Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks have announced that Connor Duckhorn has been hired as a coach for the team’s 21^st season of play.  Duckhorn, who is currently an assistant coach at Northern Illinois University, will work with hitters and infielders in Waterloo, joining Bucks Field Manager Tony Manville on staff.

“I got the chance to be one of Tony's teammates at NIU and I can't wait to be able to coach with him,” said Duckhorn.  “We have been talking about an opportunity like this for quite some time and it is just funny how things seem to always work out.  I hope I can contribute all I can to the Bucks and help to continue the recent winning tradition of this organization in any way I can.”

Originally from Darien, Illinois, Duckhorn played two seasons for the Huskies as a utility player and finished up the 2014 campaign as an undergraduate assistant.  In his first season working with the program as a coach, Duckhorn helped coach the infield while assisting all players in their individual workouts. 

"Connor will be a great addition to the coaching staff this year,” said Manville.  “He brings with him a tremendous knowledge of the game and a work ethic as strong as anybody.  He will work primarily with infielders and hitters and will hold third base coaching responsibilities.  Connor had a great playing career at Northern Illinois and has transferred that success directly into coaching.  There is no doubt in my mind that he will continue to develop players and be just as successful here in Waterloo."

As a player, Duckhorn transferred to Northern Illinois in the fall of 2011 after playing two seasons at Cowley County College in Kansas.  Born January 8, 1991, Duckhorn led the Jayhawk Conference with a .398 batting average in his freshman season. 

The Bucks will open the 2015 season on the road versus the Alexandria Blue Anchors on May 26, but return to Waterloo for their home opener versus the Mankato MoonDogs on May 28.  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 22^nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, 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 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.  For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.