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Former Gonzaga University player and assistant coach Gary Van Tol returned to the Bulldogs program in 2006 for his second stint. Van Tol enters his third year this time around after three years as an assistant coach at the University of Portland where he served as the Pilots pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. Van Tol was a 2-year letterwinner at Gonzaga under head coach Steve Hertz, earning first-team All-Pacific 10 Conference North honors in 1990. He also was Gonzaga's first academic baseball All-American, earning third team honors in 1990. Following his playing career Van Tol joined the Bulldogs staff as an assistant coach from 1991-93 prior to accepting his first head coaching job at Centralia College in 1994. After one year as the associate head coach at Treasure Valley Community College in 1995, he was promoted to head coach and guided the Chukars to four NJCAA Regional appearances in five years. While at Treasure Valley, 90 percent of his players moved onto 4-year colleges or the professional ranks. Included in that list are former Gonzaga players Nate Gold, the 2002 NCAA home run champion, and Marshall Bratton, a first-team All-WCC selection. During his 18 years of coaching Van Tol has had the opprotunity to coach or manage 39 players who have played professionally, 11 of which have played in the Major Leagues. A native of Pincher Creek, Alberta, Van Tol was a member of the Canadian National Team from 1989-1991. Van Tol also played professionally in Holland. Van Tol and his wife Chrissy have four children Gehrig (8), Amaia (6), Peyton (3) and Gibson (born September 12, 2007). |
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