Sannes named NIACC's interim coach

MASON CITY - Drew Sannes has been named NIACC's interim baseball coach.

Sannes, who joined the NIACC baseball program as an assistant this past fall, takes over for Travis Hergert, who will join the Philadelphia Phillies' organization as its assistant pitching coordinator.

"First and foremost, it's important to recognize and thank Travis for all that he has done for NIACC, as well as the community of Mason City," Sannes said. "He has been the backbone throughout his time here and I will forever be thankful for him providing an opportunity to grow as a coach and person alongside him."

NIACC opens the 2020 season Feb. 16-17 in a four-game series against Crowder College in Neosho, Mo. The Trojans return 15 sophomores from last year's team that was 32-26 overall and 15-13 in the ICCAC.

"As for the baseball program, we are very excited to continue to push the envelope in terms of player development, as well as personal development," Sannes said. "We have a great support system in place lead by our athletic director Dan Mason and President Steven Schulz, who have made this entire process very easy for both our student-athletes, as well as myself.

"It's because of that support that the NIACC baseball program will continue to provide both players and coaches opportunities that allow them to make their dreams come true on and off the field."

Sannes said the returning players and incoming recruits have been fantastic throughout the process.

"We have to applaud them for showing once again, the highest levels of character and support for the program," Sannes said. "We are all ready to continue that push forward toward becoming successful each day and elated for what the spring holds."

As an assistant, Sannes worked with the infield and assisted with the hitters.

Sannes played two years at the University of North Dakota and two years at Concordia-St. Paul.

Sannes graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from North Dakota in 2017 and received his Masters in Education from Concordia University-St. Paul in 2019.

Sannes brings seven years of coaching experience to the NIACC baseball program. He has coached Legion and VFW teams and has worked with multiple academy's across the state of Minnesota.

Sannes graduated from Brainerd High School in Minnesota in 2014.