News Detail

Baseball’s Brandon Wirtz Commits to Iowa Western

11/11/2025

Baseball’s senior second baseman, Brandon Wirtz, has committed to play baseball and attend Iowa Western Community College, a nationally recognized junior college baseball program competing in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.

“It has always been my dream ever since I was little,” said Wirtz. “My parents put so much energy and effort into me, and they moved to a different state, believing in and trusting me. For me to pay them back to go to school to play baseball means a lot to me.”

Wirtz will play for Ryan Cougill, who begins his fourth season as head coach for the 2025–26 season. Under his leadership, the Reivers have a record of 134-43 and led the nation in runs scored, doubles, triples, RBIs, and fielding percentage in 2024, making a return trip to the JUCO World Series.

“It is one of the top junior college programs in the country,” said Wirtz. “They have great coaches and everything worked out perfectly. I wanted to experience everything by myself, and Iowa will be a good spot.”

Coach Josh Garcia ‘07 coached with Cougill at Yavapai CC in Prescott.

“It’s hard to put into words the impact Brandon Wirtz has had on our program over the past three and a half years,” said Garcia. A true cornerstone of our team, Brandon became the first position player to play varsity all four years since I’ve been head coach, a testament to his talent, consistency, and dedication. From day one on campus, he has led by both example and voice, setting the tone for what hard work and commitment look like on the field and in the weight room. Brandon’s leadership has been truly priceless, and we’re confident he’ll continue to make a major impact as he joins the perennial powerhouse program at Iowa Western Community College.”

Wirtz led the team in runs scored and was fourth in runs batted while hitting .236 in 28 games. He helped the Broncos down the stretch, hitting .295 with four multi-hit games in the final 15 games.

“I considered Brophy and Hamilton when we moved to Arizona,” said Wirtz, who is a member of the Black Student Union. “I was mad at first, but God works in mysterious ways. The first couple of months here at Brophy, my life changed; I changed as a man and learned more about life.”

Entering his senior season, he is thankful for the lessons learned from Garcia.

“I have talked to him about a lot of things,” said Wirtz. “What I love and respect is how he cares for his players. He has taught me a great deal outside of baseball. Before practice each day, he brings God and everyday life together and ties them into baseball.”

Wirtz is one of five players committing during the early period, and he is excited about the season ahead.

“I want to have fun,” said Wirtz. “I have a school to attend next year, and we have a bunch of guys committing and working hard. Everyone has the same goal. My favorite memories are in the dugout after a crazy ending, when I see how everyone is involved. When I look in from second base and see everyone locked in and not selfish, that means everything to me.”