SCottsbluff's Dallas Liptac signs with WNCC baseball

Scottsbluff’s Dallas Liptac will play continue to play his college baseball on the same field that he did in high school, Cleveland Field, after signing to play at Western Nebraska Community College.

Liptac, who starred for the Twin Cities Zephyrs helping them to the state tournament the past two seasons, is looking forward to playing for the Cougars next season.

“I looked at some other schools and WNCC was just as good in every aspect with those other schools. It has just been great that coaches [Mike] Jones and [Ryan] Burgner have helped me along the way. My swing is because of them."

WNCC coach Mike Jones is excited to get someone of Liptac’s caliber in his program. “We have seen Dallas grow up as a player since we started the program here six years ago. He has been coming to our camps and he has been active within our program. His parents have been active as dorm parents. It is nice to see him grow into the player he has become. He will contribute to us for two years.”

Jones expects Liptac to see time behind the plate as well as some outfield position. And, while Liptac is known for his presence behind the plate, he also mans the mound with authority. Last season for the Zephyrs, Liptac had a 6-1 record with a 2.37 earned run average.

He also was one of the leaders from the plate, leading the team with 40 runs batted in and second on the team in home runs and doubles.

Zephyr coach Mark Moran said Liptac will have success at WNCC.

“Dallas has a real good work ethic and has a high baseball IQ,” Moran said. “He is a solid player and works to get better. He is a real quality hitter at this level and works hard hard to be a good player. He will contribute at the next level.”

Liptac started playing for the Zephyrs his sophomore year and will be in his third year with the upper American Legion this year. Moran said they are expecting a lot from the senior, who will graduate from Scottsbluff on Sunday. Liptac and the rest of the Zephyrs will open the season May 19 at home.

“He is definitely a guy to come out and put up big numbers for us,” Moran said.

Moran said that Liptac is the 43^rd player from the organization to play college baseball, and there have been some really good players to come out of the organization. JT Koncaba and Leroy Crable should also sign to play baseball somewhere later.

Liptac said it will be sweet to keep playing at Cleveland Field for another two years.

“It has been a real good experience with coach Moran guiding me. It will be a big difference in each step from Express to Zephyrs, and now college,” he said. “It will help knowing the field that I am familiar with it. It will help the adjustment not going to a new place and meet new people. Plus, I will have the community around.”

Jones said Liptac could make an immediate impact when he joins the Cougar squad in the fall.

“Dallas knows the game and I have seen him catch now for three years now. I have paid attention to how well he understands the game,” Jones said. “The college game is a big adjustment with the speed and power of the game, but he has all fall to catch on what is going on.

“The biggest thing he will bring to the game is his work ethic. He is a hard-nosed guy who works hard. He will be out there in practice games giving us 100 percent. Guys will follow that type of attitude and that is what we need in our program. That is something we can build on.”