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Griffons tap Loza as new head coach
Will Loza has been handed the reins of the Nevada Griffons.
Loza is set to replace Ryan Mansfield, whose 10-year (managerial) stint with the Griffons was the longest in club history.
The Griffons are coming off a solid 24-18 campaign, finishing second in the MINK League South division.
According to a Griffons’ press release Loza is currently in his second season as an assistant head coach, and third overall at Graceland (Iowa) University.
“(Lola) arrived at Graceland after spending six years at Upper Iowa University in Fayette,” the release stated. “Loza first arrived as a player in August of 2010, before becoming a coach in August 2013.”
The release continued: “In his time at Graceland, (Loza) has overseen the development of hitters, catchers, and outfielders. He has also spent time at Graceland as the head coach of the Yellowjackets developmental (JV) team.
“While working as an assistant coach at Upper Iowa, Loza wore various hats. He spent time as the catcher’ coach, outfield coach, infield coach, assistant hitting coach, and first base coach. His duties included, but were not limited to: baseball operations, assisting with field maintenance, facilitating advanced scouting, recruiting, assisting player placement for summer baseball, and assisting with the development of the strength and conditioning program.
“(Last summer) Loza was the hitting coach of (Ontario’s) Thunder Bay Border Cats of the Northwoods League. The summer of 2017, Loza served in the West Coast league for the Gresham (Or.) GreyWolves.
“For the summer of 2016, Loza worked as an assistant coach with the Kitsap Blue Jackets, also affiliated the West Coast League. Loza primarily worked with hitting development, but also assisted in day-to-day baseball operations, as well as advanced scouting of teams and defensive alignment.
“Prior to working with the Kitsap Blue Jackets, Will served as the head coach for the Nisqually Silvers, in 2015 — a member of the Puget Sound Collegiate League. He worked as the field manager, as the team won the summer league championship. The team also went undefeated in postseason play, and finished with second best regular season record.
“Loza is originally from Montebello, Calif. In 2013, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University.”
The Griffons open their 2019 campaign with a June 1 road clash against the Ozark Generals.
Their home-opener is slated for June 2, as the Griffons welcome the St. Joe’s Mustangs to Lyons Stadium. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.