Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, members of the Northwoods League, have announced that Brandon Hunt will return for his second year as a coach for the team.  Hunt joins field manager Travis Kiewiet and coach Pat Casey on Waterloo’s coaching staff for the 2014 season, the 20^th year of Bucks baseball.

Hunt, who is currently a volunteer assistant coach at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was instrumental in the Bucks’ success during their playoff run last season.  In his current role with the Vikings, Hunt works with catchers, infielders, and hitters.

“I cannot tell you how grateful I am to Travis and general manager Dan Corbin for allowing me the opportunity to come back for another summer of Bucks baseball,” said Hunt.  “The 2013 season was an amazing year on the field for the Bucks, but the relationships I built with Travis, Pat, and pitching coach Tony Manville, along with the players on the Bucks roster in 2013, was without a doubt the biggest reason I wanted to come back for another shot at an NWL title in 2014.  I am already counting down the days until I get to return to the Cedar Valley and coach in front of the greatest fans in the NWL!”

Hunt began his coaching career in 2007 as an assistant coach for Sioux Falls East and Augustana.  A native of Rapid City, South Dakota, Hunt served as the head coach of Sioux Falls Post 15 East’s squad for three years, compiling a 101-50 record and leading East to the 2011 South Dakota championship.

“A lot of summer baseball success comes from how well the team and coaching staff work together,” said Kiewiet.  “Last summer, Brandon was a major cog for the success that the Waterloo Bucks achieved.  He did everything from throwing batting practice, to coaching first base, to running the defense, to putting in countless hours working on the baseball field.  What I admired the most about Brandon was that he always looked at situations in a positive manner which in turn brushed off on the team.  I feel truly blessed that Brandon is coming back to be a part of our coaching staff for the 2014 season.”

As an athlete, Hunt was a utility player on Augustana’s 2003 North Central Conference championship team, the only NCC title in Augustana’s history.  Prior to college, Hunt played for Rapid City Post 22, helping the Hardhats to a pair of state championships in 2001 and 2002.

In addition to his coaching duties with the Vikings, the Sioux Falls native also teaches at Sioux Falls Washington High School.  Born on September 10, 1983, Hunt is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Administration and Leadership at Augustana. 

The Bucks will open the 2014 season on the road versus the Rochester Honkers on May 27, but return to Waterloo for their home opener versus Rochester on May 28.  Season tickets and group outings are currently on sale.  For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633.  Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21^st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.

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