Colby Community College head baseball coach Ryan Carter notched his 500th career victory Monday in a double-header sweep of McCook Community College.

"This number is a representation of what we believe as a program,” he said. “Little by little a little becomes a lot."

Carter is Colby’s longest-tenured coach and has the most wins in the program’s history. Under his direction, 165 players have transferred to four-year institutions, including 37 to Division I universities. Ten former players have been drafted or signed to independent contracts.

"I am humbled to have had the opportunity to reach this milestone, and feel blessed beyond belief to have had so many selfless assistant coaches and coached so many quality young men during my time here.”

Carter began his coaching career at CCC as an assistant under Reed Peters in August 1998. Just two months later Peters took a coaching position at Air Force and Carter finished the season as the interim. His first full season as head coach was 1999.

In college, the Page, Ariz., native played two seasons at the University of Redlands, where he earned all-conference honors and won the team’s gold glove award for his work behind the plate. Prior to attending Redlands, Carter redshirted and played two seasons at Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz.

"On behalf of CCC we would like to congratulate Coach Carter on his 500th win,” said college president Seth Carter. ”Ryan and his baseball program are an excellent representation of CCC. He has helped players not only succeed in baseball, but in life in general, which is the biggest testament of success.”

Coach Carter celebrates the event with his wife of 12 years, Krista, a psychology instructor at CCC. They have two daughters, 10-year-old Kenzie and 7-year-old Ryler.

“My family and I are proud to be a part of Colby Community College and I want to thank everyone who has believed in this program and given me an opportunity to be part of a fantastic journey."