When it comes to head coaches for the San Bernardino Valley College baseball team over the few decades, you would be hard pressed to find an era when a former SBVC player wasn’t at the helm.
SBVC Hall of Famer Steve Smith returned to San Bernardino in 1967 and led the team to glory for 14 years. Fellow Hall of Famer Stan Sanchez led the team for eight years, winning his share of conference championships along the way. And recently retired (and likely Hall of Famer) coach Bill Mierzwik played for Smith before returning back to SBVC and leading the squad for 28 seasons.
Following in those footsteps is another SBVC alum, Jason Kounas, who will take over the reins of the Wolverines’ team for the 2021 season.
Kounas is a familiar face at SBVC, having spent the last 25 seasons as an assistant to Mierzwik, mostly handling the pitchers and catchers for the Wolverines.
“I am honored, excited, and blessed that SBVC has given me the opportunity to be the head baseball coach,” Kounas said. “As a former player at SBVC and the assistant coach for the past 25 years I have always wanted this opportunity. SBVC baseball is historically one of the most successful junior college programs in our area.”
A graduate of San Gorgonio High School, Kounas joined the SBVC team in 1992, and played a key role on the mound for SBVC’s Foothill Conference championship in 1993. He moved on to UC Riverside, helping the Highlanders to an appearance in the NCAA Division II College World Series in 1994, and a conference championship in 1995. The 1995 Riverside team posted the second best team earned run average in school history. After graduation with a degree in history, Kounas played professionally for the independent Yuma Desert Dawgs of the now defunct Golden State League.
His return to SBVC as an assistant with Mierzwik was his first coaching position. Knowing the history and tradition of the program, Kounas looks forward to the chance to continue its success both on and off the field.
“Many players have come through this program and gone on to the four year level and played professional baseball,” Kounas said. “I take a lot of pride in the program and have been very loyal as well. I want to continue the success of bringing in good student athletes and provide them a foundation for their future on and off the field. Overall, it is my job and goal to help young men grow in preparation for their next level of life.
“I just want to say again I am very fortunate that SBVC has given me this opportunity and trust that I will continue a tradition of success with the baseball program.”
Kounas earned his master’s degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University in 2001. He is a physical education teacher at Rodriguez Prep Academy in San Bernardino. He has taught in the San Bernardino City Unified School District for 23 years.