Strykers announce new head coach

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - John Villarreal, Woodlands Strykers hitting and infielders coach last season, has been promoted to head coach effective immediately.

He will take the reins from Freddy Rodriguez, who recently was promoted to Athletic Director/Head Baseball Coach for Texas College.

Ramiro Lozano, Strykers Owner and General Manager stated, “We are very happy for Freddy as he will become one of the youngest athletic directors in college sports. He is a quality individual and will be missed.”

Rodriguez is a native Houstonian and began his collegiate career at Cisco College and later moved on to join the baseball team at St. Mary’s University in Leavenworth, KS. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management and has several years of experience in coaching since graduating from St. Mary’s.

He served as assistant coach for the Strykers Inaugural 2012 season where he tutored several players that finished in the Top 10 in hitting for the Texas Collegiate League.

Lozano states, “I’ve known John for several years and I am very confident he will do a great job in leading our Strykers this coming season. He is knowledgeable in the game and really strives to get the best out of our players.”

Last season the Strykers just missed out on a playoff berth by a couple of games.

The Woodlands Strykers also announced their newest partnership with local favorite restaurant - Rico’s Mexican Grill.

“We are proud to have Rico’s join us this season,” Director of Marketing and Sales Tonya Crews said. “Rico’s will be a great asset for us as we continue our second season. They have some great benefits for us, and we can help benefit them.”

Rico’s has nine locations in The Woodlands and surrounding area, and specializes in delicious Tex-Mex cuisine as well as full service catering and banquet rooms in every restaurant.

“We can’t express how happy we are to be teaming up with the Strykers” said Faisal Amin, VP of Marketing for Rico’s Grill. “We love doing our part to help out in the community.”

The Strykers are partners with not only Rico’s but also the following companies: TOPS Surgical Hospital, KSF Orthopedic Center, Bank of Houston, Comfort Suites, Chick-Fil-A, Legends Sports Complex, Stibbs and Co. Attorneys, and Aztec Events and Tents.

The Strykers are looking for three more Host Families for the 2013 season. The season will begin on May 30 against the Victoria Generals.

The Strykers will have a four-game homestand to begin the season from May 30-June 2 against the Generals and East Texas Pump Jacks.

For more information about the Host Family program, or to get your season tickets call (832) 818-7331 or (979) 824-5655 or visit www.woodlandsstrykers.com to find out everything about the Strykers.