Owlz release schedule for title defense

OREM — The Orem Owlz have released their 2005 season schedule — the first for the Pioneer League team under a new name and playing at a new venue, the Parkway Crossing Stadium at Utah Valley State College.

The defending Pioneer League champions open the year by welcoming the instate rival Ogden Raptors on June 21, the first of 38 home games that includes a Pioneer Day weekend extravaganza against the Helena Brewers.

Tom Kotchman, the 2004 Pioneer League manager of the year, is returning for his fifth year with the Utah County club — his 22nd as a manager in the Angels organization.

"We have a great schedule planned this year," said Owlz general manager Dave Jacobsen. "Our fans will enjoy all the amenities added for their comfort, and as always, Tom will have the boys read to compete night in and night out."

One change from the Owlz playing at Parkway Crossing Stadium rather than as the Provo Angels at BYU's Miller Park the past four years: Sunday home games.

Three Owls home Sunday contests are on tap for '05 — July 24 vs. Helena, Aug. 28 vs. Idaho Falls and Sept. 4 vs. Ogden.

The team has created a plan allowing season ticket holders who do not wish to attend Sunday games to exchange their Sunday tickets for tickets to other home games during the season.

Season tickets are available by calling 377-BALL or going online to www.oremowlz.com.

2005 FIELD STAFF: Kotchman's 2005 Owlz field staff is complete, with long-time colleague and Orem native Zeke Zimmerman back as pitching coach and Keith "KJ" Johnson joining as hitting coach. Also, Utah County resident Aaron Wells returns as athletic trainer.

Kotchman is the only manager the franchise has know since its arrival in Utah County in 2001, leading the then-Provo Angels to four divisional titles and the 2004 Pioneer League championship. He was named the league's manager of the year last year.

His 22 years in the Angels organization is the longest tenure of any manager in the team's system.

Zimmerman, who grew up in Orem and is a Weber State product who was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, is also a franchise mainstay since the inaugural 2001 season in Utah County. Before that, he and Kotchman coached together for six years in Boise.

Johnson filled the same position last season with the Mesa Angels. A fourth-round draft selection in 1992 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he spent some time with the Angels in 2000.