August 22, 2008

Pitt State Baseball Announces Six Signees

     PITTSBURG -- Pittsburg State University baseball coach Steve Bever announced the signings of six players to letters of intent to join the Gorillas for the 2009 season.
     Tyler Link comes to Pitt State from Kansas City Kansas Community College, while Rhett Rigby comes to Pitt State from Longview Community College. Four high school seniors -- Tyler Bennett from Girard High School, Shane Drenick from Pittsburg High School, Wes Hefley from Riverton High School and Luke McKown from Maize High School -- also have inked with the Gorillas.
    Link (6-5, 220), a lefthanded pitcher, played at KCKCC during his sophomore season this past spring. The Denver, Colo., native competed at Phoenix (Ariz.) College as a freshman in 2007.
    “Tyler will compete for one of our top starting positions,” Bever said. “He has the size, skills and experience to become a top pitcher in the MIAA.”
    Rigby (6-0, 185), an outfielder, earned second-team NJCAA All-America as a sophomore in 2008, batting .354 with nine home runs, 64 RBIs and 30 stolen base. The Oak Grove, Mo., native also helepd the Lakes to the NJCAA Division II National Championship with a 41-18 record in 2007.
    “Rhett is a major signing for us,” Bever said. “He brings great baseball skills to go along with his proven success at the junior college level. He was part of Longview’s DII Junior College National Championship team two seasons ago and was an All-American last season. He will make an immediate impact on our team both offensively and defensively.”
    Bennett (5-11, 175), a shortstop, earned first-team All-CNC League honors at Girard High School this past spring. He also earned All-State honors as a kick return and at quarterback in football for the Trojans.
   “Tyler is one of the outstanding athletes to enter our program,” Bever said. “Tyler will be a part of the Pitt State football in the fall, joining the baseball team at the completion of their season. It is very difficult to be a two-sport athlete at the DII level but Tyler’s abilities in both sports will give him the opportunity to gain success in both.”
    Drenick (5-11, 160), a utility player, garnered first-team Kansas Class 5A All-State honors at Pittsburg High School this past spring. He batted .471 with 23 RBIs offensively and also posted a 7-0 record with a 0.70 ERA on the mound for the Purple Dragons.
    “Shane has the frame, skills and desire to become a good college baseball player,” Bever said. “He will now have the opportunity to learn the game at the college level and get the experience he needs.”
    Hefley (6-3, 200), a right-handed pitcher, a three-time All-CNC League peformer, posted a 7-2 record with a 2.38 ERA as a senior at Riverton High School this past spring. He also batted .340 with 21 RBIs for the Rams.
    “Wes will have a chance before the end of his college career to become an impact pitcher,” Bever said. “He gives the program a quality pitcher for the future.”
    McKown (5-9, 175), an outfielder, enjoyed a standout prep career at Maize High School.
    “Luke comes from one of the better programs in the state in Maize High School,” Bever said. “Luke understands how the game should be played. He will give us immediate outfield depth as he gains valuable experience.”
    A total of 11 players have signed with the Gorillas for the 2009 season. Five junior college players inked with Pitt State earlier this summer.