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The Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy is a paid program for local Treasure Valley area college students in need of school credit. Members will receive a hands-on experience in the inner workings of a professional sports organization and will receive a season-long roatational experience of the different departments.
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Adam Bridges is a passionate sports media personality who discovered his love for the field during his time at The Stampede, his high school newspaper. Since then, he has made a remarkable journey in the world of sports journalism, establishing himself as a talented reporter, editor, and content creator.
Bridges began his professional career at The Arbiter, where he initially worked as a Sports & Rec. Reporter in 2021. His dedication and work ethic led him to quickly ascend through the ranks, becoming the Sports & Rec. Editor in 2022 and the Online Editor in 2023.
During his time at The Arbiter, Adam’s contributions made a significant impact, receiving widespread attention and recognition. His articles consistently attracted high viewership, with his works amassing an impressive 40,000 views, setting a record for the highest number of views by a single staff member.
In 2021 and 2022, he received accolades from the Idaho Press Club for his outstanding contributions to sports journalism. He secured the 1st place in the “Sports News Report - Student” category in 2022, followed by a 3rd place win in the same category in 2021.
He also received sports media awards for his work on his sports talk show, Sports-N-Stuff. Under his leadership, Sports-N-Stuff was named 1st place in the “Sports Talk Show” category by the Idaho Press Club in both 2021 and 2022. Additionally, his team secured the 3rd place award for “General Excellence - Audio” in 2022.
Bridges got involved with the Boise Hawks by applying to the Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy in February. Shortly after accepting a spot in the program, he was also offered the opportunity to broadcast the Hawks games for the 2023 season. Bridges accepted it as soon as he could and is excited to start his first season broadcasting professional baseball.
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*as of May, 2023
Van Tol returns for his third season managing the Boise Hawks as an independent, his second stint after managing the Hawks in 2013 and 2014 as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Van Tol spent 10 years with the Chicago Cubs in player development as a minor league coach and was part of the organization’s historic 2016 World Series Championship. After coming within one game of winning the 2021 Pioneer League championship, six of his players signed with major league organizations prior to the 2022 season. With only one returning starter in the field and two starting pitchers from the 2021 Southern Division championship team, Van Tol patiently rebuilt the roster while enduring a 30-67 overall record last season. With 15 players returning for the 2023 season, Van Tol is excited to have a strong, experienced core back in the starting lineup to go along with high expectations of making it back to the Pioneer League championship series.
Baseball has also taken Van Tol around the world, a native of Pincher Creek, Alberta, he started his playing career at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon, earning Region-18 Second Team honors and finished his college career at Gonzaga University where he was All Pac-10 first team and third-team Academic All-America. Van Tol was a member of the Canadian National Team, competing in the 1991 Pan American Games in Cuba, the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle, the World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta and the 1989 Presidential Cup in Taipei, Taiwan. He finished his playing career with Levis Neptunus in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the 1993 Dutch and European Cup champions. He also worked for Major League Baseball as an envoy coach and assisted the Great Britain National Team in 1996.
Van Tol earned his bachelor and master of arts degrees from Gonzaga University. Gary and his wife, Christina, live in Boise and have four children; Gehrig, Amaia, Peyton and Gibson.
Michiel begins his third season as the pitching and strength coach of the Boise Hawks. Prior to the Hawks, Michiel was on Van Tol’s staff at Boise State University. Michiel’s connection to Van Tol started 27 years ago when Van Tol recruited Michiel to pitch for him at Treasure Valley Community College. The Haarlem, Netherlands native finished his college career at the College of Idaho were he earned his bachelor’s degree in international business and business administration.
Michiel returned home to start his professional career in the Dutch Professional League from 1998-2010. During that time he was a member of the Netherlands National Team, was part of six European Cups, four World Cups, three Intercontinental Cups, two World Baseball Classics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Michiel and his wife, Renae, who he met at Treasure Valley Community College, moved to Boise in 2010. They have two daughters, Skyler and Morgan.
Sutton returns for his second season with the Boise Hawks. His most recent coaching position was with the Minnesota Twins organization from 2020-2021 were he managed the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins High A affiliate.
Before joining the professional ranks, Sutton was the head coach at Montana State University Billings, an NCAA DII program. There he set the school record for wins, and took the program to their first ever West Region tournament. He was named conference coach of the year twice and during his three-year tenure his teams broke over 100 conference and program records.
Sutton began his coaching career at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon. The Fruitland, Idaho native led the program to three East Region titles and was named region coach of the year three times.
Aaron and his wife, Kristin, live in Fruitland. They have two boys, Seager and Decker.
