Ryan Carpenter - Head Coach
Ryan Carpenter assumes the reins of the state-recognized Grant Union baseball program this year after three seasons on the Prospector coaching staff as the head junior varsity coach.
Carpenter joined the Grant Union coaching staff during the 2006 season. During these three years, Carpenter's primary coaching focus has been on the junior varsity program and infielders. In each of the past three seasons the Grant Union defense has ranked in the top ten in the state and has led the league in fielding percentage.
Ryan Carpenter came to the Grant Union program from Concordia University (2005) where he served under Rob Vance as a graduate assistant baseball coach. During his year at Concordia, Carpenter worked primarily with the middle infielders and hitters.
A graduate from Centennial High School (Gresham, Oregon), Carpenter attended Eastern Oregon University where he played second base for the baseball team. He was recognized as an all league middle infielder during the 03 and 04 seasons and finished in the top 10 in the region in batting average during those years.
Coach Carpenter is confident that the program will continue to improve and compete in what will be a tough confrence. Carpenter would not only like to keep the long standing traditon of success on the field, but would also like to create champions of character in the classroom and around the community as well.
"From the day that I first started playing baseball, I've thought of coaching at the high school level," Carpenter said. "I believe the continuity we will have will be a great thing for the program. All our coaches are going in the same direction in terms of goals and philosophy. We have some great kids and a great qualified staff at Grant Union, and I look forward to this opportunity to continuing the legacy of outstanding baseball established here by Coach Art Thunnell."
Ryan Carpenter and his wife Amy have enjoyed living in Grant County and are looking forward to continuing to make a difference in the high school system. Coach Carpenter also serves as a social studies teacher at Grant Union High School and as the Head Girls Basketball Coach. The Carpenter's reside in John Day.
Nate Young - Pitching Coach
Nate Young is entering his first season with the Prospectors and will bring great experience to the Grant Union baseball program and pitching staff this year. Coach Young will play a key role in bringing the club to a new level. The program is excited to have such an experienced coach for the 2009 campaign
Nate Young is currently teaching 5th grade at Humbolt Elementary. He came from North Lake High School where he was the head baseball coach for the 2008 season. He also coached for Bend High School from 2001-2005. At Bend High, Nate assisted with pitchers and catchers. He was also the J.V. coach for three seasons.
Young graduated from Mazama High School (Klamath Falls, Oregon) and attended Corban College in Salem. There he was an All-League selection as catcher all four years from 1996-1999. Young is also ranked on the top 10 career list in most hitting categories at Corban College.
"I love the game of baseball and look forward to helping players develop."
Nate Young as his wife Andrea just moved to Grant County. They have been married for 8 years and have two daughters (ages 3 and 1), and just welcomed a new daughter to the family in February.
Kyle Myers - Junior Varsity/Outfield Coach
Coach Myers will be the Head Junior Varsity Coach for the second year. Kyle is a Grant Union graduate who played on league championship teams under the direction of Art Thunell. Coach Myers played college baseball at Western Baptist College (Corbin College). Kyle is a great coach with a lot of good ideas of how to continue the success of baseball at Grant Union High School.
Brian Delaney - Varisty Assistant Infield Coach/First Base Coach
Brian Delaney will also serve as our Varsity Assistant Coach and Infield Coach. This will be his first year back with the Prospectors, however, he is a Grant Union graduate and played on several league championship baseball teams. After graduation he served as the Junior Varsity coach under Art Thunell and recieved great experience and knowledge about the Grant Union philosophies of baseball. Brian has been coaching for the last three years and we are grateful that he has come back to help make a difference in this program.