Mavericks hire new coach, anticipate solid recruiting

By JAMES TUBB on December 4, 2021.

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jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

The Medicine Hat Mavericks have checked the box for finding a new dugout boss.

The club announced Friday morning on social media the hiring of William Loza to be the new head coach ahead for the 2022 season.

The Montebello, Cali. product is in his third season as the head coach for Presentation College in South Dakota. He has also been an assistant coach for six seasons at the college level and had other coaching roles in multiple summer leagues.

Mavericks owner and general manager Greg Morrison told the News on Friday that Loza’s experience was one of the reasons he was chosen.

“He’s a great leader, has lots of experience at the college and summer college level,” Morrison said. “We have some history as he’s recommended players to us over the years and I’m looking forward to him being the leader for us.”

Loza says he won’t have to change his style when he joins the Mavs as he describes himself as an adaptable coach.

He says he brings an even keel approach to the coaching role but isn’t afraid to defend his players when he needs to.

“I think that’s what it is, I am going to be someone that is very even keel at times, I will be fiery,” Loza said. “I still get kind of fiery but as a head coach you have to understand the team is going to carry whatever energy you have and you can’t always be down when things are down and you can’t always be up … I am going to fight for the guys when I feel I have to.”

Besides his baseball experience, Morrison says Loza will also help the Mavs bring in new players.

“He can lean on some of his contacts that he’s built up over the years to help us build the team, so I am looking forward to him helping us fill out the roster,” Morrison said.

Loza describes himself as someone that just wants to watch a good game and is very excited to be a part of the first Mavericks team to play ball in the city in three years.

Morrison said the Mavericks are closing in on hiring an assistant coach and are still looking for a pithing coach to round out the three-headed staff. He says between those three and himself, it’s a team effort to lead the club.

As things begin to shape up on the managerial side, and with construction at Athletic Park ahead of the Mavs’ first game on May 27 and first home game two days later, Morrison is excited for fans to see the team once again.

“Our fans know and expect a great product on the field which we are ready to do,” Morrison said.