Indians Melville Joe

Joe Carnahan is staying put.

The head coach of the Swift Current Indians has signed a 3-year extension with the WMBL club.

It continues what has been remarkable consistency in the organization in recent years.

"He was under the tutelage of (former coach) Harv (Martinez) for a fear years," said Indians President Bruce Deg. "He just seems to get winning players up here."

Bruce Deg Interview"We're really pleased with his performance. The kids that he brings up are well mannered and a very good positive image of our ballclub."

By locking up Carnahan the Indians ensure they can have the same voice leading the recruiting charge while other teams in the league are often scrambling to keep a coach for more than an year or two.

"There's other communities that are in the league that just don't have that consistency," Deg said. "I think that's a major factor when we're trying to run this program. That's another reason we're extremely pleased to have Joe on board for another three years."

Swift Current won the Central Division again this year with a record of 29-17 and made it to a deciding 5th game in the East Final. They haven't won a championship since 2010, but have won the Central Division in each season since.

Winning isn't the only factor that encouraged the Indians to retain Carnahan.

"Its not just managing our ballclub," Deg added. "It's what he brings to our community."

Deg points to Carnahan's involvement with minor baseball as a source of support for the local programs and the different baseball camps he runs for the young kids.

Carnahan is also a former star player with the Indians and has led them to league championships both on and off the field. He is a teacher in the community and has made Swift Current his home year round with his wife and kids.