Midland College Baseball Celebrates 25 Years as Chaparrals Open Season Ranked No. 25 NationallyJanuary 28, 2026

The Midland College Chaparrals baseball program will celebrate a milestone season in 2026, marking 25 years of competition, as the team opens the year ranked No. 25 in the NJCAA Division I Preseason Poll.

The Chaparrals open the anniversary season on the road against Wharton County Junior College in a three-game series Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 28-29, in Wharton, Texas.

To commemorate the program’s 25th year, the Chaparrals will wear specially designed anniversary patches on their game caps throughout the 2026 season, honoring a quarter-century of excellence and tradition.

“During my time at Midland College, I’ve seen our Chaps baseball program grow from its inaugural season into one of the most respected programs in the NJCAA,” said Forrest Allen, MC Athletic Director. “The success we’ve seen over the last 25 years is a direct result of outstanding leadership, committed student-athletes, and a culture built on accountability, development, and pride in wearing the Chaparral uniform.”

Midland College Baseball began its inaugural season in 2000 under head coach Steve Ramharter, who compiled a 206-84 record in just over five seasons. He was followed by David Coleman, the program’s all-time wins leader, who led the Chaparrals to a 412-241-1 record over 11 seasons.

Current head coach Hector Rodriguez has been a cornerstone of the program for two decades. Rodriguez joined MC as an assistant coach in 2006, served as interim head coach that same year, and later spent 11 seasons as an assistant under Coleman before being named head coach in 2018. Including his interim stint, Rodriguez has led the Chaparrals for more than eight seasons and ranks second all-time in program wins with a 315-136 overall record.

“Being part of this program for so many years has been incredibly meaningful,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch Midland College Baseball grow, compete at a high level, and develop young men who go on to succeed long after their time here. Celebrating 25 years is really about everyone who has worn this uniform and helped shape what this program is today.”

One former Chap who continues to carry the Midland College spirit forward is Cooper Jauz (2019–2021), now an assistant coach at Western Texas Junior College.

“During my time at Midland College, I didn’t fully realize how much being part of the baseball program would shape me,“ said Jauz. “Being a local student-athlete, supported by a Legacy Scholarship, gave me opportunities I might not have had otherwise, and I’m also incredibly grateful for the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship, which allowed me to continue playing at Wayland Baptist University.”

He continued, “Being a Chap gave me friends that will last a lifetime that I still keep in touch with today. The coaching staff helped me grow, mature, and navigate the challenges of life during COVID-19. I continue to connect with those coaches regularly, and being a Chap is something I take pride in every single day.”

Midland College enters the 2026 season following an outstanding 46-11 campaign in 2025, finishing second in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. Key returners include Dylon Myrow, Augden Hallmark, Luke Wheatley, Logan Flores, Jorge Gil, and AJ Velarde.

The Chaparrals are once again expected to contend for the WJCAC championship, facing strong competition from traditional conference rivals such as New Mexico Junior College, Odessa College, Howard College, Amarillo College, and the New Mexico Military Institute.

Follow along with the Chaps' season at gochaps.com.