Colorado Mesa University Men's Baseball

Your browser does not support the audio element. Coach Chris “Skip” Hanks enters his 28th season as the Mavericks Head Coach. In his 27 seasons at the helm of the Colorado Mesa program, Hanks boasts an impressive 1,111-428 (.722) overall record. Under his leadership, the Mavericks have captured 18 RMAC Championships, been selected to the NCAA Division II National Tournament 21 times, and have reached the NCAA Division II College World Series four times (2009, 2014, 2017, 2019). He is a 12-time RMAC Coach of the Year, and has been named Regional Coach of the Year five times by the American Baseball Coaches Association (2009, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2023). In 2019 and 2021, he was also named the National Coach of the Year by the National College Baseball News Writers Association. On March 24, 2023, Coach Hanks won his 1,000th career game with a 15-0 win over Colorado Christian in Lakewood, Colo. At the time of the win, he was the fastest coach in Division II baseball to reach the 1,000 win mark. He is currently No. 12 among all active coaches in NCAA Baseball with 1,111 wins in his 27 complete seasons.  In 2019 Hanks led the Mavericks to a 53-12 record and their eighth straight RMAC Championship. They secured their fourth Regional Championship, and fourth trip to the Division II World Series by winning the Super Regional in San Angelo, TX, defeating Angelo State two games to one. They entered the World Series as the #1 National seed for the tournament. Their success continued at the Word Series advancing to the National Championship game for the second time in program history (2014), where they lost to the University of Tampa 3-1. Their drive to the title game included an opening win against N.Y. Tech, and two wins against Central Missouri, the second of which came in the National Semifinal game where senior pitcher Will Dixon pitched a complete-game 1-0 shutout to send the Mavericks to the National title game. 2018 brought about another Conference Championship and their 16th trip to the NCAA Regionals where they lost the championship to Texas A&M Kingsville.  They completed the season with a 43-16 record. On March 8th, the Coach Hanks won his 800th game with a 2-0 win over UCCS at Suplizio Field. During the 2017 season, the Mavericks won their sixth consecutive RMAC Championship and their 11th in the last 13th seasons. Hanks led the Mavericks to the NCAA Regionals for the ninth consecutive time where they defeated Arkansas-Fort Smith to claim their third regional title and their third trip to the Division II World Series. Their Season ended at the World Series where they lost in the National Semi-Final to West Chester University, who won the National Championship the next game. 2016 and 2015 both brought Conference championships and NCAA Regional appearances which the Mavericks hosted Suplizio Field. In 2014, Hanks led the Colorado Mesa to their first National championship game where the Mavericks fell to Southern Indiana University 3-2 in 12 innings.  Along the way they defeated St. Thomas Aquinas, Seton Hill, and top-ranked Tampa to reach the title game. 2009 marked the Colorado Mesa’s fist ever trip to the Division II Would series where they finished fifth. More NCAA Tournament appearances followed in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. 2005 marked the first time in school history that the Mavericks hosted an NCAA Regional, and included a record-setting season by the future three-time MLB World Series Champion, Sergio Romo (San Francisco Giants).  2006 and 2007 brought about two more conference championships and NCAA Regionals. The 2007 team made it to the Regional Championship game, the school’s first regional championship appearance, losing to Cal. State Los Angeles. On April 5, 2012 Coach Hanks became the All-Time Winningest Coach in Colorado Mesa history when he captured his 538th win over Nebraska-Kearney 14-4. He surpassed Byron Wiehe who coached the Mavericks from 1976-1993 and had a career record of 537-347. Coach Hanks’ teams have dominated the national scene offensively, posting 18 National Statistical Championships in Team Hitting statistics since 1999. One of those statistical championships came in 2004 when the Mavericks set an NCAA Division II national record for doubles with 190, a record which still stands to this day.  His teams also have one statistical championship for fielding average, and 4 top 10 finishes in fielding average during the same time span. In 2019, The Mavericks led the nation in winning percentage (.815) with a 53-12 overall record (school record for wins).  The Skipper has had 21 players drafted by MLB affiliated organizations and he has coached 14 first team all-Americans. Coach Hanks served as the Mavericks assistant baseball coach for six seasons (’93-’98) and as assistant football coach for five seasons (’93-’97). In his six seasons as the assistant baseball coach his primary duty was serving as the teams hitting instructor. During that span, the Mavericks captured eight National Statistical Championships for hitting. They led the nation in home runs in both 1996 and 1997 (96, 115) as well as slugging percentage (.609, .644) In 1997, the team was first with 156 doubles, led the nation in scoring with 10.3 runs/game, total bases and HR/game. He was also responsible for coaching the catchers, first baseman, as well as outfielders. Chris is a native of Carbondale where he played football and baseball at Roaring Fork High School. He was drafted to play baseball out of high school, but chose to attend the College of Southern Idaho.   