Our coaches
Our Coaches
Todd Pennington
Director
Todd Pennington
Director
Todd played for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks from 1999 to 2001 where he became the staff ace. In 2001 he was named a Louisville Slugger/TPX All-American and also a Baseball Weekly All-American. He was named 1st Team All OVC and was named National Pitcher of the week. His junior year Todd went 12-2 and led all NCAA Division 1 pitchers in ERA with a 1.33. He was ranked nationally in wins with 12, in strikeouts with 121 and ranked 12th all time in NCAA history with 4.81 hits per nine innings.
Todd was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2001 where he spent most of his time in AA. He was named to the Rawlings All South Region pitcher of the year that same year.
Todd played in 7 professional seasons, winning four championship rings, and named to two all-star teams. In 2003 he was named to the Baseball Weekly minor league all star team, lead Cleveland Indians minor league system in saves, named Rolaids relief man of the month, and named to the prestigious Arizona Fall League.
In 2018, Todd was inducted into the Southeast Missouri State University Hall of Fame for his exceptional college baseball career.
Todd is in his 16th season will the Missouri Bulls Organization. Coach Pennington lives in Jackson, MO with his wife Kristi. They have four children, Tuc (13u Bull), Ella, Via and Dax. Coach Pennington enjoys playing golf, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Todd was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2001 where he spent most of his time in AA. He was named to the Rawlings All South Region pitcher of the year that same year.
Todd played in 7 professional seasons, winning four championship rings, and named to two all-star teams. In 2003 he was named to the Baseball Weekly minor league all star team, lead Cleveland Indians minor league system in saves, named Rolaids relief man of the month, and named to the prestigious Arizona Fall League.
In 2018, Todd was inducted into the Southeast Missouri State University Hall of Fame for his exceptional college baseball career.
Todd is in his 16th season will the Missouri Bulls Organization. Coach Pennington lives in Jackson, MO with his wife Kristi. They have four children, Tuc (13u Bull), Ella, Via and Dax. Coach Pennington enjoys playing golf, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Braden Cox
18U Coach
Braden Cox
18U Coach
Braden Cox was born and raised in Scott City, MO. He was a multi-sport stand out at Scott City High School where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball. Braden was named the Scott-Mississippi County Conference Player of the Year for 2 consecutive years. He was also named first team all-district, and first team all state.
Coach Cox's college baseball career continued at Three Rivers his freshman year, followed by his career at Southeast Missouri State University which began as a sophomore on the mound. In the summer of 2019, Braden played the inaugural winning season with the Cape Catfish and was considered one of the most dependable arms in the League coming out of the bullpen. He finished off that summer leading the Catfish in appearances with a 2.73 ERA and striking out 28 batters, while only walking 7. He was referred to as an unsung hero as a middle reliever, successfully getting the ball from the starter to the closer. Braden resides in Scott City Missouri.
Coach Cox's college baseball career continued at Three Rivers his freshman year, followed by his career at Southeast Missouri State University which began as a sophomore on the mound. In the summer of 2019, Braden played the inaugural winning season with the Cape Catfish and was considered one of the most dependable arms in the League coming out of the bullpen. He finished off that summer leading the Catfish in appearances with a 2.73 ERA and striking out 28 batters, while only walking 7. He was referred to as an unsung hero as a middle reliever, successfully getting the ball from the starter to the closer. Braden resides in Scott City Missouri.
Zach McKenney
18U Coach
Zach McKenney
18U Coach
Zach graduated from Northwest High School in Cedar Hill, Missouri in 2012. In time spent there he complied over 110 hits at the varsity level while earning all district and all region honors. After graduating Coach McKenney attended Three Rivers College and played infield. After graduating from Three Rivers Zach attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis to continue his baseball career. He graduated from UMSL with a Bachelors in History.
