Bob Koopmann
Head Coach

rkoopmann@rockford.edu

(815) 394-5062

Bob Koopmann was named Head Coach for the Regents in the Fall of 2006.  In his short tenure at RC, Koopmann has mage a lasting impact on the program by securing Rockford's professional diamond, Road Ranger Stadium, home of the Rockford Rivehawks, as the home for the Regents team and winning the Northern Athletics Conference's first two regular season and post-season tournament championships.

Koopmann continues his extensive 15 year career as a collegiate head coach.  Coach Koopmann comes to Rockford after an impressive 2 year stint at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.  In his his first year at Ashford, Koopmann led his team to a 13 win season followed by a huge turn-around in 2006 where he helmed an Ashford team that set a school record with 23 wins.

Prior to Ashford, Coach Koopmann spent 7 years as the head coach at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Ill.  Koopmann turned around the program in his second year by improving his team wins from 5 in 1998 to a then school record 27 wins in 1999.  From 2000-04, he led a team that averaged 42 wins a year and shattered his previous school record for wins and losses with a 2003 finish of 49-12.  In his 7 years at IVCC, Koopmann coached 47 players that went on to play at 4-year institutions as well as coaching 15 players that were drafted or signed to professional contracts.  Of these 15 players, 7 were from his 10 man pitching staff in 2003.  His teams made it to the Regional Championships from 2001-03 and Koopmann was named the 'Regional Coach of the Year' during that span.  In his 7 years at IVCC, his record was a staggering 241-171.

Koopmann also has collegiate coaching experience at Northeastern Illinois University (1997 & 1990-92) where he was the pitching coach.  He also has had coaching stints at the high school level where he acted as the pitching coach at Lake Zurich (1992-95) and at Rolling Meadows (1996).

Koopmann also brings professional coaching expertise to the Regents where he was the Field Manager for the Rockford Riverhawks in the Independent Frontier League (2002-05).  He was also named the Bench Coach for the Riverhawks in 2006.  Koopmann's three year record as Manager was 158-120 including a Frontier League Championship in 2004 with a 65-39 record. Koopmann returns to the helm of the Riverhawks as manager for the 2008 season. 

The Chicago native played college ball as a pitcher at Harper College (Ill.) in 1983-84 where he was drafted twice by the Chicago White Sox organization.  Koopmann was later signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985 where he pitched in the minor league system for four years.

Koopmann currently resides in Loves Park, Ill. with his wife Laura, son Frank, and daughter Lyla. 

Ben Albury
Assistant Coach

balbury@rockford.edu

(815) 394-5007

Ben Albury joined the Regents baseball program in January 2007.  His role as an assistant coach will primarily be with the team's infield and hitters. 

Albury, who hails from Brisbane, Australia, begins his first season with the Regents.  He comes to Rockford from Wayne State College (Neb.) where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies after a two-year stint on the Wildcats' baseball team.  In his time there, the first baseman earned a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference honorable mention honor in 2005.  He followed that with a NSIC All-Conference honor for his play in 2006.   Prior to Wayne State, Albury played two years at Illinois Valley Community College under Coach Koopmann.  For the Eagles, Albury was a two-year starter at third base and notched an All-Conference spot in 2003. 

From 1995-00, Albury competed in the Queensland State Games later to serve as the team's pitching coach in 2001.  His other coaching experience included infielding coaching duties at IVCC in 2003 before he transferring to Wayne State to finish his playing career.  He also has club team coaching experience for the Pine River Club team in 2001 and 2006.  The Queensland native currently lives in Rockford and is working towards his Master of Business Administration degree. 

John Cruz
Assistant Coach

Eric Pinter
Assistant Coach

epinter@rockford.edu

(815) 394-5007

Eric Pinter became a member of the Rockford College coaching staff for the 2007 season.  He serves as the Regents' outfield coach.

Pinter hails from Mendota, Ill. and is in his first season with the Regents.  He comes to Rockford from Western Illinois, where he graduated in 2005 with a degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration.  Prior to Western, Pinter spent two years at Illinois Valley Community College under Coach Koopmann.  At IVCC, Pinter played both first base and catcher during the 2002 and 2003 seasons.  Pinter returned to his alma mater to assist with the baseball team in 2006.  He served as the Eagle's infield and hitting coach during his time at IVCC. 

The Mendota native currently lives in Rockford and is finishing work towards his Master of Arts in Teaching degree. 

Mike Steuerwald

Assistant Coach

msteuerwald@rockford.edu

(815) 394-5007

Mike joined the Regents baseball staff just prior to the 2007 baseball season. His primary duty is to oversee the pitching staff.

The Watertown , WI native began his coaching career as an assistant softball coach at Waterloo (WI) and Watertown (WI) High Schools. Steuerwald graduated from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in 2005, with a degree in physical and adaptive education.  While a student at Maranatha, Mike played baseball for four years, including a two year stint as team captain. He was also a two-time All-Indian Trails Conference pitcher in high school.

Mike is currently living in Rockford, where he is pursuing a master's degree in teaching. Mike is also an assistant basketball coach at Boylan High School .