MINNEAPOLIS – Head coach John Anderson has announced the addition of volunteer assistant Brandon Hunt to the Gopher Baseball coaching staff for the 2019 season.
Brandon Hunt joins the Gopher Baseball program as a volunteer assistant coach after spending two seasons as the head coach at Upper Iowa University of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, serving as one of the youngest head coaches at the NCAA II level.
“I am excited and feel fortunate that Brandon Hunt and has agreed to join our staff as the volunteer assistant,” said Anderson. “He brings impressive credentials from Upper Iowa and Augustana that reflect his competence and passion for teaching the fundamentals of the game. Brandon’s coaching resume in the college game has produced consistent, successful levels of performance by his players on the field and in the classroom.”
Carrying a reputation as one of the top recruiters and one of the finest defensive coaches in the Midwest, Hunt elevated Upper Iowa into an annual contender in the highly competitive NSIC, winning 36 games in two seasons including over 30 conference victories. His Peacock teams finished in the upper echelon of the Northern Sun in fielding percentage, including a pair of players selected to the NSIC Gold Glove team during his tenure. Hunt’s teams also excelled in the classroom, finishing both 2017 and 2018 with a team GPA over 3.0.
“I want to thank John Anderson for the opportunity to join the Golden Gopher Baseball program. The culture and winning tradition that has been built here is truly special, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to help our student athletes grow both on and off the field,” said Hunt. “I have followed the program for many years and been impressed with how the Gophers approach the game. Their selfless attitude is a testament to the culture that has been built over the years, and I look forward to continuing that tradition.”
Before arriving in Fayette, Hunt served as an assistant coach for Augustana (S.D.) University for four seasons, earning a promotion to lead assistant and recruiting coordinator after two years as a volunteer on head coach Tim Huber’s staff. During his stay in Sioux Falls, five different Vikings earned All-NSIC honors while a program-record four infielders earned selections to the NSIC’s Gold Glove Team. Hunt also played a major role in the development of Augustana’s Jack Goihl, an All-American selection and 2015 MLB Draft pick by the Cleveland organization.
“Brandon’s strong baseball IQ, work ethic and personal values are a solid match for our culture and ‘Why,'” added Anderson. “I look forward to working with Brandon as we continue to grow our strong history and tradition in the 21st century and help him achieve his college coaching goals.”
A native of Rapid City, South Dakota, Hunt played catcher collegiately at Augustana from 2002-05 after graduating from Rapid City Stevens High School. He currently resides in St. Louis Park.
Upper Iowa Director of Athletics Rick Hartzell on Hunt:
“Brandon Hunt did an exceptional job at building a highly competitive baseball program at Upper Iowa. He recruited quality student-athletes who not only did their work in the classroom but also played at a very high level. His teams played hard, with great enthusiasm and passion, and they played for nine innings every day. In addition, Brandon, his staff and players were fully immersed in our department. They supported other staff and teams, and they brought great enthusiasm to everything they did. Brandon will be missed here; he was a key part of our staff and our future, but we wish him all the very best in this new opportunity and we all will be watching his successes.”
Iowa Head Coach Rick Heller on Hunt: “Brandon is a smart, hardworking leader with infectious positive energy. He is a proven winner and an excellent baseball coach. Brandon will do a great job for the Gophers.”
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