Immediately after graduation Coach McKenney began his college coaching career at UMSL with Jim Brady as a hitting and infield coach. During his time there UMSL was in the top five in hitting categories in the GLVC. After two seasons at UMSL McKenney moved to Poplar Bluff, Missouri and started coaching at Three Rivers College. He is currently in his third year coaching at Three Rivers and teaching at Poplar Bluff Junior High School. This will be his 6th year coaching with the Missouri Bulls. Coach McKenney resides in Poplar Bluff with his wife and family.
Immediately after graduation Coach McKenney began his college coaching career at UMSL with Jim Brady as a hitting and infield coach. During his time there UMSL was in the top five in hitting categories in the GLVC. After two seasons at UMSL McKenney moved to Poplar Bluff, Missouri and started coaching at Three Rivers College. He is currently in his third year coaching at Three Rivers and teaching at Poplar Bluff Junior High School. This will be his 6th year coaching with the Missouri Bulls. Coach McKenney resides in Poplar Bluff with his wife and family.
Dave Lawson
14U Coach
Dave Lawson
14U Coach
Dave Lawson graduated from Windsor High school in Imperial Missouri as a 3 sport athlete. Dave continued his baseball career at Jefferson College 1998-2000 where he was an all conference infielder. After graduating Jeffco, Dave transferred to Southeast Missouri State 2001-2003 where he played infield, catcher, as well as finishing his career as outfielder. Dave was a part of the OVC championship SEMO Indians team in 2002.
After college Dave spent 2 seasons as assistant coach at SEMO assisting with hitters as well as outfielders. Dave spent 10 years in Florida serving as a coach for several select baseball clubs in Tampa area as well as assistant coach for one season at Hernando Christian academy.
Dave has spent the last 3 summers as an assistant coach with the Cape Catfish of the Prospect Collegiate League which he has helped to a runner up and a Championship season In 2021. Dave is currently coaching for 3 Rivers Community College
Dave resides in Cape Girardeau with his wife Ashley, who is the SEMO head gymnastics coach, along with sons Chase, and Bryce (14u Bulls). Coach Dave truly loves the outdoors and spends most his free time hunting, fishing, golf, and family time.
Dave resides in Cape Girardeau with his wife Ashley, who is the SEMO head gymnastics coach, along with sons Chase, and Bryce (14u Bulls). Coach Dave truly loves the outdoors and spends most his free time hunting, fishing, golf, and family time.
Steve Williams
16U Coach
Steve Williams
16U Coach
(Player)
• 2time All American at SEMO (1982-83)
• Philadelphia Phillies organization 1984-88 (AAA)
• NBC All American 1988
(Coach)
• 36 years baseball coaching experience at various levels
• 28 years HS Baseball Coaching
• Head Baseball Coach Cape Central HS 1992-2013, 2026-present
• 1994 MO State Championship 344-238-1
• 2time All American at SEMO (1982-83)
• Philadelphia Phillies organization 1984-88 (AAA)
• NBC All American 1988
(Coach)
• 36 years baseball coaching experience at various levels
• 28 years HS Baseball Coaching
• Head Baseball Coach Cape Central HS 1992-2013, 2026-present
• 1994 MO State Championship 344-238-1
Brett Graber
16U Coach
Brett Graber
16U Coach
Hey Bulls family, I’m Brett Graber. I moved from my home in Sacramento, California to Cape back in 2020. My high school won 3 Section Championships before I graduated and made my way to Cosumnes River College in Sacramento. There I earned 2nd Team All-Conference playing Center Field as a Freshman, and committed to continue my academic and athletic careers at SEMO before my Sophomore season. While at SEMO, I started in Center Field and earned 2nd Team All-Conference my Senior season, slashing .321/.431/.560 with 10 HR and 49 RBI. I also amassed five game winning hits, including three walk-offs at Capaha Park. We won two OVC Championships in my time as a Redhawk, making appearances in two NCAA Regionals; one at Ole Miss, and the other Louisville. I’ve spent the last three years after my playing career as a coach, including 1 year as the Director of Player Development and Outfield Coach with SEMO in 2024-2025. I’ve been with the Missouri Bulls organization for the past 3 summers, working with 15-16u players. I specialize in hitting and fielding, but I also have experience with both catching and pitching skills.