Madison, WI – Before we announce the Mallards roster for 2008, it is customary to first detail the coaches who will be providing the voices & instruction for these talented collegiate athletes. Joining Coach Thieleke’s staff this season is) Jason Immekus (Jefferson College), Jamie Sheetz (Missouri State University), and Jason Smith (Quincy University), all of whom enter their first-year in the Mallards organization. Each coach brings a unique perspective & approach to handling the ups-and-downs of minor league style baseball, detailed in their biographies below (in alphabetical order). The Mallards begin their run at a second Northwoods League Championship on Thursday, May 29th at 7:05 p.m.

Immekus, Jason, Pitching Coach. Immekus is in his third-year as an assistant coach at Jefferson College (MO) where he mentors the team’s pitching staff. The former pitching prospect earned All-Conference honors each of his four years in college. Immekus first enrolled at Independence C.C. in Kansas and spent two years there before finishing his career at nearby Washburn University. The Richmond Roosters of the independent Frontier League came calling next, as he was offered and signed his first professional baseball contract. After spending two years at Richmond, Immekus signed with the Kalamazoo Kings (Frontier) for only a year before an injury forced him to retire. When he was the pitching coach at Crowder College, Immekus helped seven players move on to play professionally. Immekus is also currently an Associate Scout for the Kansas City Royals.

“Immekus brings a wealth of knowledge at the summer collegiate level having coached in the Coastal Plains League and will be a huge asset in helping our players maintain a consistent approach all season long,” said Thieleke.

Sheetz, Jamie, Fundamentals Coach. Sheetz brings the most coaching experience to Thieleke’s staff with a resume that includes stops at Parkview High (MO) in 1996, Missouri State University from 1998 to 2001, and Springfield Catholic High School from 2001 to 2005. In 2007 he was the pitching coach at Jefferson College with Immekus, helping the Vikings to a 37-25 record and conference and regional championships. Now in his second stint with MSU, Sheetz has worked with 23 players who signed professional contracts, including three who advanced to the major leagues. He is a scout for the Chicago White Sox as well.

“Sheetz comes highly recommended from the staff at Missouri State and brings experience having coached at every level. I’m excited to see the progress our pitching staff will make after receiving first-hand instruction from a person who has been through the rigors of a 68 game schedule,” said Thieleke.

Smith, Jason, Hitting Coach. In January, Smith entered his first year as an assistant coach at Quincy University (IL) after having spent the previous two years as the hitting coach at his alma-mater, Aurora University (IL). At Aurora he wore many hats, having served as the team’s hitting, outfield, and first-base coach in addition to running the junior varsity squad. During Smith’s playing days at Aurora, he earned NIIC All-Conference honors three times and was named to the All-Region team twice. Last summer he was an assistant coach for the Quincy Gems in the Central Illinois Collegiate League. Jason is the older brother of Mallards pitcher Brian Smith, who is returning for his third year on the mound.

“Smith is another guy who has summer collegiate experience having coached in the CICL last summer, and has already put together an impressive resume in working with position players and coordinating hitting camps. He’ll also be looked upon to play some pranks on his younger brother (Pitcher Brian Smith) throughout the season,” joked Thieleke.

Opening Day is 74 days away and counting and there is no better time to reward your employees, impress some clients, or party with friends by renting a suite at the “Duck Pond” this summer! Learn more by calling us at 246.4277!

Group tickets are on sale and single-game tickets will be available for purchase on April 26 at 9:00 a.m.

The Mallards open the season at the “Duck Pond” on Thursday, May 29 at 7:05 p.m. Be sure to come early as we have a host of activities planned when the gates at 5:30 p.m.!