Tuesday, May 24, 2016
The GateWay Geckos are heading to the World Series! Following a stunning win against Mesa Community College, GateWay Community College’s Gecko Baseball team is heading to Enid, Okla. for the Division II Baseball World Series.
It's not their first time making it this far but it has been a few years since the last time they attended the NJCAA World Series. The last time the team made it this far was back in 2011.
“We have a great team this season and everything seemed to click,” said Athletic Director and Coach Rob Shabansky. “I know our team is very excited about making it to the World Series and we will certainly play our best to represent GateWay Community College and the District.”
In 2012 and 2013, GateWay Community College was also close to heading out to the World Series but lost to Scottsdale Community College.
Shabansky was picked to coach USA Baseball 15U National Team in 2015. He is known in the baseball community for his keen ability to pick and develop talented players. He has helped several GateWay Geckos earn scholarships at universities and colleges throughout the country as well as seeing some of his players drafted for Major League Baseball.
Shabansky, a Las Vegas native, was a pitcher for the University of Arizona (UA) Wildcats and played Minor League baseball in his adult years. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from UA.
He was appointed to Interim Athletic Director at GateWay Community College in Spring 2015.