New jayvee, freshman baseball coaches announced for Wayland

Wayland High School varsity baseball coach Travis Wilcox has announced the hiring of Kevin Hallberg as junior varsity coach and John Stowe to handle the freshman program.

The two will begin duties with the next season next spring, which also will be the debut of Wilcox, who took over the varsity last June after Mike Doupe became head football coach.

Hallberg comes to Wayland from Grand Valley State University, where he played his final two seasons as a pitcher. In his senior season, he posted a 3-1 record with a 1.39 ERA, the lowest among Laker relievers. He held opponents without an earned run in 16 of his 20 outings.

Hallberg was honored with All-GLIAC honors his senior season.

Prior to attending GVSU, Kevin attended South Suburban College, earning All-Region accolades while helping his team to two regional championships.

Hallberg attended high school at Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Ill., earning All-Conference honors in both baseball and football and was named the high school’s athlete of the year as a senior. Hallberg is completing his degree requirements at Grand Valley State University and will graduate in the spring.

Stowe attended Grand Rapids Central High School, where he was a standout pitcher for the Rams. He had committed to play collegiate baseball, before a major knee injury derailed those plans.

He attended Grand Rapids Community College, before finally finishing his degree at ITT Tech.

He grew up playing for Southwest Little League in Grand Rapids and has continued his love for the game by playing men’s softball, while also coaching youth baseball, softball, and men’s softball.

He brings with him more than 20 years of experience around the game.

Stowe lives in Allegan with his wife, Becky, and is currently employed by DSA International of Zeeland. He is a father of three daughters, Megan, Emily and Jazmyn.

PHOTOS: Kevin Hallberg John Stowe