Eight Baseball Players Headed to SBU

From SBUniv.edu

Baseball
Eight Baseball Players Headed to SBU
By
May 17, 2008, 11:25

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- SBU's head baseball coach, Sam Berg, has announced the names of incoming players for the 2009 season.

"This group is a great start to our recruiting class for next year," said Berg. "We wanted quality young men with good character who are competitive on the field. All of these young men fit the type of persons and players we want. They have great attitudes, work ethic, and character."

Ryan Williams (Fr.) is a 6-1, 185-pound shortstop from Tulsa, Okla., where he attended Bixbie High School. Williams was named to the Metro Lakes All-Conference First Team, and to the Tulsa World All-Metro Team (Honorable Mention). Williams won the Bixbie High School batting title hitting .393 and garnered 29 RBI's. He is the son of Roger and Pam Williams. He plans to major in Christian Ministries.

Coach Berg says: "Ryan is an athletic player who will compete for a starting SS / 3B position. He has a great future ahead of him. He can throw, run, and hit. We're excited he is joining us."

Ethan Stenger (Fr.) is a 6-5, 180-pound RHP from St. Louis, Mo., where he attended Mehlville High School. As a junior, Stenger led the Panthers with 45 innings pitched, winning two games, and striking out 17. He is the son of Joe and Patti Stenger. Senger plans to major in Accounting.

Coach Berg says: "Ethan has the frame to get bigger and stonger. He has a 'great upside.' He will compete for middle innings as a freshman and we hope he will develop into a starter."

Ryan Huslig (Fr.) is a 5-10, 185-pound infielder / outfielder from Springfield, Mo., where he attended Kickapoo High School. Huslig batted leadoff and played LF and 2B for the Chiefs. He is the son of Mark and Mindy Huslig. He plans to major in Physical Therapy.

Coach Berg says: "Ryan is a true utility player who can move to a lot of different spots on the field. He caught my eye with his hustle and passion for the game."

Wes Burrell (Fr.) is a 6-0, 195-pound LHP from Willard, Mo., where he attended Willard High School. Burrell was 1st Team All-District in 2007 and 2nd Team All-COC in 2007. He has struck out 64 batters in 38 innings pitched, allowing only 34 hits. He is the son of Jack (who played at SBU from 1980-84) and Pam Burrell. His anticipated major is Business.

Coach Berg says: "Wes is a quality left-handed high school pitcher who will help us right away. He will compete for a starting role as a freshman. Wes has three quality pitches and will just need to get comfortable at the college level."

Greg Seay (Jr.) is a 6-5, 200-pound LHP from Bentonville, Ark., who will transfer to SBU from Crowder Community College. Seay has thrown 39 innings at CCC this spring, striking out 25 and walking only 4. He sports a 2-0 record with a 3.43 ERA. This Bentonville High School standout is the son of Roy and Paula Seay. Seay plans to major in Accounting.

Coach Berg says: "Greg had a very good year at Crowder. He throws three quality pitches and throws them for strikes. We are counting on him to be a starter for us and give us a lot of innings."

Ty Morris (Jr.) is a 6-4, 215-pound RHP from Chattom, Ill., who will transfer to SBU from Lakeland Community College. Morris threw in 18 innings as a freshman at Lakeland, and struck out 12. He played at Chattom Glenwood High School. He is the son of Mark and Cindy Morris. His anticipated major is Criminal Justice.

Coach Berg says: "Ty is a strong right-handed pitcher who we are counting on to be one of our main starters. He is a power pitcher and loves to compete. We are excited he is coming to SBU."

A. J. Exner (Fr.) is a 6-4, 190-pound RHP from Bentonville, Ark., where he attended Bentonville High School. Exner was a starting pitcher for the Tigers, and helped lead his team to the Class 7A state baseball playoffs in 2008. Against Houston HS (Memphis), Exner pitched a complete game and recorded 8 strikeouts, allowing only a single run. He is the son of Eric and Kim Exner. His anticipated major is Pre-Medicine.

Coach Berg says: "A. J. has tremendous 'upside.' He has never really concentrated solely on baseball and this fall will give us an idea where we can use him next spring. He is a big, strong pitcher from a very good high school program."

Brendon Cox (Fr.) is a 5-11, 165-pound OF from Monett, Mo., where he attended Monett High School. As a junior last season, Cox helped lead Monett to the school's first district championship. He had 40 hits and a .494 batting average. He earned 1st Team All-Big 8 Conference and 1 Team All-Area. Was selected as 2nd Team All-State. He is the son of Dr. Bill and Mary Cox. His anticipated major is Pre-Medicine.

Coach Berg says: "In Brendan, we have the quality freshman outfielder we were looking for. He is a good defensive player and hits the ball well. He will compete for a starting outfield position."