Local product Bennett Mann (Marshalltown, IA/Marshalltown) has committed to play for Buena Vista University, a NCAA Division III program and a member of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC). Mann helped lead the Marshalltown Community College baseball program to back-to-back Region XI championship game appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Buena Vista is coming off a historic season that saw the Beavers claim its' second-ever IIAC title after posting a school-record 37 wins and a league-best 22-6 conference mark. The Beavers advanced to the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament.
Like the Beavers, Mann provided a solid season in 2014. The left-handed slugger led the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) with a career-high 14 home runs on the year. The Tigers' primary left fielder, Mann more than doubled his production during his sophomore year where he collected 43 hits, 27 coming as extra base knocks while driving in 36 runs. For his efforts, Mann was named to the All-Region Honorable Mention team.
Mann pointed to the Beavers' winning tradition as a key factor in his decision. "They had a great season last year and won their conference," said Mann. "I want to be a part of that." Buena Vista has won 118 games over its last four seasons0 to go along with a .645 winning percentage.
"Coach Steve Eddie is a great coach," Mann continued. "When I tell people I'm going to Buena Vista, all they can say is how great of a coach he is and that made my decision that much easier. On top of that, the campus is a good fit and the facilities are excellent. I can't wait to start."
Mann will major in Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship.
