Summer Collegiate

Offers they couldn’t refuse: How a pair of Scottsdale natives ended up in interior B.C.

Published

1 year ago

May 31, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

Ahead of the 2025 season, Head Coach Reilly Jepson has brought in a set of best friends from Arizona to round out his coaching staff. Trey Newman will serve as the assistant coach, and Jack Slominski will be the team’s pitching coach.

It won’t be the first time these two friends are on the same coaching staff. Last summer, the two friends coached in the Arizona summer league, and it offered them a chance to build a special dynamic beyond playing the game they love.

Newman’s name may sound familiar to fans, and that’s because he was the first player signed in franchise history. Trey spent the 2022 season as a NorthPaw, where he hit .218 in 16 games.

“It’s cool to see how far this place has come with the money being put into the team and the players were getting as well as the support from the community,” said Newman.

Newman started his Collegiate career at Utah Valley State. After a sophomore season in which he hit .230 in 23 games, the catcher decided to return to his home state. Still, he didn’t play Division I baseball. Instead, Newman transferred to Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Arizona, to play Junior College Baseball. He would play 54 of the team’s 55 games en route to an NCJAA World Series crown.

From there, Trey would receive the call from Arizona State and head back to the valley where he was born. As a Sun Devil, he would appear in 26 games of two seasons, with 18 of those being starts. After the 2024 season, Newman decided Coaching was his calling, but based on his upbringing, many weren’t surprised.

Trey’s Grandfather, Jeff, was a nine-year MLB veteran with the Oakland A’s and Boston Red Sox. After his career ended in 1984, he quickly returned to Oakland as the bullpen coach. In 1986, when Manager Jackie Moore was fired, Jeff Newman was named interim manager, where he guided the A’s to a 2-8 record.

He remained with the organization at the minor league level until 1991. From 1992 to 1999, he was the third base coach for the Cleveland Indians and eventually landed in Seattle, where he retired from Coaching in 2005.

Trey Uncle Ryan Newman also has plenty of coaching experience, having served as a manager in various independent professional leagues. Today, he serves as the infield coordinator for the Chicago White Sox.

“Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the coach’s office, and I started to think from a young age that this is what I wanted to do,” Said Newman

Today, Newman serves as the Offensive Strategy and Analytics Director at the University of California, Berkeley. Growing up around Coaching planted the seed, but Newman says being behind the plate opened his eyes to Coaching.

“You look at the game in a different way when you are behind the plate. You start to think about the other eight guys as well as yourself and what the other team is trying to do, so it definitely got me into more of a coaching mindset as my career went on”, Said Newman.

Joining Trey this summer is long-time friend Jack Slominski. Despite going to rival high schools in Scottsdale, the two have been close friends since they were 14. Slominski is excited for the opportunity and said it was one he couldn’t pass up.

“He’s one of my best friends in the world, so to have someone like that here, it was a no-brainer to come up,” said Slominski.

Like Trey, Jack’s career took a couple of turns. After graduating from high school, he got recruited to attend Grand Canyon University, located across town in Phoenix. In two seasons there, he made only nine appearances, so he also decided to pursue the Junior College route, moving back across town to Scottsdale Community College.

Like Newman, the 2022 season was a huge bounceback for Slominski, during which he made 13 appearances, 11 of which were starts. He carried a 4-3 record with a 3.75 ERA over 57 and two-thirds innings pitched. The following season, he moved out of state to attend the Metropolitan State University of Denver.

In his final two seasons of eligibility, Slominski appeared in 30 games, making 27 starts. His record was 15-7, and he logged 149 innings, striking out 133 hitters over that time. After finishing his career, he accepted an assistant coaching job at his alma mater, Scottsdale Community College. After just one season of Coaching, Slominski has been promoted to the team’s pitching coach and is excited to build his skills.

“This will be a time where I can start brainstorming my own ideas and philosophies around pitching; I feel like having more responsibility this year will be a great opportunity for me to grow as a coach,” said Slominski.

Being a pitching coach in Summer Baseball can be difficult at times, managing players’ innings limits and the health of pitchers going back to school in the fall. This mentality can sometimes take the competitive spirit out of the game, but Slominski’s message to his staff was simple.

“We’re going to have fun and give you guys innings, but I want to win,” said Slominski.

Slominski believes that a skill that can be developed is learning how to win, something often not talked about by Summer Baseball coaches.

“Winning is fun, and knowing how to win is a great skill to take back to school with you,” said Slominski.

Away from the ballpark, the two friends have been known to take their competitive spirit to the golf course. With both being from a premier golf destination, they’re excited to spend a summer surrounded by great courses. However, Newman is also eager to learn a thing or two from his friend.

“Jack is really good, so hopefully, he gives me some swing lessons this summer,” said Newman.

When asked about this, Slominski took the humble road.

“I think my schedule allows me to play more, so maybe that’s why I’m a little better.”

With these two long-time best friends, their competitiveness has served them well in their short coaching careers and will be welcomed additions this summer as the NorthPaws embark on another season.

