I am writing to confirm that Coach Heller did call Cordell on Saturday. Coach could not have been more wonderful. What I can say is that Coach Heller and ISU extended a terrific offer and made a genuine attempt to keep Cordell.

Cordell has decided not to return to ISU for the 2009/2010 season. This decision had nothing to do with Coach Heller being the final choice as the new head coach but was based solely on positioning himself for the future.

We actually like Coach Heller alot. Most people do not know this but Cordell considered going to UNI before signing with ISU last year. At that time Coach Heller was VERY honest about what financing and support he was receiving from the University and we appreciated his candid input. Coach Heller is the best and he will do wonderful things at ISU.

Warm regards,
SkinnyLu & Family
 
SkinnyLu makes me a sad panda. Good luck to Cordell in the future -- hope he finds the right fit.

That said, with him leaving, Lu, you owe us a good recruit. LOL. What have you got for us?
 
Jason Svoboda said:
SkinnyLu makes me a sad panda. Good luck to Cordell in the future -- hope he finds the right fit.

That said, with him leaving, Lu, you owe us a good recruit. LOL. What have you got for us?
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LOL! Okay Jason, I will start attending the local HS games and pass on any potential talent I come across. Its the least I can do for ISU. :) I'm only partly kidding!! Recruiting takes an army.
 

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I was wondering what anyone thought about Casey Degrotte's chances of remaining on the staff here. Heard that he is very interested in staying. Does anyone think he has a shot?
 
Tyler Herbst will remain on Heller's staff ?
 
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If Coach Heller keeps Herbst then he would be out of his mind getting rid of Casey Degroote. Coach Degroote is a players coach and a great hitting coach. I would assume he keeps the staff together since it is about time to get after it within the next coming weeks. I know the boys are ready to get going but not really excited to end summer to head back to the Haute.
 
As of last week, Degrotte had never met Heller, so I am sure they will meet soon. if they haven't already. I just hope he gives him a shot, would be a great way to make a tie to the community and the current players. And, from what I hear he has been a good coach. Best of luck to Casey!!
 

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If I'm not mistaken, someone mentioned he was keeping the existing staff as they were still under contract I believe?
 
Baseball Staff

I watched a little of practice yesterday all of last years staff was there
 
seasonticket: Actually, the only returning coach from last season is Herbst. However, the coaching page has been updated on gosycamores.com and it shows Heller, Herbst, Smiley, DeGroote and a new addition...volunteer coach Max Hutson.
 
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