Dawgs Academy to host Oregon State University

The Okotoks Dawgs Academy will play host to the NCAA Division 1 Oregon State baseball team for a fall training camp slated to begin on September 14. Photo: Okotoks Dawgs

August 28, 2023

By Jeff Duda

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs Academy is pleased to announce a monumental partnership with Oregon State University Baseball as the Dawgs will play host to the NCAA Division 1 powerhouse baseball team for a fall training camp commencing on September 14.

This collaboration marks an exciting chapter in the Dawgs and Oregon State’s dedication to player development and the advancement of the sport while continuing to reinforce a long-standing relationship between the programs.

The top-ranked Beavers will descend on the Seaman Stadium Complex from September 14 to September 22 and undertake a comprehensive fall training camp that will unite the passion and expertise of coaches from both sides of the border with the talent of premier college and high school players.

This unparalleled opportunity will not only further develop the skills of collegiate and academy athletes but also foster relationships that extend beyond the baseball diamond. The phenomenal facilities of the Dawgs which include Seaman Stadium recently recognized by Ballpark Digest as the “Best Stadium in Summer Collegiate Baseball in North America,” Tourmaline Field, the Ircandia Outdoor Batting Facility and the Duvernay Fieldhouse, all provide the ideal complex for Oregon State and the Dawgs to maximize player development.

“We are honoured to open our doors to Oregon State University,” stated Tyler Hollick, general manager of the Okotoks Dawgs. “This collaboration embodies the essence of amateur baseball at both the youth and collegiate levels. We are excited to provide a platform for both programs’ players to learn, grow, and share experiences that will undoubtedly shape their future careers on and off the field, while continuing to reinforce the Dawgs’ long-standing relationship with Oregon State University.”

The relationship between Oregon State and the Dawgs has been built over the last decade. Current Academy graduate, Leo Cote is set to join several former Dawgs standouts, including Micah McDowell, Cesar Valero and Gavin Logan as Dawgs who have all suited up for the Beavers, while former Beavers such as Jacob Melton, Ruben Cedillo, Elliot Carey, Richie Mascarenas and Brock Townsend have all made key contributions to Dawgs’ WCBL championship teams.

Current Dawgs summer collegiate coach, Andy Peterson, now head coach at Linn Benton Community College, and former Dawgs head coach, Tyler Graham are Oregon State alumni who played on Beaver teams that participated in the NCAA Division 1 World Series in Omaha, Neb., before pursuing professional careers.

The Dawgs’ state-of-the-art facilities combined with the coaching staffs of both programs will provide an incredible opportunity for players to further develop and for the relationship between the programs to grow even stronger. The town of Okotoks and surrounding communities will play an integral role in the training camp, as players and coaches from Oregon State will work hand-in-hand with the Dawgs, and engage in daily practices, inter-squad games, exhibition games, team building exercises and educational seminars during their stay in Okotoks.

Dawgs fans are welcome to attend the fall training camp and should stay tuned for more details in terms of the scheduling of intersquad and exhibition games.