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Summer Collegiate

THEY’RE BACK! Nykoluk, Cathers and Downer set to return to NightOwls

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

November 13, 2026

NANAIMO, B.C. — Serauxmen Stadium is an intoxicating place to play and watch baseball.

The Nanaimo NightOwls program has become known for players wanting to return to play collegiate summer baseball — and three players have already signed to spend another season on Vancouver Island.

Since the 2022 debut WCL season, players have trekked back for encore appearances and the 2027 roster will be no different.

Aiden Nykoluk and Davis Downer are back for a second season, and local product Carter Cathers will spend a third season in Nanaimo when the summer of 2027 arrives on June 1. All three are right-handed hitting outfielders, with Cathers also able to play first base.

“These are guys who improved as NightOwls and understand the standards and goals of this organization, highlighted by making the playoffs in 2026,” said Head Coach Cody Andreychuk, who enters his third season at the helm.

Nykoluk and Cathers play for Andreychuk at NAIA University of Pikeville. Downer is in his first season in Div1 as a Huskie at the University of Washington.

Nykoluk, a California native who followed his brother Andrew’s footsteps by landing in Nanaimo last summer, was a standout who played in 41 games and had nearly 200 plate appearances — batting .318 with 47 hits and 32 RBIs, mostly playing left field.

Cathers had four home runs and seven stolen bases, including a memorable game in Corvallis as part of a sweep of the Knights, playing in 31 games overall and handling first base down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Downer, the NWAC player of the year for Everett CC, graduated to UW after spending 14 games as a NightOwl and registering seven extra base hits and 16 runs driven in.

Andreychuk and the front office are working on more player signings for 2027, with further announcements to come.

NightOwls Baseball Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift!

With familiar faces returning and another exciting season on the horizon, there’s no better time to secure your seats for 2027!

Single-game tickets go on sale December 1, 2026 — just in time for Christmas! Give the gift of summer nights, exciting baseball, and unforgettable memories at Serauxmen Stadium.

Skip the wrapping paper this year and put NightOwls baseball under the tree!

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – MAJOR SIGNING

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2026

VICTORIA — Jeremiah Arnett experienced so much positive development as a member of the Victoria HarbourCats, he has signed up for more.

The West Coast League (WCL) pitcher of the year in 2026, also named the team’s top hurler, has announced his intention to return to Victoria for the summer of 2027, to again work with Head Coach Todd Haney and Pitching Coach Zach Swanson.

Arnett, a right-hander from Rice, is a 6-4/215-pound product of Waco, TX — all he did in 2026 was go 5-2 with a 2.15 ERA and 66 strikeouts (all league-best figures) in 54 innings stretched over 10 starts. He only walked 14 batters, and hit just one, surrendering 43 hits.

His 4.71 strikeout-to-walk ratio was elite for any level.

“Having the WCL Pitcher of the Year back in a HarbourCats uniform next summer is an incredible boost for our entire organization,” said Haney, another Texan who previously coached Arnett prior to their time together with the HarbourCats.

“Jeremiah didn’t just break franchise strikeout records and win the pitching Triple Crown last season—he set the standard for how our guys prepare and compete every single day.”

Arnett pitched for Team North in the Showpass WCL All-Star Game, played at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP — and he’ll have his sights set on doing that again when the game makes a second consecutive appearance in Victoria, July 14, 2027.

Arnett also was a first for the HarbourCats — the team’s first married player, as he and bride Emma truly enjoyed the summer in Victoria and getting to know their hosts, Dave Campbell and family.

The HarbourCats being their 2027 season at home on Tuesday, June 1, vs the island rival Nanaimo NightOwls. Single game tickets for that game and all 2027 games, including the All Star Game and Home Run Derby are expected to be available starting December 1st, possibly sooner.

Season Ticket Memberships, and 12 and 24-game flex packs for the 2027 HarbourCats Season are now available for purchase or renewal. New members may order their season seats on-line if desired at http://harbourcats.com/tickets (click the Memberships tab), or by calling the office at 778-265-0327. Existing members who have accounts in good standing on SHOWPASS can simply log into their account to renew (click on the Memberships item), or can also call the office or pop in to pay for their 2027 seats.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Island Cup rivalry starts the summer for 2027 HarbourCats

Published

4 days ago

November 10, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

2027 WCL Schedule Released! All-star game returns, four fireworks nights, five weekends highlight HarbourCats home schedule

November 10, 2026

For immediate release

NOTE: Single games tickets and ticket voucher exchanges are NOT YET AVAILABLE. It is anticipated that these will be available on December 1, 2026, possibly sooner once our ticketing system has been updated. Watch for an update on this.

VICTORIA — It won’t take long for the Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls to compare notes in the heat of competition.

The two West Coast League island rivals will start the season on Tuesday, June 1, 2027, a 6:35pm start at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP — the opening of the 13th season of HarbourCats baseball in Victoria. (The team debuted in 2013, and is the longest-running baseball program of its kind in the capital city, operating continuously aside from the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.)

It’s the first time in six seasons, since the NightOwls joined in 2022, the Island teams have opened the season against each other.

“We like this schedule a lot — it will give fans lots of great weekend dates, and so many opportunities for companies and groups to gather at a HarbourCats game and enjoy each other’s company,” said GM Christian Stewart.