Ryan joins Van Tol’s staff for the 2023 season, his first in professional baseball. Bobo is currently in his 19th year as the head baseball coach at Skyview High School in Nampa, where he also teaches U.S. Government and A.P. Psychology.
Prior to Skyview, Ryan coached at Buhl High School in Buhl, Idaho winning the 3A Idaho State championship as an assistant in 2001. Ryan was the head coach at Buhl for three seasons. He has also assisted at Highland and Century High Schools in Pocatello.
Ryan graduated from Pocatello High School and played football at Idaho State University. Ryan has a 722-437 record as a head coach during his 23 years and has been awarded S.I.C coach of the year 6 times during his tenure at Skyview. Skyview has won six district championships and finished second at the state tournament twice under Ryan’s leadership.
He has two daughters, Aivry and Sydney.
Gary Van Tol MANAGER Michiel van Kampen PITCHING/STRENGTH COACH Aaron Sutton HITTING COACH Ryan Bobo BENCH COACHJimmy Johnson joins Van Tol’s staff for the 2023 season, as the director of scouting. Johnson brings over 50 years of professional experience to the Boise Hawks. Most recently, Johnson managed the Grand Junction Rockies during the 2021 season and played an intrigue part in helping the front office and coaching staff build the Rockies 2022 roster that won the Pioneer League championship.
Johnson signed his first professional contract with the Houston Astro’s in 1969 out of the University of New Mexico. A former infielder, Johnson played seven years in the Astro’s organization, compiling a .252 batting average in 577 minor league games. After his playing career, Johnson started his coaching career with the Astros. He was minor league manager for seven years and spent nine years as a coordinator. After 23 years with the Astros organization Johnson also worked in player development for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Colorado Rockies.
Johnson also has international experience coaching national teams in Prague, Czech and Beijing, China. He was the hitting coach for China in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Jimmy and his wife, Joanne, live in Phoenix, Arizona. They have been married for 52 years and have two sons, Jace and Josh.
Nelson returns for his third season as the Head Athletic Trainer with the Boise Hawks. Prior to joining the Hawks, Nelson came to Boise to help Van Tol build the baseball program at Boise State University as an assistant athletic trainer. Nelson began his professional career with the Chicago Cubs organization. He spent seven years with the Cubs, including two seasons with the Iowa Cubs at the AAA level.
He graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa and is currently pursuing his graduate degree at Boise State. Shane resides in Boise with his wife Jackie. They have two dogs, Ollie and Oakleigh.
Kailey Warren is an Athletic Trainer with St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, ID. She functions as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Boise Hawks and oversees the Sports Medicine program for Boise State University Campus Recreation and club sports.
Warren is a graduate of Boise State University with a BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and a MA in Athletic Training. She will be entering her second season with the Hawks where she assists in the day to day medical operations.
Coleman returns to the Boise Hawks coaching staff for his second season and will oversee the mental skills program. Prior to joining the Hawks, Coleman has served many roles at University of Kansas, Boise State University and Boise High School.
Coleman, a Nebraska native, is working towards an Educational Doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology. He is currently working with the Idaho Steelheads during the off season.
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Kenny Oyama, the dynamic center fielder for the Boise Hawks, has been a driving force behind the team’s early-season success.
During his six appearances this season, Oyama has recorded four runs with five hits including two doubles. He has also batted in five runners and forced two walks.
As the Boise Hawks embarked on an impressive 5-1 start, Oyama expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing season. He attributed the team’s success to their effective pitching and the collective effort to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“We’re putting our pitchers in and they are doing their jobs to keep us in every ball game,” Oyama said. “We’re taking advantage of having runners on base and always trying to bat them in.”
Coming directly from UCLA to the Boise Hawks, Oyama is heading into his first year at the professional level. He acknowledges the differences in the game but considers it a seamless process.
“Coming from UCLA to here has been fine,” Oyama said. “It’s obviously a different level of ball but I wouldn’t say it’s too much of a transition. I’d say it’s more just getting used to the schedule of playing every day.”
In a game-winning moment, Oyama showcased his skills by crossing home plate to secure a 7-6 victory for the Hawks. Thrilled to contribute to the team’s success, he humbly credits his teammates for setting the stage and delivering the crucial hit to bring him home.
“That moment felt good,” Oyama said about his game-winning run. “I want to do whatever I can to help the team win. I was put in a spot where I could help the team win and I stole a bag and Anthony Walters got me in.”
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How long have you been working for the Hawks?
This will be my second season here.
What is your favorite part of working here?
