Ontario Nationals
THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE
ONTARIO NATIONALS BASEBALL CLUB
BUILDING STUDENT ATHLETES SINCE 2007
PROUD MEMBER OF PROUD MEMBER OF
Ontario Nationals
ONTARIO NATIONALS
Ontario Nationals
Home
News
About the Nationals
Who we are
Program Overview
Development
Our Alumni
Our Partners
Our Sponsors
Staff
Teams & Schedules
14U Red
14U White
15U
16U
17U
18U
Spring Training 2023
Varsity
Junior Varsity
Fields
Contact
Join the Nationals

Staff

Staff

Jeremy Jayaweera

Jeremy Jayaweera

President / 17U Manager
519-591-8315
jeremy@ontarionationals.ca

Scout with the LA Angels. Jeremy graduated from the Nationals program in 2008. He went to school in Illinois and Iowa and graduated with a BA in Accounting. This is Jeremy's 4th year as President and 9th year with the Nationals.

Dr. Andrew Robb

Dr. Andrew Robb

Director of Programming / Consultant - Chiro

Dr. Robb focuses in the area of baseball pitching biomechanics, throwing injuries, and sports performance and conditioning. He is a consultant for various baseball organizations and is also involved with Major League Baseball conducting research.

Harmony Pokora

Harmony Pokora

Director of Administration & Communications
Send a message

Harmony is responsible for the Nationals' administrative "back office" functions,  as well as communications strategy and implementation. She has a BA in Communication Studies from the University of Waterloo. Her professional background is in strategic planning, process management, leadership, administration, technology, communications, and design. Prior to joining the Nationals organization, Harmony also served on the Executive for Waterloo Minor Baseball and Kitchener Minor Baseball.

Continue reading

Harmony is responsible for the Nationals' administrative "back office" functions,  as well as communications strategy and implementation. She has a BA in Communication Studies from the University of Waterloo. Her professional background is in strategic planning, process management, leadership, administration, technology, communications, and design. Prior to joining the Nationals organization, Harmony also served on the Executive for Waterloo Minor Baseball and Kitchener Minor Baseball.

What do you enjoy most about baseball?

"Not only do I love the game itself, I love watching young people learning how to be good humans with the skills they acquire through learning and playing the game - teamwork, leadership, drive, tenacity, humility, grace . . . Being able to be behind the scenes using my skills to facilitate the "other stuff" so all that magic can happen on the field is very rewarding. I also love the sense of community in baseball. I'm grateful to be a part of it all."

Show less

Aaron McKay

Aaron McKay

Infield Coordinator / 14U White Manager

Aaron graduated from the Nationals in 2015. He graduated from the University of Guelph.  This will be his 6th season coaching with the Nationals. 

Andy Leader

Andy Leader

Hitting Coordinator / Strength & Conditioning Instructor / Roving Coach

Andy enters his 4th season coaching with the Nationals. He graduated from the program and saw 2 years at Colby CC before transferring to NCAA D1 Canisius College where he led the team in every offensive category. He is currently playing for the IBL Kitchener Panthers collecting back to back 2nd team allstar selections. Andy is a staple and proud of example of what every Nationals player should drive to be.

Chris Iltshishin

Chris Iltshishin

18U Manager / Player Development

This is Chris' 4th year on staff with the Nationals. Chris attended Frontier Community College, an NJCAA D1 program before transferring to Tusculum University to finish his US playing career. Returning to Canada, he played at the University of Waterloo where he earned his Bachelor's Degree with Honours in Sport Business.

Continue reading

This is Chris' 4th year on staff with the Nationals. Chris attended Frontier Community College, an NJCAA D1 program before transferring to Tusculum University to finish his US playing career. Returning to Canada, he played at the University of Waterloo where he earned his Bachelor's Degree with Honours in Sport Business.

What do you enjoy most about baseball?

"Where it has taken me and the relationships I have gained all over the world.  Some of my best friendships have started on the diamond and have grown throughout the years.  Now as a Coach, I get to form new friendships with our Nationals players and I am excited to connect with them throughout their baseball careers."

