The best season in Weatherford College baseball history saw the Coyotes reach the 2023 NJCAA Division I World Series and return from Grand Junction, Colorado with a third-place finish.
And while it took a couple of decades to break through to that milestone, a return trip could come as soon as the upcoming season, which begins Saturday at Roger Williams Ballpark. At least that's what national pundits think as they have the Coyotes ranked No. 3 nationally in the preseason.
In 2023, the Coyotes set a school record for victories, finishing 53-11. They ran away with the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference championship with a 29-4 record.
The season also produced the program's first two All-Americans, sophomore Robin Villeneuve and freshman Ryne Rodriguez. Villenueve led the nation in home runs with a school-record 28 and Rodriguez posted an 11-0 record pitching with a 1.59 ERA. Villeneuve moved on to play for Tennessee and Rodriguez is now at Ole Miss.
"It (2023) was a fun, historic season, but it doesn't change anything in terms of expectations and goals. Job No. 1 – be great at practice today, be great in the weight room, get up and go to class, walk and talk like a champion," Coyotes coach Jeff Lightfoot said. "We want to help these guys be the best version of themselves and create great leaders. We want to give our community something to be proud of and represent WC with class."
Lightfoot is the only coach the Coyotes have had since they started play in 2003. His overall career record is 822-537-1, including four years at Eastfield College in Mesquite where his team won a NJCAA Division III World Series in 2001 and finished second in 1998.
The Coyotes have four everyday starters returning from last season, catcher Kanon Sundgren (.417 batting average, .692 slugging percentage), first baseman Dayton Tockey (11 home runs, 18 doubles, 46 walks, 31 extra-base hits), outfielder Kevin Duran and shortstop Miguel Luevano.
Returning pitchers are lefthanders Robert Fortenberry (10-1, 2.74 ERA, 79 strikeouts in 75.2 innings) and Cody Morse (2 saves), along with righthanders Charlie Giese (9-2, 9.19 strikeouts per 9 innings) and David Ronquist (2 saves, 3.16 ERA).
Also back is outfielder Luka Daoust, a key reserve last season.
Villeneuve was named NTJCAC Hitter of the Year in 2023 and Rodriguez was Pitcher of the Year. Lightfoot was named Coach of the Year, his second time to win the honor (also in 2004).
Among the returners, Fortenberry and Ronquist were named first-team all-conference.
Lightfoot also brought in another solid recruiting class, along with several top transfers. The list includes outfielder Kasen Wells (Texas A&M), righthanded pitcher Logan Simmons (Houston), lefthanded pitcher Cade Crossland (Quachita Baptist) and lefthanded pitcher Braylen Timmons (Amarillo).
Lightfoot was also pleased with how his team played in the fall. While it doesn't count in the spring standings, it's a time for the team to gel and develop chemistry - along with newcomers adjusting to the college level.
"We had a productive fall. There was a lot to learn with a relatively new offensive group," Lightfoot said. "Our guys learned quickly and played hard. Our work ethic was good."
And, while it sounds like a recording each year, the NTJCAC will once again be among the toughest around, and Region V is renowned nationally for its tough competition.
"Same teams to deal with. McLennan (ranked No. 11) and Temple are expected to be good and return some talent. Region V will be strong again with big things expected from New Mexico (No. 19), Midland and Odessa," Lightfoot said.
As for following up on the greatest season ever for the program, Lightfoot summed up, "Not to be cliché, but one day at a time. Our job and focus doesn't change. We have to focus on the process of being a champion, do the little things well and create winning habits."