Coaches Bios

Head Coach Nick Harlan

Head Coach Nick Harlan's enters his ninth year as Head Coach. His commitment to excellence on the field and in the lives of his players has established him as one of the young elite coaches in the country. Harlan's ability to motivate and bring out the best in his players has changed the direction of York College Baseball. In his first season he led the Panthers to a record breaking 39 wins. The Panthers received regional and national recognition, ranked in the top 20 in the nation in 5 categories. Harlan broke new ground in his second season by being ranked 26th in the nation for the first time in school history. He sent two players on to sign professional contracts including the first Panther to sign with a Major League organization.  In 2007 the Panthers earned a regional berth for the first time in school history.  The Panthers also produced the second Major League affiliated player in two years.  Success continued in 2008 when the Panthers earned their second consecutive trip to the NAIA Regional Tournament. In 2009 the Panthers qualified for the MCAC Tournament for their sixth consecutive trip to the playoffs.

In his time at York College Harlan has produced 22 all-conference players, one Region IV Player of the Year, six first team Region IV selections, two NAIA All-Americans, and 11 gold glove winners including the Rawlings Gold Glove awarded to the top shortstop in the nation. Academically the Panthers have maintained a 3.0 team GPA and have produced six MCAC Scholar-Athletes. Harlan attributes the success to the constant pursuit of living a championship lifestyle. Harlan believes baseball is not just about throwing, hitting, and fielding. He believes it is a metaphor for life and a great platform to teach young men disciplines that will build character and encourage them to live balanced lives.

He began his collegiate coaching career at Feather River Community College in California. Harlan spent two years in Head Coach Jedd Soto's system where the program was established as one of the elite community colleges in the country.

During Harlan's time at Feather River College they posted a 70-24 record. They won two Golden Valley Conference Championships and two California regional championships advancing them to the 2003 California Community College Final Four. In 2002 they were awarded the California Pepsi Team Scholar Award for a cumulative team grade point average of 3.4. In two years they sent 99% of the student athletes to four year institutions on baseball and academic scholarships furthering their higher education. Four players were chosen in the 2003 Major League Draft. Eleven players were selected first team all-conference and four players were selected as All-Americans.

In 2003 Harlan accepted a position at York College as an assistant under Head Coach Jerry Laird. At his alma-matter he served as a recruiter as well as a hitting, infield, and catching coach. Harlan played a key role in the 2003-2004 season helping the Panthers double their wins from the previous year.

Coach Harlan was a two year Associate Scout for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2002 and 2003. As a scout Harlan referred professional prospects to the Phillies organization, and attended several try-out camps evaluating players.

Harlan's collegiate playing career began at Feather River College where he played under Head Coach Jedd Soto. Soto has since gone on to take the helm of Division 1 Saint Mary's College in California. At Feather River College Harlan played first base where he was a team captain and received all-conference honors.

Harlan earned a scholarship to play at York College where he played first base and helped the Panthers set the single season school record for wins, as well as receive national recognition for the first time in school history.

Harlan was born in Oroville, California where he grew up and graduated from Oroville High School. He is the son of Tim and Gayle Harlan, and has two sisters Krissy Gray and Meghan Harlan. Coach Harlan earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from York College, and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Sports Management.

Associate Head Coach /Head JV Coach Brian Walth

Associate Head Coach Brian Walth is entering his ninth season as a collegiate coach and second as Associate Head Coach. Coach Walth coaches third base, runs the offence and is in charge of infielders and hitters. His responsibilities on the field include teaching the fundamentals of the game, with a focus on footwork, strategy, offensive plays, hitting mechanics, and signs. Under Coach Walth's guidance the infield has ranked as high as the top ten in the nation defensively and he has produced 11 NAIA Gold Glove winners.

Coach Walth will also work with the strength and conditioning program. His teaching duties include demonstrating proper techniques in strength and conditioning for baseball, and developing speed and agility through a controlled weight program.

On campus his duties include athletic facilities coordinator and game day operations.  He currently teaches two adjunct courses in the Education Department.

Walth began his collegiate career at West Hills College in California where he played second base. During his time at West Hills he was a Pre-Season All-American and was selected all-conference in the C.V.C. leading his team in almost every offensive category.

Coach Walth signed a letter of intent to play at York College where he played outfield and led off for the Panthers. He led the team in batting average (.429), runs scored (78), and total hits (82). He was selected first team all-conference his junior and senior year.

Coach Walth holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from York College and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in Sports Management and Administration. Walth and his wife Jaclyn reside in York.

Assistant Coach Erik Gray

Assistant Coach Erik Gray is in his fifth year as a coach with the York College baseball program. Gray works with the outfielders, hitters and coaches first base. Gray spent four years as an outfielder at York before taking the coaching position in 2005. Gray is a student of the game. His knowledge is a great asset to the coaching staff. Gray graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education. He currently teaches Special Education at Heartland High School.  Gray grew up in Arlington, Texas. Coach Gray and his wife, the former Krissy Harlan and York College softball standout, reside in York.

Assistant Coach Dylan Connolly

Assistant Coach Dylan Connolly is in his second year as an Assistant Coach for York College baseball. Coach Connolly’s collegiate playing career began at Butte Community College in Oroville, California where he contributed to a Golden Valley Conference Championship.  In 2006 Connolly transferred to York College and finished his career in the spring of 2008.  At York College Connolly was a two time MCAC all conference and all region shortstop.  In 2008 he was awarded the Rawlings NAIA Gold Glove award being recognized as the best defensive shortstop in the nation.  In 2007 and 2008 Connolly helped the Panthers earn back to back regional berths for the first time in school history.  Connolly’s on the field responsibilities include assisting in infield play, base running, and hitting.  He has a tremendous knowledge for the game of baseball and serves as an integral role in the development of each player.

Assistant JV Coach Doug Tew
Assistant Coach Danny Costanza