Since being hired as the manager of the Montezuma-Cortez High School baseball team two years ago, Tim Passell has helped transform the Panthers into one of the most exciting young teams in the region.

Thus, it was not altogether surprising when Passell was voted Intermountain League manager of the year.

“Even though I received the individual award, my award was about this team and this coaching staff,” Passell said. “We came together with a common love for the game of baseball, and we became an award-winning team and coaching staff. The award belongs to everyone who was involved.”

Over the course of the 2017 season, M-CHS finished with a 10-10 record and a 7-3 record in the Intermountain League. Significant wins included two victories over Pagosa Springs, two victories over Centauri, two victories over Monte Vista and a victory over Alamosa.

In addition, the Panthers broke the school record for combined batting average with a final-season average of .352 and saw four players named to the all-conference team. The Panthers also qualified for the Class 3A playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.

Speaking about the team’s accomplishments at a banquet held on June 7, Passell attributed the team’s success to a variety of sources, including solid bench play, great defense and contributions from numerous individuals.

“It was awesome to have great players on the bench to pinch-hit or jump on the mound when we needed them,” Passell said. Our varsity outfielders also stepped up, and we had two sophomores, Cordell Baer and Isiah Pena, who really performed at a high level. We also had several all-conference players who made major contributions.”

Asked about his goals for the future, Passell said that he hopes to build a team that will be consistently competitive while at the same time preparing players for bright futures on and off the diamond.

“Making the playoffs and getting that experience this year will help us for next year,” Passell said. “I’m excited about our future.”