FULTON, Mo. – The William Woods University Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring of the newest member of the coaching staff, as Brock Nehls has been hired as the Head Baseball Coach. Nehls becomes the fifth coach in the history of William Woods Baseball.
 
"I am happy to welcome Brock Nehls to the William Woods family," stated Director of Athletics Jason Vittone. "Brock played a key role in the success at Dodge City Community College, including a 7th place finish at the NJCAA World Series in 2015. He has a strong recruiting background and I believe he is a good fit for our university."
 
Nehls comes to William Woods after spending the last five seasons as an assistant coach at Dodge City Community College. During his time at Dodge City CC, Nehls was in charge of the pitching staff and recruiting.
 
"I want to thank President Barnett and Athletic Director Jason Vittone for the opportunity to be a part of the William Woods University family," state Brock Nehls. "I look forward to leading the Owl baseball program and my family and I are excited to start this new chapter in our lives."
 
During the 2016 season, Dodge City CC finished the year with a 41-18 overall record and finished fourth in the West Division with a 19-13 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC). This past season, the Congos finished with the sixth best ERA (5.29) in the KJCCC.

In 2015, Nehls' pitching staff led the Jayhawk Conference in team ERA (4.09) and strikeouts (441). Luke Crabb and Andrew Riddell were named Second-Team All-Jayhawk West, with Crabb leading the Jayhawk Conference in strikeouts.

Also in 2015, 14 Conqs signed letters of intent to move on to the next level, with five signing with NCAA Division I schools (VCU, University of Missouri, University of Tennessee and two at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff).

In 2014, the pitching staff had a team ERA of 5.13. Ten Conqs moved on to four-year schools after the season. Of those 10, Sam Brunner (University of Dayton), Jagger Harjo (Emporia State University), Giles Fox (Fort Hays State University) and Chase Wilson (Newman University) were members of the Dodge City CC pitching staff.

In 2013, the pitching staff had a 4.23 team ERA, the lowest in the Jayhawk-West for the season. Nehls had two pitchers receive postseason recognition, sophomore Ross Vance (West Virginia University) was named First-Team All-Jayhawk West and Second-Team All-Region VI, while freshman Clayton Brewster was named Honorable Mention All-Jayhawk West.

In 2012, Nehls had five pitchers receive postseason honors for Dodge City CC, Walker Rainwater was named First-Team All-Region VI, while Travis Leverett, Kyle Myers, Maverick Rork and Wyndam Williams all received Honorable Mention. 

Nehls was the pitching coach at Cloud County Community College in 2011, where he helped the staff break the school record for team ERA with a 3.75 ERA.

In 2009, Nehls was the pitching coach at Barton County Community College. He also was an assistant coach for the Emporia AAA Legion team that summer, and was the head coach for the Emporia Aeros fall baseball program. 

Nehls started his baseball career at Barton County. He was a starting pitcher for the Cougars from 2005-06. His sophomore year he led the Cougars in victories, ERA, and strikeouts. After Barton, Nehls transferred to Emporia State University (ESU). During his two years at ESU, he was a part of two MIAA Conference championship teams and won 17 games in his two years as a starter. During his senior year, Nehls helped the Hornets to a 50-10 record, and a MIAA conference record 35-game win streak. After ESU, Nehls played Independent Professional Baseball with the Evansville Otters and Harlingen Whitewings. 

Nehls graduated from Hays High School in Hays, Kansas, and received his bachelor's degree in Recreation from Emporia State University. He enjoys music, movies, basketball and golf. Nehls and his wife, Ashley and two kids Kyndal and Hudson will be relocated to Central Missouri.
 
Last season the Owls finished the 2016 season with a 28-24 overall record and 11-15 in the American Midwest Conference. The Owls Ryan Phillips was named AMC First Team All-Conference utility infielder. Phillips also earned Second Team All-Conference Pitcher. Joining Phillips on the All-Conference teams was Tanner Wetrich, who earned Second Team All-Conference honors as a shortstop.