Dairo Gonzalez
Todd Rima takes the reins as head coach of the Eagles
Kirkwood Eagles baseball has a new skipper roaming the dugout to start the 2013 season. Head Coach Todd Rima comes to Kirkwood after helming the baseball program at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) for the last 11 years. During that span, he brought the program to NJCAA national prominence finishing in the top 15 in the nation three out of four years. He now looks to continue that success with the Eagles.
Before his time at NIACC, Rima coached at the University of Northern Iowa where he also began his collegiate playing career. At both schools he guided many of his players to successful, award-winning careers including six players who eventually were selected in the MLB draft. Now with the Eagles, Rima feels that he has the talent to bring Kirkwood baseball to new heights.
“We have a great combination of returning players and new talent in the program,” said Rima. “I’m excited to see what the team can do as the season progresses. We have a good core group of players that bring different skillsets to the field. Now it’s just a matter of putting them in a position to get the most of their talents.”
Leading the charge for the Eagles this year are returning players third baseman Dairo Gonzalez and pitcher Collin Belk. Gonzalez earned First Team All-Region and All-District honors last season while matching a school record 24 doubles. Belk boasted a 2.9 ERA in conference games a season ago winning four of those matchups.
Joining the veterans on the squad are catchers Angel Merced and Greg Brodzinski as well as division one transfer Dennis Colon who will guard the left side of the infield at shortstop. Shawn Hagarty and Shane Kemp also join the team this year and will play a big role in the outfield. In addition, the team has 15 ballplayers from Iowa including Cedar Rapids Prairie graduate Anthony Gagliardi who will be taking the mound for the Eagles.
As a new head coach it can be tough to assess where your team stands as the season begins, but Rima likes what he’s seen thus far.
“The team has worked extremely hard to prepare for the season,” said Rima. “We have tremendous unity which is always a key component of all successful teams. The next step is to turn that chemistry into wins on the playing field.”
The Eagles opened up the season in the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN on February 11, winning both games of a doubleheader over College of DuPage. Their next action will be in St. Louis, MO on March 2 against Milwaukee Area Technical College.