Dawgs bringing back Fystro for 2013

The Okotoks Dawgs are hoping a familiar face will lead them back to the top of the Western Major Baseball League.

AJ Fystro, who managed the Dawgs to two Western Major Baseball League (WMBL) pennants in 2008 and 2009, will be back in the dugout leading the Okotoks for the 2013 season.

“AJ has been part of three league championships with this organization and we feel he is the guy to get us back on track,” said Okotoks Dawgs executive director John Ircandia. “We weren’t happy with the product on the field this year and we think the fans deserve better. Although it’s not always a coaching decision, we thought this was our first step.”

Fystro replaces Brandon Newell who has been at the helm the last two years. Newell coached the Dawgs to the WMBL final last season, losing to the Regina Red Sox. This year, the Dawgs finished third in the Western Division and were eliminated from the WMBL playoffs when they were beaten 5-4 by the Medicine Hat Mavericks Friday night at Seaman Stadium.

Ircandia added he and Newell discussed changes in the structure of the organization throughout the season.

Newell will focus on recruiting and instruction in the year-round Dawgs Junior Academy program in 2013.

Fystro, who was also an assistant coach with the Calgary Dawgs when they won the WBML championship in 2003, is looking forward to being back in Okotoks.

“I felt it was time for a change and with moving my family out here, working with the Dawgs was a great opportunity — it’s a great community,” Fystro said. “I have been with the University of Calgary for seven years and I feel I got that program where it needed to be. I have learned a lot at U of C over seven years.”

He said initially when he talked with Ircandia the position of being the manager of the college Dawgs wasn’t on the table.

Fystro will have duties with the other Dawgs’ programs as well.

Ircandia, who was named one of the top 25 Canadians in baseball earlier this year, is expected to become more involved in the recruiting of players.

Fystro said he will also use the expertise of Newell and his ties to the Pacific Northwest in regards to recruiting. He added Okotoks Midget Black assistant coach Allen Cox is well connected in the Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky areas and will help bring college players to Okotoks.

Newell said his family is committed to calling Okotoks home, however, with the birth of twins just days before the 2012 season, he felt it was time to step away from coaching the collegiate team.

“With having twin daughters, it’s time,” Newell said. “I love working with those young kids but that summer league is a grind and I have been doing it for several years.

“I am disappointed with how we finished, but me not coaching next year was my decision.”

His new role will include recruiting players for all of the teams — Midgets and Bantams — to ensure the players and their families are comfortable with the program.

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