Four former Mankato coaches are now leading their own teams throughout the Northwoods League. The NWL opens play today for the 17th consecutive season in seven parks across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Canada. The former Moondog coaches now coaching in the Northwoods are Ryan Levendoski, Jason Nell, Ryan Ruiz and Mike Orchard.

Ryan Levendoski coached for Mankato in 2008 when the Moondogs made their first playoff appearance in team history. Ryan enters his second season as the Field Manager for Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers. In his first season with the Lunkers, Ryan finished in 4th place in the North Division with a 34-34 overall record. Currently, Ryan is an assistant coach at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Jason Nell was 2008 NWL Manager of the Year after guiding the Moondogs to their first playoff appearance in team history. Nell currently has 108 NWL wins which is good for eight on the all-time NWL wins list. Jason is currently the Head Coach at Iowa Lakes Community College where he led the Lakers to a 33-21 record in 2010.

Ryan Ruiz was the Associate Head Coach for the Moondogs in 2009 and led them to North Division 1st Half Title. Ruiz will become the Rochester Honkers 9th Field Manager since their inaugural season in 1994. Coach Ruiz is currently the assistant coach for Central Arizona College in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference. Central Arizona was 46-20 on the season and lost to eventual Western District Champions, College of Southern Nevada. College of Southern Nevada has the top draft prospect in the 2010 MLB draft, Bryce Harper.

Mike Orchard, current Field Manager for the Moondogs, was an assistant for both Thunder Bay and La Crosse. Orchard, a Bettendorf, IA native, will be in his second season with Mankato in hope of leading them back to the playoffs in 2010.

These one-time Mankato Moondog coaches now represent one-fourth of the NWL coaches.

Come out to a ballpark in your area to see one of the most premier college summer baseball leagues in the nation. Check out www.northwoodsleague.com for games in your area.