Surprise, Ariz. – OUAZ Baseball is proud to announce the hiring of Tanner Wickham as the program's new Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Wickham joins the Spirit after a successful stint at Ottawa University in Kansas, OUAZ's sister campus, where he made a major impact as an assistant coach overseeing the offense and recruiting operations.

A native of Arizona, Wickham brings a strong blend of coaching experience, energy, and player development expertise. In his most recent season at Ottawa, he served as the lead hitting coach, guiding the Braves to finish 15th in the NAIA in team batting average (.336) and 9th in the nation in home runs (95). His offensive system produced eight team single-season records and helped develop multiple All-KCAC selections.

Before his time at Ottawa, Wickham spent three years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at NCAA Division II Minot State University. There, he played a critical role in elevating the program's offensive output, breaking 19 school records, and mentoring players who went on to sign professional contracts. His impact also extended off the field, with athletes excelling academically and contributing through community service initiatives.

OUAZ Head Baseball Coach Tim Montez shared his enthusiasm about the hire:

"I am extremely excited to welcome Arizona native, Tanner Wickham, to our OUAZ Baseball Family. After a long and exhaustive search, where we had an enormous amount of interest from across the country, it was through a lot of prayer that we selected one of the brightest, hardworking, and energetic young college coaches in the game today. I am sincerely appreciative of the support our Athletic Director Kevin Steele provided throughout this process. I also want to thank my coaching staff, led by Kyle Coburn, for picking up the slack that allowed me to conduct this search. Besides being known as a successful hitting coach and recruiting coordinator, I was truly impressed with his utmost humility, faith, and passion for Ottawa University as a whole. His ability to build relationships and trust among his players will fit in well within the culture we have built here at OUAZ. I can see Tanner being here for a long time, and I'm excited to see what God has in store for him and our program."

Wickham has earned praise from coaching peers across the country for his recruiting, offensive approach, and leadership style:

Brian McCabe, Head Baseball Coach at Clarke University, said:
"Tanner is going to be a game changer at OUAZ. He's one of the best recruiters I know and strives to play the game the right way. I couldn't be happier he gets to continue his coaching career close to home. Monty is getting a young coach with the hunger to make an immediate impact. The OUAZ program is extremely lucky to have Tanner influence and work with their student-athletes."

Addison Rouse, Head Baseball Coach at Warner University, added:
"Tanner is a slam dunk hire for OUAZ. What he has done to help programs offensively is second to none. He can develop hitters with the best in the business, and he loves his guys. That's the kind of assistant you want in your program! He also is a winner! Everywhere he goes, success finds him! And I have no doubt that he will do the same for the Spirit!"

Wickham earned his bachelor's degree from Minot State University and is currently completing his master's in sports management. Known for his work ethic, humility, and Christ-centered approach to leadership, Wickham is a perfect cultural fit for the OUAZ mission.

With the addition of Tanner Wickham, OUAZ Baseball continues to build momentum toward becoming one of the top programs in the NAIA, rooted in character, competition, and community.