A pair of Penticton minor baseball coaches have been recognized as among B.C.'s best.
Thurman Matthews and Josh Snider of the South Okanagan Minor Baseball Association (SOMBA) both recently received annual awards from BC Minor Baseball.
While Matthews took home Coach of the Year honours, Snider was recognized as the province's top U18 AAA coach.
"We are immensely proud to have Josh and Thurman as a part of our organization and look forward to many more seasons of growth, success, and shared victories," SOMBA said in a statement.
SOMBA has multiple teams 鈥� known as the Penticton Tigers 鈥� across multiple age groups.
Both Matthews and Snider serve within the association as player development coaches. They also oversee individual squads.
"Thurman鈥檚 dedication, leadership, and passion for developing young athletes have made a lasting impact on our baseball community," SOMBA said about Matthews.
"His commitment to excellence and player growth continues to inspire both players and fellow coaches. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to his hard work and love for the game."
Snider, meanwhile, leads Penticton's U18 AAA team. The team has found success across Western Canada under his watch.
In 2024, the squad won 24 games in a row en route to a provincial title and appearance in the Chilliwack-hosted Western Championships.
"Josh鈥檚 dedication to player development, leadership, and passion for the game have made a significant impact on his team and the SOMBA baseball community," the association wrote. "His hard work and expertise continue to elevate young athletes of SOMBA to the highest levels of minor baseball."
Teams within SOMBA will begin their 2025 seasons in April.
