WELCOME TO LINFIELD UNIVERSITY
MATCHUP: WILLAMETTE AT LINFIELD
game operations | event staff
EVENT MANAGER
Casey Powell
COMMUNICATIONS
Conner Jensen, Joe Stuart,
Kelly Bird
STATISTICS
Joe Miglioretto
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Ericson Teller
VIDEO WEBCASTS
Joe Stuart, Brian Kice, Ethan Kline, Levi Jones, Joel Nelson
GAME PROGRAM
Kelly Bird, Conner Jensen, Felipe Unker
WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT
following his own advice
Veteran Tyler Marr offers three keys to success for young athletes who aspire one day to play sports collegiately
by amelia solt ’27
Developing from a junior varsity team member his freshman season to an all-conference player, senior catcher Tyler Marr is undoubtedly enjoying the full Linfield University baseball experience.
Through all the ups and the downs of his four years, the Great Falls, Montana, native has continued to work hard and be a great teammate.
“I’m thankful for every experience, good or bad,” says Marr “I believe the progress in my playing career is a testament to the Linfield baseball program and the university as a whole.”
While the sport has been a huge part of Marr ’s collegiate experience, there’s much more to him than just being a Linfield baseball player.
An exercise science major, Marr has taken advantage of the opportunity to enroll in a variety of classes within the program as well as outside of it. However, Marr does not intend to go down the traditional post-graduate and career path most exercise science majors find themselves following into the field of physical therapy. Instead, he plans to follow in his father Keith’s footsteps and attend law school back home in Montana following his gradua tion in May.
“Law school is intriguing to me for a number of reasons,” says Marr. “I’ve always enjoyed intellectual thinking, problem solving and thinking on my feet. Apart from that, with my dad being an attorney, I’ve seen how many people he’s helped and how the practice of law can positively affect a small state with small-town values.”
But how does an exercise science degree translate to a career in law?
“I see my exercise science education and interest in the medical field intertwining with a niche sector in the field of law,” says Marr. “I think that my four years in the exercise science department has allowed me to hone skills, such as being personable, critical research skills and communicative traits that enable me to put forth my best product.”
Marr wants to follow a career path where he can benefit others, especially in his home state. There, in Big Sky Country, he can enjoy and experience his love for the outdoors to the fullest extent.
He loves fishing, hunting and camping – activities all easily done in the state of Montana.
The good news for the Linfield baseball program is that Marr continues to make a lasting impact. His leadership on the team and the experience he has gained over the years have proven invaluable. His experiences have shaped his positive outlook which in turn makes him a better leader and teammate.
All college athletes face challenges during their careers and there are lessons to be learned being a part of collegiate athletics. Marr is no exception. He’s learned numerous lessons that have shaped him into the person he is today.
“If I had to choose one lesson, it would be that it’s not important that adversity or failure finds you, but it’s how you respond to that adversity that determines your eventual success,” says Marr. “Life isn’t easy and it’s those who accelerate in the face of failure that succeed the most.”
It’s rare to find a college student with this much perspective and such a positive attitude. These rare, yet important traits have been driving forces for Marr and his success on the baseball field.
But they didn’t just come out of nowhere.
Yes, his past experiences and tests as an athlete help with gaining an overall perspective. But that’s not where Marr pinpoints the roots of his success. For him, his parents have been the biggest influence on who he is.
“My mom always used the phrase, ‘good things happen to good people’ and that’s something that I’ve tried to live by my whole life,” says Marr. “My dad has always preached the value of hard work and integrity, no matter the circumstance.”
Just as his parents passed down knowledge and inspiration to Marr, he looks out for the younger generations of athletes who aspire to play collegiately someday, leaving them with three key pieces of advice.
“First, be where your feet are. Looking forward to the future is important and beneficial, but I would urge young athletes to appreciate the time you have while it’s in front of you,” he says. “Second, one of the most important things you can do is never stop advocating for yourself. Continue to ask questions for personal betterment and don’t be afraid to be wrong. And last, be appreciative of the people who help you and always do your best to be genuine and honest with the people around you.”
Marr is following his own advice and staying in the present as he wraps up his time at Linfield, hoping to finish strong in his final season as a Linfield Wildcat.
OUTLAST OUTLIVE
We’re tough where it counts. From dominating wild trails to maneuvering rushing streams, roaming vast canyons and tackling remote peaks, our trucks prove their rugged capability over and over.
ROY HELSER FIELD
Roy Helser Field, together with Jim Wright Stadium, has developed from a belowaverage facility to a jewel among Northwest small colleges.
First put into use in 1970, the facility has served as designated host of the 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014 NCAA Division III regional playoffs.