Show less

Jordan Bahnuk

Jordan Bahnuk

Pitching Coordinator / 16U Manager

This is Jordan's second year with the Ontario Nationals organization. Jordan has a deep passion for coaching with a strong focus and expertise in pitching and throwing mechanics. Jordan played for 2 years at Indian Hills Community College and 3 years at Southwestern Christian University. He graduated with a major in Kinesiology.

Chad Dube

Chad Dube

Catching Coordinator / 17U Coach

Chad was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1993. He played D1 baseball at Troy State from 1994-1997 as both a catcher and outfielder. He is currently a teacher in the WRDSB with 23 years experience. Chad comes to us from the Cambridge Cubs organization where he just finished coaching and leading their 2006 age group for 10 seasons, winning 3 AAA OBA titles and the 13u National Championships.  This is Chad's first year with the Ontario Nationals organization.

Continue reading

Chad was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1993. He played D1 baseball at Troy State from 1994-1997 as both a catcher and outfielder. He is currently a teacher in the WRDSB with 23 years experience. Chad comes to us from the Cambridge Cubs organization where he just finished coaching and leading their 2006 age group for 10 seasons, winning 3 AAA OBA titles and the 13u National Championships.  This is Chad's first year with the Ontario Nationals organization.

What do you enjoy most about baseball? 

"Watching players develop and achieve levels of performance they didn't know they were capable of...and the ol' "strike em out, throw em out" double play!"



Show less

Jason Borghese

Jason Borghese

Outfield Coordinator / 15U Coach

Played NCAA D1 at Troy State University in Alabama resulting in a First Team All-Conference selection for OF. Played two years of professional baseball in the Frontier league. Selected to the Canada National Team representing Canada in the 2000 World Cup Qualifier.

Kyle Frey

Kyle Frey

Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Brady Schnarr

Brady Schnarr

18U Coach / Pitching Instructor

Brady attended Frontier Community College and then transferred to University of Montevallo.  He currently still plays for the IBL Panthers and is a staple on their pitching staff. Brady enters his 2nd season with the Nationals.

Jack Rankin

Jack Rankin

18U Coach / Player Development

Jack graduated from Durham College where he played baseball for three seasons. Jack joins our staff after coaching in the IBL for the Brantford Red Sox. This will be Jack's 2nd season with the Ontario Nationals.

Chris Sheehy

Chris Sheehy

17U Coach
Jeff Shapton

Jeff Shapton

16U Coach / Player Development
Ted Salhani

Ted Salhani

16U Coach

Ted brings a wealth of experience with him to the Nationals staff. Ted played for a number of organizations throughout his career including the IBL London Majors, the National Baseball Institute in British Columbia and Oklahoma State University (NCAA D1). Ted was also selected to the Canada National Team, representing Canada in the 1998 World Cup Qualifier in Nicaragua, then the World Cup in Italy. Prior to his career in baseball, Ted was drafted to the Ontario Hockey League by the Sudbury Wolves. This is Ted's first year coaching with the Nationals.

Mark Johnston

Mark Johnston

15U Manager / Player Development

Mark was a 9-year IBL vet with the Kitchener Panthers, 3 time All-Star (SS, 3B, C), 3-time IBL Champion. He was 2x Academic All-Canadian and 2x OUA All-Star at the University of Waterloo. Mark has coached for 10 years, guiding his teams to 3 AAA OBA Championships. This is his third year with the Nationals organization.

Continue reading

Mark was a 9-year IBL vet with the Kitchener Panthers, 3 time All-Star (SS, 3B, C), 3-time IBL Champion. He was 2x Academic All-Canadian and 2x OUA All-Star at the University of Waterloo. Mark has coached for 10 years, guiding his teams to 3 AAA OBA Championships. This is his third year with the Nationals organization.

What do you enjoy most about baseball?

"Watching the development of our players as they pursue their goals and build bonds within our Nationals community. Ultimately, we are producing well rounded young men and great ball players!"

Show less

Todd Stronks

Todd Stronks

15U Coach / Infield Instructor

Todd is entering his 3rd season as an assistant coach with the Nationals organization. Todd played for the University of Guelph from 1997-2001. The 2001 team MVP was named Team Captain from 1999-2001 where he was a 2-time Academic All-Canadian, helping his team become a National Finalist in the 2000 season. Todd has been coaching baseball for 13 years and has also spent the last 20 years coaching basketball and volleyball in his role as a teacher with the Grand Erie District School Board.

