McQuillan started in 56 games a year ago for the Hawkeyes; 54 at second base and two as the team’s designated hitter. He had the second-highest batting average on the team with a .344 mark, and he hit a solid .368 in conference play. He ranked second on the team in hits (73), on-base percentage (.415), and RBI (39). McQuillan also had the second-most multi-hit games with 24. As a freshman, McQuillan started 25 games at second base and one in left field, and went on to hit .363 for the spring. In conference games, he was even better, compiling a team-high .431 batting average and on-base percentage of .451. In the summer of 2009, McQuillan played in the Prospect League for the Springfield Sliders and recorded 34 hits and 17 RBI over 43 games.

Mallards Field Manager Greg Labbe points to McQuillan’s Iowa-pedigree when focusing on the youngster’s best attribute. “I have never coached a kid from Iowa that I didn’t love,” said Labbe. “They play hard and play the game the right way. He is going to add a lot of experience to the middle of the infield, and a left-handed bat in an otherwise right-handed dominated infield. Mike adds a lot to the roster because he is a great defender, a middle of the order hitter, and a guy that can steal a bag when you need him to.”