One important addition was construction of a partially enclosed and fully covered batting practice structure, called “Carney’s Cages” in honor of longtime baseball coach Scott Carnahan. In 2024, a project was completed that added a dedicated baseball
weight room adjoining the batting cages.
A major change took place in 2008 when the grass infield was replaced with a FieldTurf artificial playing surface. Drainage was improved and construction of covered, enclosed batting cages on the venue site was undertaken. Prior to the 2013 season, the dirt pitching mound was also replaced with artificial turf to match the infield surface.
In 2000, outdoor lighting was added to the field. Musco lighting systems were installed in the fall of 2000 to give more flexibility in scheduling while enhancing the facilities and allowing for NCAA post-season
competition. Outdoor lighting provides additional opportunities for McMinnville-area youth teams during the summer.
Wright Stadium was added to Helser Field in 1990, replacing portable aluminum bleachers and a chainlink backstop.
On May 25, 1991, Linfield dedicated its newly completed baseball stadium at Roy Helser Field in honor of Jim Wright, his wife, Sondra, and parents Edith (Hall) Wright of McMinnville and the late Neale Wright, class of 1929. Jim Wright, a retired Portland businessman, provided a large portion of the funding for the new stadium.
BASEBALL WEIGHT ROOM
After years of competing for workout space with other athletic teams and the general student population inside the HHPA Complex, the Linfield baseball program now enjoys its own weight training space at Roy Helser Field. Contributions directed to the baseball program through the TopCat Club provided the needed funding for an extension onto the batting cages structure.
The location of the baseball-only weight facility allows for greater efficiency during practices and hitting times, as players can rotate
times in the batting cages, weight room, clubhouse and on the field surface. The indoor space can also be used for team meetings.
The structure includes rubberized flooring, ample lighting and a large garage-style door opening to right field to allow fresh air inside. The weight training equipment, including squat racks, barbells and dumbbells, was also donated.
One bonus benefit of the new addition is a concrete patio facing the field, providing a potential space for alumni gatherings during home games.
HEAD COACH DAN SPENCER
Dan Spencer is in his sixth year of leading the Linfield baseball program. During his third season at the helm, he guided the Wildcats to a share of the Northwest Conference championship and a berth in the NWC Tournament.
Hired in 2019, Spencer is just the sixth coach to lead the baseball program over the last 71 seasons. Since recording its first Northwest Conference baseball championship in 1923, Linfield has won three national championships (two as part of the NAIA and one in the NCAA), along with 41 additional conference titles.
Spencer became the first non-Linfield graduate to lead the program since 1949. He has strong ties to the Pacific Northwest and brings with him 28 years of coaching experience, including 22 at the Division I level with stops at Washington State, New Mexico, Oregon State and Texas Tech.
He coached at Washington State for three seasons, serving as the Cougars associate head coach, pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.
Before Washington State, Spencer was an assistant for three years at New Mexico (2013-15), where he helped the Lobos reach the title game of the Mountain West Conference Tournament.
He spent a total of 11 years as a member of the Oregon State coaching staff, first as an assistant (1997-2003) and then as associate head coach under Pat Casey (2004-07). While in Corvallis, the Beavers won back-to-back national titles and appeared in three straight College World Series (2005-07).
Spencer spent five seasons at Texas Tech, one as associate head coach and four more as head coach. He was the first Red Raiders head coach to win at least 25 games in each of his first four seasons and his teams defeated 32 nationally ranked opponents.
Spencer began his head coaching career at Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash., where he was the head coach from 1992-96. He also spent one season as an assistant at Tacoma Community College.
A native of Vancouver, Wash., Spencer completed his bachelor’s degree in history from Portland State University in 1990. He and his wife, Susie, have three children: Wade, 26, Logan, 23, and Elizabeth, 16.