Continue reading

Todd is entering his 3rd season as an assistant coach with the Nationals organization. Todd played for the University of Guelph from 1997-2001. The 2001 team MVP was named Team Captain from 1999-2001 where he was a 2-time Academic All-Canadian, helping his team become a National Finalist in the 2000 season. Todd has been coaching baseball for 13 years and has also spent the last 20 years coaching basketball and volleyball in his role as a teacher with the Grand Erie District School Board.

What do you enjoy most about baseball?

"I enjoy being able to coach high level talent on a daily basis.  Watching these players grind and continually work to improve not only their baseball skills, but also their on-field I.Q., gives me the most satisfaction."


Show less

Will Brooks

Will Brooks

14U White Coach / Catching Instructor / Strength & Conditioning Coach
Greg Heffernan

Greg Heffernan

14U White Coach / Pitching Instructor

Greg was a minor league pitcher between 1996-1999 in the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets organizations. He attended Galveston JC in Texas in 1994-1995 where he was selected to the All Regional team. This will be Greg's second season with the Nationals organization.

Continue reading

Greg was a minor league pitcher between 1996-1999 in the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets organizations. He attended Galveston JC in Texas in 1994-1995 where he was selected to the All Regional team. This will be Greg's second season with the Nationals organization.

What do you enjoy most about baseball?

"Watching the boys learn from their mistakes and make the needed adjustments"

Show less

Scott Ballantyne

Scott Ballantyne

14U Red Manager / Player Development

This is Scott's first year with the Nationals organization. He is also currently Head Coach for Wilfrid Laurier University's baseball team where he has served since 2007. Over the years, Scott has held numerous other coaching roles including Head Coach for the 2009 Waterloo Tigers (2016-2022) and KW Jr. Panthers (2009-2011), Assistant Coach of Collegiate Team Canada, and General Manager of the IBL Kitchener Panthers (2014-2019). Prior to becoming a coach, Scott played collegiate baseball as a pitcher for Wilfrid Laurier University. Outside of baseball, Scott works as a CPA in the healthcare industry.

Continue reading

This is Scott's first year with the Nationals organization. He is also currently Head Coach for Wilfrid Laurier University's baseball team where he has served since 2007. Over the years, Scott has held numerous other coaching roles including Head Coach for the 2009 Waterloo Tigers (2016-2022) and KW Jr. Panthers (2009-2011), Assistant Coach of Collegiate Team Canada, and General Manager of the IBL Kitchener Panthers (2014-2019). Prior to becoming a coach, Scott played collegiate baseball as a pitcher for Wilfrid Laurier University. Outside of baseball, Scott works as a CPA in the healthcare industry.

What do you enjoy most about baseball?

Getting a chance to positively impact the lives of young people through sport.



Show less

Patrick Island

Patrick Island

14U Red Coach
Chris Read

Chris Read

14U Red Coach

Chris comes to the Nationals organization after many years as both a player and coach with Waterloo Minor Baseball. This is Chris' first year with the Nationals.

Continue reading

Chris comes to the Nationals organization after many years as both a player and coach with Waterloo Minor Baseball. This is Chris' first year with the Nationals.

What do you enjoy most about baseball?

"Helping kids develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the game."

Show less

Jay Zinger

Jay Zinger

14U Red Coach
Jason Gooding

Jason Gooding

Pitching Coach
Mike Mueller

Mike Mueller

Pitching Consultant

Mike is an alum of the program. Graduated from the program and attended Scottsdale CC in Arizona where he excelled into an important piece. From there he transferred to Arkansas to finish his career. Mike is in his 2nd year with Nationals; in addition a pitching instructor.

Chuck Thompson

Chuck Thompson

Speed & Agility Coach

Partners

Brooke Richards

Brooke Richards

Team Elite GM
Tracy Smith

Tracy Smith

University of Michigan Head Coach / Diamond Allegiance
Matt Gerber

Matt Gerber

Diamond Allegiance
Chris Bishop

Chris Bishop

Facility Owner - Blue Chip Sports
Admin Login
Copyright © 2023 Ontario Nationals