He was a two-time All-American catcher at CSI where he hit 48 home runs in his two-year career and led the nation with 26 as a freshman. He was also a two-time Region 18 Player of the Year selection. Hanks was named MVP of the 1988 National Junior College Baseball World Series played in Grand Junction. He was again drafted by Boston and signed with the Red Sox. He played four years in their organization, and a year with the Detroit Tigers before an arm injury ended his career. In 2007, Hanks was named to the NJCAA World Series JUCO "Golden Anniversary Team." The team was comprised of the top 20 players and two coaches spanning the 50-year history of the World Series.   Chris is a 1993 graduate of Mesa State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He received his Associates Degree from the College of Southern Idaho in 1988. In 1997 he earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education/Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado.   Chris and wife Nikki have three children, son Jared, daughters Kylie and Natalie. Nikki is a native of Montrose and a graduate of Colorado Mesa. Milestones: First Win || February 11, 1999 in St. George, Utah (9-6 vs. Southern Utah) 100th Win || April 8, 2001 in Kearney, Neb. (5-2 vs. Nebraska-Kearney) 200th Win || March 13, 2004 in Nampa, Idaho (10-4 vs. Saint Martin's) 300th Win || April 23, 2006 in Grand Junction (6-2 vs. Fort Hays State) 400th Win || May 8, 2008 in Grand Junction (22-3 vs. Regis in the RMAC Tournament) 500th Win || April 9, 2011 in Kearney, Neb. (9-5 vs. Nebraska-Kearney) 538th Win || April 5, 2012 in Grand Junction (14-4 vs. Nebraska-Kearney) *Made him the all-time winngest coach in program history* 600th Win || May 9, 2014 in Grand Junction (13-5 vs. CSU-Pueblo in the RMAC Tournament) 700th Win || February 19, 2016 in Riverside, Calif. (5-4 vs. Cal Baptist)  800th Win || March 9, 2018 in Grand Junction (2-0 vs. UCCS) 900th Win || February 26, 2021 in Grand Junction (17-5 vs. Montana State Billings) 1,000th Win || March 24, 2023 in Lakewood, Colo. (15-0 vs. Colorado Christian) 1,100th Win || April 25, 2025 in Grand Junction (9-2 vs. Rollins)   Hanks' Year-by-Year Head Coaching Record Year Overall Pct. RMAC Finish Postseason 2025 42-14 .750 26-4 1st NCAA South Central Regional 2024 38-18 .679 24-8 1st NCAA South Central Regional 2023 48-11 .814 30-2 1st NCAA South Central Super Regionals 2022 43-17 .717 23-9 1st NCAA South Central Super Regionals 2021 42-7 .857 34-2 1st NCAA South Central Regional 2020*   14-4 .777 4-0 2019 53-12 .815 29-7 1st NCAA World Series Finalist 2018 43-16 .729 26-9 1st NCAA South Central Regional 2017 50-12 .806 32-4 1st NCAA World Series 2016 43-13 .768 29-7 1st NCAA South Central Regional 2015 48-9 .842 35-4 1st NCAA South Central Regional 2014 47-13 .783 31-7 1st NCAA World Series Finalist 2013 45-11 .804 35-3 1st NCAA Central Regional 2012 39-16 .709 33-9 1st NCAA Central Regional 2011 35-21 .625 24-16 2nd NCAA Central Regional 2010 37-20 .649 24-10 2nd NCAA Central Regional 2009 44-15 .746 29-8 1st NCAA World Series 2008 42-17 .712 31-9 1st none 2007 49-14 .778 34-6 1st NCAA West Regional 2006 39-19 .672 22-7 1st NCAA West Regional 2005 46-16 .742 24-4 1st NCAA West Regional 2004 44-19 .698 19-9 2nd NCAA West Regional 2003 27-26 .509 15-8 2nd none 2002 39-23 .629 20-8 2nd NCAA West Regional 2001 38-21 .644 16-12 1st none 2000 34-26 .567 16-12 2nd none 1999 42-17 .712 19-9 1st NCAA West Regional 27 years 1,111-428 .722 657-191 .775 22 NCAA Regionals, 4 CWS, 2 NCAA National Runner-ups   *Season cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic 

Your browser does not support the audio element. McKinney has been with the Maverick baseball program since the fall of 2008. As the Associate Head Coach and recruiting coordinator, his primary responsibilities involve recruiting California, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming and the Northwest, working with the infielders and hitters, coaching first base, and overseeing the running game. McKinney also helps coordinate strength and conditioning, nutrition, academic success, team travel, recruiting, camps, fundraising, equipment, and field care. McKinney was a two-year starter for the Mavericks in 2005 and 2006 and was a team captain his senior season.  He earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) honors while helping the Mavericks to two RMAC championships and two NCAA Western Regional appearances. In 2005, the Mavericks hosted the NCAA West Regional for the first time in school history at beautiful Suplizio Field.  He also was an Academic All-Conference selection, graduating with a degree in Mass Communications in 2006. McKinney earned a master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Wyoming while attending the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau. He attended the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau Scout School and became an associate scout for the Colorado Rockies in 2008. Since the summer of 2023, McKinney has worked with USA Baseball on the Task Force to help recruit and evaluate players for the 15U, and16U USA National Team in Cary, North Carolina and Phoenix, Arizona. From 2007 through 2009, McKinney was the head coach of the Laramie (WY) American Legion baseball program, the Laramie Rangers. Coach McKinney and his wife, the former Dr. Kristin Heumann have two sons, Orion and Augie.  

