A look at the people whose connection to CMU extends far beyond their time as student-athletes.
The baseball program at CMU has been dominant over the last few decades, winning the RMAC tournament each year since 2012 and 20 times since 2000. Producing over 55 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft picks, the Mavericks have shown dominance at both regional and national levels. Multiple coaches have prominent and storied histories at CMU, not only helping the program become an NCAA Division II powerhouse but also developing outstanding young men.
Originally from Loveland, Colorado, Pitching Coach Jeff Rodgers brings wisdom to the program with a vast range of experience in all levels of baseball. Rodgers was recruited to then-Mesa College in the fall of 1979 as a pitcher.
As soon as Rodgers set foot on campus, he knew he had found the right place for him. During his freshman year, the team was made up primarily of his incoming class and a group of seniors, creating an interesting dynamic that brought them close together despite the difference in age.
“There weren’t a lot of students when I was there,” said Rodgers. “It was a small community within a community.”
Rodgers was a four-year starting pitcher for the Mavericks, racking up numerous awards and honors, along with his degree in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation, which he still uses to this day. In 1985, Rodgers graduated and played professionally for the Montreal Expos organization for a short stint. In 1986, he began coaching pitchers at Colorado State University before moving back to Grand Junction in 1992.
When he returned to campus, Rodgers felt at home. Today, he is entering his 35th year as the program’s pitching coach. Throughout his career, he has coached more than 30 MLB draft picks and helped the Mavericks build a dynasty on the Western Slope.
Rodgers also works for the Grand Junction Regional Center, where he supports individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. His career influences his coaching philosophy, which focuses on helping student-athletes become not only great pitchers but also great young men who are prepared for life after college.
“To be a Maverick, for me, it’s to inspire,” said Rodgers. “I just try to inspire people, whether they go to school here or whether they’re in the community, just be the best version of yourself you can be.”
Head Coach Chris Hanks has never worn a CMU uniform as a player, but few people have shaped the university's athletic identity more profoundly. Hanks earned an associate degree from the College of Southern Idaho and completed his bachelor’s degree in education at Mesa State College.
After growing up in Carbondale, Colorado, Hanks was drafted to the MLB right out of high school, although he chose to attend college and pursue higher education. After his time at the College of Southern Idaho, Hanks was drafted for a second time, this time by the Boston Red Sox. He spent four years playing professionally before ultimately leaving due to an injury. During his time in the minor leagues, Hanks began coaching at Mesa State for both baseball and football.
From an early age, Hanks was immersed in sports and knew he wanted a career that would keep him close to football or baseball. His father was his high school football coach, so coaching was a path Hanks envisioned for himself from the very beginning.
“When this job opened up, it was actually kind of exciting because I thought there might be a chance I’d want to coach football more than baseball, and it gave me a segue into doing both,” said Hanks. “I had decided whichever direction I get the first opportunity to be a head coach; that’s probably the direction I’m going to go.”
Fortunately, Hanks’ first head coaching opportunity came in baseball — a decision that has shaped one of the most successful eras in college baseball history. In 1999, Hanks stepped on the diamond as head coach of his alma mater with one goal in mind.
“My vision was to turn it into a national power,” said Hanks. “And I think we’ve done that.”
In addition to earning numerous individual accolades, Hanks has coached the Mavericks to more than 1,100 wins, consistently cementing CMU as a national power.
In Hanks' first season as head coach, the team was ranked No. 1 in the country for the first time in program history. On that team was current Assistant Coach Steve Woytek. Woytek has been with the team for 26 years while also teaching at Grand Junction High School.
Woytek first came to campus in 1997 and spent two years with the Mavericks as a transfer from Connors State Junior College in Oklahoma. His time at CMU has come full circle as he helped contribute as an athlete to the start of CMU’s dynasty and has helped the team sustain their national prowess for almost three decades as a coach.
“It’s really remarkable what we’ve done here at Mesa,” said Woytek. “I’ve played for Coach Hanks. I’ve coached for him. I taught all three of his kids.”
The CMU baseball staff has created a family. One that inspires and influences each other to constantly chase their goals and keep learning every day. Woytek’s approach to coaching is no different.
“It’s about helping guys with their path of developing skills, not just as a baseball player, but as a student-athlete, as a human, as a young man, as a teammate,” said Woytek. “Our goal has been the same, you know, how do we get these young men kind of all point in the same direction after the same goal?”
Woytek has built a career around the younger generation. His greatest joys come from student-athletes building friendships and valuing the bond college athletics brought him.
“One thing you do have when you step foot on campus as part of a team, you have an instant family,” said Woytek.
Associate Head Baseball Coach Sean McKinney was coached by Rodgers, Hanks and Woytek when he first came to campus in 2003. Originally from Laramie, Wyoming, McKinney found himself growing up around athletics as his dad works in the operations department for the University of Wyoming football team.
McKinney was part of the first CMU team to host an NCAA regional tournament, not only pioneering a new standard of CMU baseball, but kickstarting a true winning culture. After he graduated, the Colorado Rockies helped him attend MLB Scout School to become an associate scout for their organization. However, McKinney knew that wasn’t his passion.
“I knew that I wanted to get into athletics,” said McKinney. “I wasn’t sure until I started playing and realizing how much the game meant to me, and I loved being in the dugout and in the locker room. And so, coaching was the path for me.”
McKinney has been a coach since 2008. With 18 years of experience, McKinney wears a lot of hats when it comes to his role with CMU’s team. He serves as a key recruiter, while coaching the infield, hitting, baserunning and much more. His role on the team is vital, and the energy he brings aligns with what he preaches.
“There’s so many ways to win, and I’m not just talking about on the field. Win in the classroom. Win in life. Win with relationships,” said McKinney. “There’s so many different ways to do things, and how can you set yourself apart? I’m always trying to find that and then we can give that to the team.”
McKinney’s idea of a Maverick is someone who gives their all and goes through their day to be the best at whatever they are doing. This is instilled in his coaching philosophy, and it all began in 2003.
“I learned relentlessness and adversity and persevering through things from this program from when I played, and that’s continued on,” said McKinney.
From former players who returned to coach to mentors who have spent decades on the diamond, Colorado Mesa University's baseball staff has built more than a winning program. They have created a lasting culture that continues to inspire future Mavericks both on and off the field.