Todd Oberthien

The Marshalltown High School baseball program has named its next head coach.

The MHS athletic department on Thursday introduced Todd Oberthien as the Bobcats’ head coach, filling the spot vacated at the end of last season by Derek Wrage.

Wrage was 11-51 in his two years at the helm, having stepped in after Steve Hanson’s 26-year term atop the Bobcat baseball program.

“We are very excited to see what Todd will do to build and sustain Bobcats baseball for the next generation of Marshalltown kids,” said MHS activities director Ryan Isgrig. “Not only will he bring his knowledge of baseball analytics, techniques, mechanics and logistics, but Todd will also sharpen our kids with life skills — leadership, teamwork, discipline and dedication — the things they need to be successful in life.”

Oberthien is a Shueyville native who attended Solon High School, graduating in 2013. The all-district utility player who was a part of back-to-back state championship teams continued his baseball career at Marshalltown Community College, Concordia (Neb.) and Mount Mercy. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in business and sports management in 2018 from Mount Mercy.

His coaching background includes experiences at HLV (Victor) High School and Central College, as well as extensive camps and clinics for the Diamond Dreams Academy in North Liberty and at Perfect Game All-Star Select in Cedar Rapids.

“I am excited for the opportunity to help grow and lead the Bobcats baseball program,” Oberthien said. “I will be looking to bring new energy and a new style of play to the team. I want kids to want to join the baseball team and know they are a part of something special. Bobcat baseball is going to be fun, competitive, and energetic — it will be a community staple going forward.”

Oberthien currently serves as housing coordinator and assistant baseball coach for Marshalltown Community College.

“I believe Coach Oberthien will rekindle that fire that the Marshalltown community has always had for baseball,” Isgrig said. “I am confident he will cultivate a sense of pride in the Bobcats Baseball uniform and will ignite a renewed passion for the game among our student-athletes.”

The Bobcat baseball season begins May 2.