I think the whole game experience. You get paid to watch baseball and enjoy the atmosphere of it all. I also have a hand in controlling the experience with music so that’s a lot of fun.
What is your favorite food item here?
Gotta love a classic burger.
When you’re not working here at Memorial Stadium, what do you do?
There was one day that I bowled 50 games in one day. So, you could probably catch me doing that.
What is your best memory here?
There are a lot of fun memories over the past year. I guess I’d have to say whenever I played certain music and seeing the reactions from fans.
What would your walk-up song be?
Centerfield by John Fogerty - that one is a classic.
What position would you play if you were on the team? I’d like to play second base or be a pitcher.
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Andrew Stout, the talented right-handed pitcher for the Boise Hawks, has been making waves in the early stages of the season. With a 5-1 start for the team, Stout’s performances have been pivotal in contributing to the team’s success.
When asked about his feelings regarding the season so far, Stout exudes confidence and positivity. He feels great about the ongoing season and attributes the team’s success to the exceptional coaching staff and the camaraderie among the players. Stout recognizes the collective effort and acknowledges the presence of great teammates who fuel their drive for success.
“I feel great about the season so far,” Stout said. “We have a great coaching and training staff with a bunch of great guys on the team.”
Stout has already made two starts this season against the Black Sox in the first exhibition game and the second game against the Chukars. During his start against the Chukars, Stout pitched four innings and recorded five of the team’s 11 strikeouts. Despite having a solid performance, he wants to continue to perfect his craft.
“I feel good about my starts, it was nice to get back out there,” Stout said. “I wish I could have pitched a little better, but I’m excited to get back on the bump.”
Despite this being Stout’s first season with the Hawks, he is no stranger to the Pioneer League. His journey to Boise involved a transition from playing for the Glacier Range Riders to joining the Boise Hawks this season. Embracing the change, Stout appreciates the new environment and the vibrant city of Boise.
“It’s a nice change. This is my first time in Boise and I like it,” Stout said. “Kalispell was a smaller town so it’s nice being in a bigger area that’s what I’m used to.”
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Favorite baseball team? Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite food? Steak and shrimp.
If you were stuck on an island with one teammate, who would you want it to be? Buddie Pindel.
What is your favorite baseball memory? Playing at LSU my freshman year of college.
Do you follow any rituals or superstitions while playing baseball? Every at bat, I have to chew Hubba Bubba gum.
Fun fact? I can do the splits.
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Boise Hawks outfielder, Noah Marcelo, has quickly made his presence felt in the early stages of the season. Known for his solid hitting and remarkable team camaraderie, Marcelo brings a wealth of skills and experience to the field.
With the Hawks kicking off the season with an impressive 5-1 start, Marcelo expresses his excitement about the team’s performance. He acknowledges the cohesive bond among the players and credits the coaching staff for their guidance and support.
“I think we have the best chemistry so far because we’ve been together for so long,” Marcelo said. “We have started spring training in early May, so we’ve been playing together for around a month when other teams might have had about two weeks together. That’s clearly what we saw during the Idaho Fall series.”
In one of his standout moments, Marcelo crushed a two run homer during his first plate appearance as a Boise Hawk in the second exhibition game. Displaying his commitment to doing whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success, he emphasizes his dedication to helping the Hawks emerge victorious.
“I was facing a 2-0 count and I was not really thinking about much other than trying to get a pitch that I can drive,” Marcelo said. “That pitch was right there for me and it allowed me to hit it over right field. It was just a great feeling and it was more of a welcome to Boise for me.”
Although Marcelo is in his first season with the Hawks, he is not a stranger to the Pioneer League. Marcelo spent the end of last year in Kalispell with the Glacier Range Riders. Despite being a fan of the new facilities that the Range Riders have, he is not regretting his decision to come to Boise at all.
“I’m just happy to be here,” Marcelo said. “My journey has been very unique and I wasn’t even I wasn’t supposed to be here in the first place. So, the fact that I’m here with the guys and I get to do what I love every day is amazing. I’ve enjoyed my time so far and I’m looking forward to a really fun season because we have a special group of guys.”
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Favorite music/artist? I listen to a little bit of everything, but my favorite artist is Yung Thug.
What is your favorite thing about baseball? I like that it’s something new every day and it keeps you on your toes.
If you could meet anyone in baseball, who would it be? Ron Washington - the Infield Wizard.
Favorite movie?: Step Brothers.
Favorite field you’ve played at?: T-Mobile Park.
Fun fact?: I used to be a competitive chess player.
#6 CONNOR O’BRIEN