Coaches Bios

Head Coach Nick Harlan

Head Coach Nick Harlan's 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.  Success continued in 2007 as the Panthers won 31 games and earned a regional berth for the first time in school history.  The Panthers also produced the second Major League affiliated player in two years.  

In his time at York College Harlan has produced fifteen all conference players, one Region IV Player of the Year, three first team Region IV selections, and one NAIA All-American. Academically the Panthers have maintained a 3.0 team G.P.A. and have produced five M.C.A.C. 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 as at his alma-matter York College where 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 went on to take the helms 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, and Meghan who is the Associate Head Women’s Basketball Coach at York College. Harlan earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from York College, and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Sports Management.

Head Assistant Varsity/Head JV Coach Brian Walth

Head Assistant Coach Brian Walth is entering his seventh season as a collegiate coach. Coach Walth coaches third base 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.

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 third 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 will graduate in the fall of 2006 from York College with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Gray grew up in Arlington, Texas. His father Randy is employed by the Texas Rangers. Coach Gray and his wife, the former Krissy Harlan, reside in York.

Assistant Coach Vicente Luevano

Coach Luevano begins his first season as a Panther Assistant.  Luevano spent two years in the Panther system where he helped them earn a bid to their first ever NAIA Region IV tournament.  His knowledge of baseball fundamentals and strength and conditioning techniques, along with his passion to teach, will make him a great asset to the coaching staff.  Luevano will graduate in the Fall of 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education.