Your browser does not support the audio element. Mark Vig enters his 3rd season as an assistant coach with the Colorado Mesa University baseball program, joining the staff in August of 2022. His primary responsibilities involve recruiting Colorado and Utah, assisting with pitching and defense, and aiding in all day-to-day operations of the program. In 2023 & 2024, the Mavericks continued their historic success. In 2024, Mesa captured their 12th straight RMAC title, and 15th straight NCAA tournament appearance. In 2023, the Mavericks went a record 16-0 on the road in RMAC play, the first team to ever do so. The 2023 Mavericks were the first NCAA division II program to record 100+ stolen bases and slug 100+ home runs in a season. Outfielder Julian Boyd was named ABCA NCAA Division II Player of the Year. Left handed pitcher Kannon Handy was drafted in the 19th round by the Colorado Rockies. Prior to coming to CMU, Vig was no stranger to the RMAC, after spending 9 years at MSU Denver and Regis University. In his 9 seasons in the RMAC, before CMU, Vig coached 31 All-RMAC players, 3 RMAC Freshman of the Years, 1 RMAC Player of the Year, 15 All-South Central Region players, and 8 All-Americans. Vig served as the pitching coach at MSU Denver from 2017-2022. MSU Denver improved in nearly every statistical category in each season since Vig took over the pitching coach duties. MSU Denver reached its first ever NCAA postseason regional in the 2022 season. Cade Crader threw a 9-inning perfect game on March 27, 2021 against CSU Pueblo, the first in MSU Denver history, RMAC history, and only the 11th 9-inning perfect game in NCAA division II history, at the time. At MSU Denver, Vig also assisted in game day operations with the athletic department and served as a facility supervisor for outside rentals with the athletic complex. Vig was a graduate assistant at Regis University from 2014-2016. At Regis, Vig worked primarily with outfielders and first basemen. Vig also assisted with recruiting, opponent scouting, other day-to-day operations, and coached first base on game days. In the summers of 2015 and 2016, Vig served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Arvada Colts of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. In the summer of 2014, Vig was the head coach for the St. Charles Captains of the Lewis and Clark Baseball League in St. Louis, Mo. In their inaugural season, the Captains made the Discovery Cup playoffs and Vig was named Manager of the Year in the LCBL. Vig coached youth and American Legion baseball in the Yankton (S.D.) Baseball Association from 2009 through 2012. Vig received his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Regis University. Vig graduated from the University of Sioux Falls in 2013 with a B.A. in business administration and a B.A. in sports management. At Sioux Falls, Vig was a 2013 Academic All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference player. Vig is a native of Yankton, South Dakota and resides in Grand Junction with his wife, Brittney, and their children, Jayney and Jacoby.  

Your browser does not support the audio element. Steve Woytek returns to Colorado Mesa in 2025, after stepping away the last two years to be the Athletic Director at Grand Junction High School. Steve enters his 25th overall season with the Maverick baseball program. Woytek previously coached at Colorado Mesa from 2001-2022 and played at Mesa in 1998 & 1999.. His primary responsibilities involve recruiting Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Kansas. He works with infielders, and hitters, and coaches third base on game days. Since Woytek has started coaching, the Mavericks have risen to one of the premier division II college baseball programs in the nation. Woytek has helped coach and mentor a program that was the winningest program in the nation from 2010-2019, has been to 4 NCAA Division II World Series, 2 National Runner-ups, has had 4 National Players of the Year, has won 19 regular season RMAC titles, 12 RMAC tournament titles, has been to 21 NCAA postseasons, has produced 32 All-Americans, 20 Academic All-Americans, 3 Academic Players of the Year, 12 RMAC Players of the Year, 18 RMAC gold glove infielders, 2 National Gold Glove winners, and over 30 MLB draft picks.   Steve transferred to Mesa State in 1997 from Connors State Junior College, where he was an Academic All-American and first team all-region first baseman.  Woytek was a two-year starter for the Mavericks in 1998 and 1999.  He earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) honors while helping the Mavericks to a conference championship and NCAA Western Regional appearances.  In 1999, the Mavericks were seeded as the #1 seed for the first time in school history, Coach Hanks’ first season as Head Coach.  A graduate of Mesa State in 1999, he earned his bachelor's degree in history. He earned his master's degree in Athletic Administration through the University of Northern Colorado, as well as a type D certification in Academic Administration from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Steve teaches at Grand Junction High School. His wife, Jen, teaches kindergarten at Chatfield Elementary. Jen and Steve have two sons, Drew and Brett.