John Yonker, former assistant coach and pitching coordinator for Big Rapids varsity baseball, was named head baseball coach at NorthPointe Christian on Sept. 30, 2025.

Yonker replaces Justin Yoder, who led the Mustangs to a 13-15 record in 2025 before falling to Central Montcalm in the district finals.

Yonker spent five years with the Cardinals, two as junior varsity coach and three with the varsity team. He helped Big Rapids earn three consecutive Central State Activities Association conference championships.

He aims to make NorthPointe competitive in the OK-Silver conference and vie for a district title in his first season.

“The level of competition and the morals were the two biggest pulls to the program,” Yonker said.

The Mustangs' conference includes Fruitport, a 2025 Division 2 state semifinalist, and Hopkins, who posted a 17-1 conference record last season. Yonker welcomes the competition, targeting Fruitport and Calvin Christian, which won two of three games against NorthPointe last year.

“I want everyone to circle us on the schedule and say this is a tenacious group of guys,” Yonker said.

Leaving Big Rapids was not an easy decision, but Yonker is excited for the opportunity. 

“There was a lot of hesitation because of the people in Big Rapids,” Yonker said. “I think it’s a great school and a great program. I want to have the reins in my hands and make the decisions I want to make,” he said.

The Mustangs, who missed regionals last year, will look to return under Yonker’s leadership in spring 2026.

_{Photo courtesy of Aiden Hickson?.}