NORTHWOODS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: February 11, 2009

Barta Takes Over as Cats Manager
Former Woodchucks Manager Back in NWL

(THUNDER BAY, ONT) The Thunder Bay Border Cats announced today that Joel Barta will replace Bobby Meier as the team’s field manager for the 2009 season. Meier, who took over from Devin McIntosh in October, was unable to fulfill his commitment after accepting a full time position in Las Vegas, NV. 

Barta, a native of Michigan, North Dakota is currently head coach at Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN. He recently spent two seasons as head coach at the University of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College, where he compiled a 43-58-1 record as the program made the transition to NAIA. The 40 year old Barta spent the 2005 NWL season as pitching coach with the Wisconsin Woodchucks, and was named the Woodchucks manager for the 2006 season. During that injury plagued season, Barta guided Wisconsin to a 25-42 record. His baseball resume also includes seven years as head coach at Northland College in Ashland, WI. Barta becomes the seventh manager in Border Cats history. 

“Joel’s considerable coaching experience and familiarity with the Northwoods League is invaluable as we prepare to defend our league championship,” stated Border Cats President/General Manager Brad Jorgenson. “We wish Bobby Meier good luck as he moves on with his career.” Jorgenson added, “despite the change, all of our current player commitments remain in place for the 2009 season.”