“Of course, we are also hosting the Showpass WCL All-Star Game (presented by Canadian Club) again, with those festivities taking place July 13-14 — the home run derby, the game, and all the other activities planned around it. Those were two amazing days last summer and it will only get bigger this second time.”

Stewart and staff are now busy building the ticketing system to fit these dates. Season tickets and packages are available, and group opportunities are now open — single-game seats will be on sale shortly, with the HarbourCats announcing that when ready using all on-line platforms.

The HarbourCats will open with a six-game North Division homestand, with Nanaimo visiting June 1-2-3 and Bellingham arriving for a weekend series, Fri-Sat-Sun June 4-5-6, that will include the first FIREWORKS NIGHT of the season on Saturday, June 5.

School Spirit games are slated for Thursday, June 3 vs. Nanaimo, and Thursday, June 17 vs. the Wenatchee AppleSox — 11am starts at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP, while a Business Nooner Getaway day is being considered for another date on the schedule.

The ever-popular Fireworks dates will be Saturday, June 5 vs. Bellingham, Wednesday, June 30 vs. Nanaimo, the traditional BC Day Monday date on August 2, with a fourth fireworks night still looking to be confirmed in mid-July.

The HarbourCats will welcome 11 different teams to Wilson’s Group Stadium in 2027 including the NightOwls, Bells, Northpaws, AppleSox, Kelowna Falcons, Edmonton Riverhawks, Ridgefield Raptors, Redmond Dudes, Victoria Mavericks and Coquitlam Angels. They will also play the SIBL All-Stars on BC Day August 2, with fireworks following, in a reprise of one of the best attended nights of 2026.

There are five weekend series on the schedule, that will include five Sunday matinee games, our Family Fun Sundays where kids can run the bases and meet the players following the game.

Victoria will go on the road to face Nanaimo, Wenatchee, Kamloops, Bellingham, Kelowna, Edmonton, and southbound to play the Bend Elks and Marion Berries (Salem, OR). It will mark the first-ever meeting between the HarbourCats and Berries.

The full 2027 HarbourCats schedule is outlined below (subject to refinement), with other promotional dates and events still to be announced.

ALL-STAR FESTIVITIES — Showpass WCL Festival, presented by Canadian Club
Tuesday, July 13, Home Run Derby, 6:35PM
Wednesday, July 14, All-Star Game, 7:00PM

VICTORIA HARBOURCATS 2027 SCHEDULE
HOME DATES
Mon-Sat, 6:35pm (except School Spirit games, 11:05am), Sunday 1:05pm

Tues-Wed-Thurs, June 1-2-3 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls (including opening night, June 1, School Spirit on June 3)
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 4-5-6 — vs. Bellingham Bells (FIREWORKS on Saturday, June 5)
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 11-12-13 — vs. Coquitlam Angels (KIDS FREE WEEKEND!)
Tues-Wed-Thurs, June 15-16-17 — vs. Wenatchee AppleSox (School Spirit on Thursday, June 17)
Mon-Tues-Wed, June 21-22-23 — vs. Redmond Dudes
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 25-26-27 — vs. Edmonton Riverhawks
Wednesday, June 30 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls (PRE CANADA DAY FIREWORKS)
Tuesday, July 6 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls
Thursday, July 8 — vs. Nanaimo NightOwls
Tuesday, July 13 — WCL Home Run Derby
Wednesday, July 14 — WCL All-Star Game
Thursday, July 15 — vs. Victoria Mavericks
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 16-17-18 — vs. Kamloops Northpaws
Monday, August 2 — SIBL All-Stars, Fireworks for BC Day
Tues-Wed-Thurs, August 3-4-5 — vs. Kelowna Falcons
Fri-Sat-Sun, August 6-7-8 — vs. Edmonton Riverhawks

ROAD DATES
Tues-Wed-Thurs, June 8-9-10 — at Wenatchee
Fri-Sat-Sun, June 18-19-20 — at Kamloops
Tuesday, June 29 — at Nanaimo
Thursday, July 1 — at Nanaimo
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 2-3-4 — at Bellingham
Wednesday, July 7 — at Nanaimo
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 9-10-11 — at Kelowna
Tues-Wed-Thurs, July 20-21-22 — at Bend
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 23-24-25 — at Marion
Fri-Sat-Sun, July 30-31/Aug 1 — at Edmonton
Mon-Tues-Wed, August 9-10-11 — at Kelowna

PLAYOFF DATES
Division semifinal — August 13-14-15
Division final — August 17
WCL final — August 19

TICKETS: Season Tickets, 12 and 24-Game Flex Packs and single-game tickets (when available) are available on-line at harbourcats.com/tickets or by calling the HarbourCats office at 778-265-0327. Fans can also purchase in person at our office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street. The office is open Tuesdays thru Friday 10AM to 4:30PM.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE! Yes the Holiday season is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Thursday and Friday December 3rd and 4th and drop in to our annual Christmas Open House! Grab your tickets, look for special deals on merchandise or just come in and chat baseball and enjoy some food and drink on us! 12 PM to 7PM both days!

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