WILDCATS
ZACH JOHNSON| 0
| Junior | RHP West Linn, Oregon
jackson Bui | 1
| Junior | OF Tigard, Oregon
tyler eisenhut | 5 5-11 | Sophomore | INF West Seattle, Washington
nate Kassler| 17
matthew tacheny |20 6-3 | Sophomore | RHP Happy Valley, Oregon nick alder | 29
luke porter | 33 6-2 | Sophomore | INF Paradise Valley, Arizona
casen reed | 44
6-0 | Junior | LHP Vancouver, Washington
steve kovac | 16
6-0 | Junior | RHP Portland, Oregon
ryan gullard | 18
| Freshman | OF Renton, Washington
matthew lewis| 8 5-10 | Senior | OF Black Diamond, Washington
josh mansur |22
6-2 | Junior | INF Camas, Washington
robley corsi iii | 35 6-0 | Graduate Student | RHP Edmonds, Washington
zach jaeger | 34
5-9 | Freshman | INF Tigard, Oregon
garrett hames | 49 6-4 | Sophomore | RHP Virginia City, Nevada
carter studer | 48 6-2 | Freshman | RHP Elma, Washington Hunter klingelhoffer| 45
| Senior | OF Olympia, Washington
emerson dennis | 2
| Junior | RHP Seattle, Washington
marco santulli | 4
| Freshman | INF Bellevue, Washington
caiden gould | 31
Tyler Marr | 46
| Senior | 1B Great Falls, Montana
Brode LYman | 47 5-9 | Freshman | C Portland, Oregon
garret ringer | 21 6-0 | Junior | OF Puyallup, Washington
Swenson | 11
| Sophomore | RHP Camas, Washington
Andrew Miller | 24 5-11 | Freshman | RHP Camas, Washington
GAVIN LUDLOW | 9 6-2 | Graduate Student | RHP Lake Tapps, Washington
elijah maris | 23 5-10 | Senior | INF Atlanta, Georgia
trent wainfeld | 10
| Junior | OF Los Angeles, California
nick holm | 25
Junior
INF Happy Valley, Oregon
jackson koons | 15 5-11 | Senior | LHP Hillsboro, Oregon
Camden Oram | 12 6-3 | Senior | RHP/INF Tumwater, Washington
keegan weston | 14 5-7 | Junior | C Walla Walla, Washington
wyatt mcclory | 28 5-0 | Freshman | INF Carlsbad, California
j.r. starr | 26 6-0 | Freshman | OF Hermiston, Oregon
Eric albios | 27 5-9 | Junior | C Vancouver, Washington
wyatt hurley | 37
| Junior | UTL Yamhill, Oregon
riggs towle | 36 6-0 | Sophomore | RHP Greeley, Colorado
colton ouellette | 39 6-0 | Freshman | RHP Reno, Nevada
cooper justice | 43 6-7 | Junior | LHP Tigard, Oregon
zach hampson | 40 6-2 | Sophomore | RHP Seattle, Washington
aiden jackson | 41 5-11 | Junior | INF Lakewood, Washington
brian mannion | 54
| Junior | RHP Beaverton, Oregon
cosmo lange | 51 6-4 | Sophomore | RHP/DH Boise, Idaho
daniel Turpen Assistant Coach Second Year
spencer burgess Team Manager Second Year
Jake Hoskins
charles gargus | 99 6-7 | Senior | RHP Yakima, Washington
jordan harlow Associate Head Coach Ninth Year dan spencer Head Coach Sixth Year
brian
LINFIELD WILDCATS
WILLAMETTE BEARCATS
LINFIELD VERSUS WILLAMETTE
SERIES BREAKDOWN
THE RECORDS
After a series against Pacific in which Linfield had trouble finding enough offense, the Wildcats (7-7, 3-3 NWC) look to find a rhythm behind the plate and climb from their fifth-place spot in the NWC standings. Linfield has an opportunity to do just that this weekend against Willamette (4-8, 3-0 NWC), which currently sits in first place in the standings after sweeping Pacific earlier in the season.
LINFIELD AT A GLANCE
The Wildcats have shown flashes of greatness this season but have yet to consistently string together effective performances. On the mound, Linfield has been sound. Jake Swenson carries a 3.38 ERA and 30 strikeouts on the year. Camden Oram has been impressive as well, allowing just 26 hits in 92 at-bats. Offensively, Hunter Klingelhoffer remains Linfield’s most lethal weapon with 17 hits, 16 runs and five home runs. Josh Mansur has 10 runs and two homers while sophomore Luke Porter has been a solid contributor with a .310 average to go along with nine hits and seven RBI.
WILLAMETTE AT A GLANCE
The Bearcats are led by Dylan Turner on the mound who has allowed 25 hits and 16 runs in four starts while striking out 17. Nate Hamburger and Luke Piazza lead the offense with 18 hits apiece while Piazza, Tassos Foster and Drew Baskin have two home runs. Nate Schikore provides another steady presence on the mound as he has accumulated 21.1 innings pitched and 10 strikeouts along with 17 runs allowed. The Bearcats look to continue their undefeated start to conference play but have a tall task as they face a high-powered pitching staff from Linfield.
SERIES HISTORY
Linfield holds a significant 127-78-1 lead over the Bearcats in the series with a 77-35-1 record when playing at home. In three games last season, Willamette won two with Linfield’s lone victory coming by way of an 11-inning slugfest.
