SCOTT DECK

Head Baseball Coach

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In his third season as head coach, Scott Deck is raising the bar for what it means to play baseball at Westmont.

“I believe I’m a players’ coach, but not an easy coach,” said Deck. “My expectations and standards are pretty high. I like to pay attention to details to make sure that things are getting done the right way. It is important to me that my team is made up of character guys who do things the right way even when the coaches aren’t around.”

After a career at Fresno City College, Deck played right field for the Warriors in the 1996 and 1997 seasons and was named to the All-Golden State Athletic Conference team in both years. The Warriors made playoff appearances in both of those seasons, including a trip to the Western regional in 1997. In his senior year he hit .391, was a First Team All-Western Region Selection and received NAIA All-American honorable mention recognition. He recorded 77 hits as a senior which, is tied for second best in Warrior history.

“I bring a lot of energy,” said Deck. “I like to move at a fast pace. Baseball can be kind of slow, but I play at a quicker pace which means the pitcher catching the ball and getting back on the mound and everyone sprinting back and forth where they need to go. I think that builds a sense of urgency and hustle and an attitude.

“Attitude reflects leadership,” continued Deck. “If I am doing things the right way, setting them examples and holding them accountable while showing them that they are a part of something bigger than themselves, then we are moving in the right directions.”

Deck’s desire is for his players to have a life changing experience while at Westmont.

“Hopefully you see a metamorphosis of change with guys as they come through,” said Deck. “The most rewarding thing for me is that a player becomes a better person and learns how to give of themselves and not be selfish. I want this to be a total program, not just a baseball team. I want it to be something that is a total experience. Westmont challenges student-athletes with the academic, the spiritual and the athletic. Personally, I want them to grow in their walk (with God). If they haven’t established that walk yet, to give it a chance and be open.”

Deck’s familiarity with Southern California high school baseball has proven to be a valuable asset in recruiting players to Westmont. His tireless efforts in his first year, resulted in adding 18 players to the Warrior roster.

"My experience with high school baseball over the last four years has allowed me to develop a rapport with high school coaches and learn about the kinds of programs they run," said Deck. "That helps me to recruit talented players who are a right fit for Westmont."

Deck is also committed to the strengthening of ties with the program’s alumni. In recent months, alumni have made significant donations to the program, providing more scholarship money for the recruiting of student-athletes.

"I want to reach out to our alumni and help them be a part of Westmont baseball," said Deck. "Westmont baseball has a long history and there are a large number of alumni who can help in important ways."

DAN YOKUBAITIS

Pitching Coach

Leading the coaching efforts with the Warrior pitching staff is Dan Yokubaitis. Yokubaitis earned All-American honors at UC Santa Barbara before being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the tenth round.

“Dan is meticulous with mechanics,” said head coach Scott Deck. “He puts the pitchers on a regiment and turns them into the most in-shape pitching staff you will see. He is a big part of this program and a big part of the success we will have.”

His coaching resume consists of eight years at the high school level including five years at Bishop Garcia Diego (2004-06) and three years at Dos Pueblos (2004-06). Under his leadership, the Cardinals of Bishop Diego qualified for post-season play in three of his five seasons and claimed a Tri-Valley League Championship for the first time in school history. Yokubaitis led the Charger program at Dos Pueblos to three appearances in the CIF Southern Section playoffs and claimed a Channel League Championship in 2005.

Dan currently serves as a technology and media arts teacher at Bishop Diego. He and his wife, Nancy, have three sons: Cody, Matt and Casey.

STEVEN HARDESTY

Assistant Baseball Coach

A 2006 graduate of Westmont, Steven Hardesty is in his second year as assistant coach at Westmont. Hardesty has been a valuable asset on the coaching staff, working primarily with infielders and hitters and assisting in the recruitment process. The team’s scout of opposing players, Hardesty serves as the third base coach during games.

"My hope is to contribute to the Warrior baseball program by being a hard working coach who is willing to put in the time and effort both on and off the field to see this program return to the GSAC playoffs and move on to the World Series one day," said Hardesty. "I want to accomplish this by passing on the years of knowledge that I have been able to gain from wonderful coaches from around the country whom I have been lucky enough to learn from. By helping recruit talented individuals to become Westmont Warriors, I hope to provide young men with the wonderful opportunity to play baseball and get an education from Westmont College that I was fortunate enough to receive.”

“Steve goes the extra mile on everything – recruiting, field prep and outside management,” said head coach Scott Deck. “I’ve been really impressed with him and he will make a good head coach one day. He has a ton of skills and is good with the guys and with the recruiting. He worked well with me to scourer the states to find guys who fit in here.”

Hardesty played at Ventura Community College and Trinity International (Ill.) before transfering to Westmont for his junior and senior years. As the Warriors’ second baseman, Hardesty recorded a .314 average in his senior season, tallied 11 RBIs and scored 11 runs.

MEL GEMBERLING

Assistant Baseball Coach

Mel Gemberling is entering his twenty-fourth year as an assistant coach with Westmont. He brings over 50 years of baseball experience and knowledge to the Warrior coaching staff.

“Mel is the legend,” said head coach Scott Deck. “He was here when I was here and he just wants to see this program win. I want him to be around when it does. He wants nothing more than to see Westmont baseball be successful. The guys just love being around him.”

Gemberling attended Franklin High School in Los Angeles and Pasadena City College. He was the starting center fielder on the 1950 state championship team. He went on to play minor league baseball in the 1950’s for the Phillies, Cubs and Tiger organizations.

After a tour of duty in the U.S. Army as a medic, Gemberling attended to Cal State Los Angeles from which he graduated in 1959. From 1979-81, Gemberling served as the head coach at Bishop Diego High School. Gemberling retired in 2001 from his own CPA firm.

He currently resides in Carpinteria with his wife, Catherine.

GRANT DAVIS

Assistant Baseball Coach / Strength and Conditioning

In his second year on the coaching staff, Grant Davis provides valuable leadership in regards to the team’s fitness.

"I hope to bring a high level of awareness and accountability to the implementation and execution of strength training; specifically, in monitoring the athletes weight training and diet for maximum on field potential," said Davis. "With the outfielders I hope to maximize our speed and quickness in taking good routes to balls and on arm strength to ensure we are eliminating opponents from taking extra bases."

“In the fall, Grant did weight lifting at 6:00 a.m. every morning, every day with the guys,” reported head coach Scott Deck. “He monitored and charted their progress. He used his background to work on nutrition with the players. For the first time, we had a consistent weight lifting program and made some really good gains in the off season.”

Davis graduated from Westmont in 2005 and was a four year starting outfielder for the Warriors. In 169 career starts, he knocked in 73 RBIs and tallied 37 extra base hits.

“Being a baseball player at Westmont meant strengthening myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually every day in a supportive community of brothers in Christ," said Davis of his playing days.

Davis is pursuing a career in management and plans to stay involved with health, fitness and sport.