Madonna University Director of Athletics Noel Emenhiser announced on Monday October 23, that Mid-America Nazarene University (Kan.) Baseball's Associate Head Coach, Colton Punches, will be the new head coach of the Madonna University Baseball Program. Punches becomes the fifth head coach in the 34-year history of Crusader Baseball.
"We are really excited to welcome Colton to the Madonna community", Emenhiser said. "We believe his mission and values are directly aligned with Madonna University and the athletic department. Colton's experiences have prepared him to take over a very talented and successful roster, and we have no doubt he will move the program towards its potential."Â
"When I knew this position opened up, I said to myself, I'd be lucky to lead this program If I had the opportunity, I played Madonna back in 2016 and it was apparent that this is a first-class program that competes very well", Coach Punches stated. "Taking over a program that has a lot of success built in and a tradition of winning is a tremendous opportunity and something I look forward to coming in and not changing but continuing that process but also looking to make the program better. I'm excited to work with this group of guys and a team that's made consecutive national tournaments."
Punches also emphasized "during my interview process, it was apparent that there are some really great people at Madonna, and I'm looking forward to adding any value I can and working for those people as well."
Punches, a Michigan native, has done outstanding things with the Pioneers. Since he arrived in 2020, the program has had an 116-63 overall record, with a 68-23 Heart of America Conference record. In three seasons (2021, 2022, & 2023) the Pioneers have made it to the NAIA National Tournament all three years and have also made two NAIA World Series Appearances in 2022 and 2023.Â
Punches was tasked with the responsibility of being MNU's Recruiting Coordinator. During his time at MNU, Punches brought in 75 total players between the varsity and JV baseball programs since 2020. Of the 75 players total players, 12 were All-Conference selections, two became All-Americans, and two signed to play baseball professionally. Â
During the day to day operations, Coach Punches was responsible for the development and leadership of the pitching staff at MNU. During his time there, he coached two professional signee pitchers, coached two All-American pitchers, coached seven All-Conference pitchers, and set the school record for strikeouts in a season for three consecutive years. He coached the single season wins, strikeout, and saves leader at MNU. He also coached career strikeouts and career saves leader at MNU.
The Crusaders baseball program comes off one of their best seasons in program history. Finishing with a 36-15 overall record, winning the WHAC Tournament Title, and making it to the NAIA National Tournament. When Punches was asked about his expectations for the 2024 season, this is what the new head coach had to say. "This season doesn't have to be a step back, or a year we're rebuilding. I think there's enough talent and experience on the roster now that we can continue the winning tradition that's been built here."