22 josh mansur
THE NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
HITTING
Noah Meffert (George Fox)
Benjamin
PITCHING
Hunter
baseball STANDINGS
Chris
LINFIELD SPORTS NETWORK
can’t make the game? catch the lsn video stream
The Linfield Sports Network continues to bring fans live action of all home Linfield baseball games in 2025. Fans can enjoy live video webcasts and play-by-play commentary on their computer, tablet, mobile device or Smart TV.
Live coverage begins 10 minutes prior to the start of each match. Broadcasts include a complete postgame wrap-up with analysis and statistical breakdown.
LSN broadcasts are under the direction of the athletic department’s Broadcast Operations Coordinator, Joe Stuart. In his fifth year in the position, Stuart oversees all technical production and management of LSN broadcasts as well as providing play-by-play commentary on football, basketball, baseball and softball webcasting in addition to assisting with other athletics communications needs.
A trio of Linfield students will all contribute to the on-air production. Junior Brian Kice returns for his third year behind the microphone. He began as a baseball color commentator in 2023 and expanded his outreach to include volleyball playby-play duties later that fall. Sophomore Levi Jones, a one-time competitor with the Linfield cross country team, is in his first season as part of the baseball announcing crew. He also provided play-by-play during soccer and lacrosse games. Junior Ethan Kline joins the broadcast crew for
A Heritage of Confident Service
Macy & Son is in the business of helping people and meeting the individual needs of McMinnville area families for five generations.
Joe Stuart
Brian Kice
levi jones
ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
The Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame, sponsored by Pacific Office Automation, was established in 1998 as an avenue to honor former athletes, coaches, staff and contributors and to preserve the memory of their past achievements.
A new class of inductees is honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet each fall. Inductees are chosen from a list of submitted nominations and voted upon by the Hall of Fame Executive and Selection Committees. The 20-member panel is made up of current and former staff members, past inductees, a member of the media, and a former athlete representing each of the preceding six decades.
Nominations must be submitted in writing using an official nomination form. Hall of Fame nominations are considered in any one of six categories: Athlete, Coach, Team, Athletics Staff, and Meritorious Service.
PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS
RECENT HONORS
Pitching ace Jake Swenson is picking up right where he left off last spring – dominating hitters
Linfield’s Jake Swenson was recently named the NWC Pitcher Student-Athlete of the Week after an impressive performance in the Tucson Invitational Games at the Kino Sports Complex.
Since earning the NWC Rookie of the Year honor last spring, Swenson has not disappointed. His 3.00 ERA over 18 innings pitched shows his versatility on the mound while 24 strikeouts speak to his ability. Against Carthage, the sophomore righthander allowed no runs, three hits and racked up nine strikeouts as the Wildcats won 14-0.
Swenson is majoring in sport management. He is the son of Gregg and Diane Swenson.
jake swenson
LINFIELD THROUGH THE YEARS
Ad Rutschman 21-14 1st 1977 Ad Rutschman 15-11 3rd 1978 Ad Rutschman 16-13 4th 1979 Ad Rutschman 17-18 1st (tie) 1980 Ad Rutschman 18-18 2nd 1981 Ad Rutschman 12-18 4th 1982 Ad Rutschman 16-17 1st
1983 Ad Rutschman 18-15 2nd 1984 Scott Carnahan 16-15 2nd 12-6 1985 Scott Carnahan 16-22 1st 11-4 1986 Scott Carnahan 13-22 2nd 12-4 1987 Scott Carnahan 17-23 2nd 10-4
1988 Scott Carnahan 26-16 1st 12-4
1989 Scott Carnahan 30-14 1st 15-3
1990 Scott Carnahan 26-17 3rd 12-6
1991 Scott Carnahan 19-19 2nd 13-5
1992 Scott Carnahan 24-14 1st 13-2
1993
17-7-1 1st
15-7 1st
17-10 1st
1st
1st
2nd
2nd
13-8-1 2nd
15-14-1 1st
1st 1st
Ad Rutschman 20-18 1st
THE TOPCAT CLUB
The Linfield University TopCat Club serves as a support organization to the 21 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams and the more than 500 students who participate in athletics each year. Each year, support from the TopCat Club is essential to maintaining and expanding each of these programs.
The mission of the TopCat Club is to provide students with an outstanding athletic and academic experience and to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the overall Linfield athletics program.
At Linfield, we continually strive to improve programs and facilities so that our teams may compete at the highest level. Roughly 75 percent of the athletic department’s annual operating budget comes from the university’s general fund. The remainder is generated through a wide variety of external sources, including annual gifts to the Linfield TopCat Club.
To learn more about giving opportunities, please visit the TopCat Club website at www.linfieldtopcat.com
