Courtesy TMC Athletics

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — 2015 proved to be another exciting year for The Master’s College Athletic Department. Across the board, TMC’s student-athletes produced some of the most memorable moments in school history.

10) Baseball Wins GSAC Regular Season Championship for the 2nd Time in 3 Years

The Master’s College baseball team posted its best regular-season record, 41-10, in program history. TMC’s 33-9 GSAC record crowned the Mustangs as conference champions for the second time in three years.

As a result, 19-year head coach, Monte Brooks, was named GSAC Coach of the Year for the third time.

Outstanding performances by many individuals played an integral part in another successful year and were recognized locally. Leading the way was senior outfielder/pitcher Steven Karkenny, who capped one of the most prolific careers in program history by earning All-GSAC honors and conference Gold Glove accolades for the third year in a row.

Karkenny also paced the club in six offensive categories: runs (57), home runs (11), slugging percentage (.669), on-base percentage (.488), OPS (1.157) and stolen bases (30). The right-hander also distinguished himself on the mound, notching a staff-high eight saves to go along with a minuscule 0.59 earned-run average.

The Mustang outfielder etched his name in TMC’s baseball record book over the past four years, becoming the program’s all-time leader in hits (255), total bases (430), RBI (187), doubles (64), hit by pitches (54) and at-bats (751). Karkenny is also No. 2 on TMC’s career home run list with 33 round-trippers (34 – Brett Jaime, 2002-05).

Academically, Karkenny earned GSAC & NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors for the second year in a row. In addition, Karkenny was named to the 2014-15 Capital One Academic All-America College Division Baseball Team and was a two-time recipient of the Capital One Academic All-District Baseball team award (2013, 2015)

Joining Karkenny on the all-conference squad were juniors Collin Nyenhuis (first base) and Nick Covello (third base), who was also a GSAC Gold Glover, and sophomore pitchers Jason Karkenny and Conner Menez.

In June, Steven Karkenny was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 19th round of the MLB draft, while TMC shortstop Jon Popadics signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays. Both athletes went on to enjoy successful summers with their respective teams.