Northwest Missouri State University head baseball coach Darin Loe has announced the signing of 21 true freshmen and two transfers for the 2013-14academic year.

“I really like the core of older players that we have returning to our program and did not want to cover them up with transfer players,” explained Loe. “I will look for that group to lead this great group of younger players for this year and years to come.

“This class has quality talent and depth and could be the most talented class we have had here at Northwest.”

Pitchers Alex Cross and Tony Forcelledo both arrive at Northwest after beginning their collegiate careers at North Central CC and Quincy University (Ill.), respectively. Both will be entering their junior seasons.

“We always need depth and experience on the mound and that is what our 2 transfer pitchers will give us,” Loe said. “We are excited to get our guys back on campus and start working in our fall season”

Freshmen signees from Missouri include Joe Adamson (Raytown South HS), Hondo Pearcy (Archbishop O’Hara HS), Matt Ridgway (Mexico HS), Tyler Tripp (Maryville HS), Zane Wilt (Savannah HS) and Jesus Villegas (Fort Osage, HS).  They will join Nebraska natives Chase Nuzum (Omaha North HS), Nate Walter (Omaha Millard North HS), Austin Wulff (OmahaMillard West HS), Brendan Jensen (Omaha North HS), Rex Raetz (Lincoln Pius X HS) and Austin Plath (Omaha Burke HS).

There are six California natives joining the Bearcats; Jacob Wagner (John F. Kennedy, HS), Luke Wilkinson (Sonora HS), Jaden Alsop (Ronald E. McNair HS), Nikko Pablo (Ronald E. McNair HS), Johnathon Dennis (La Serra HS) and Zach Ferreira (La Habra HS). Also included in the class are Illinois natives CJ Duffeck (Riverside Brookfield HS) and Thomas Smith (Lockport Township HS). Carter Gladstone (Valley Christian HS) comes to Northwest from Phoenix, Ariz. In all, this year’s class includes residents from five states.

“We really went after the top talented freshman for this year’s recruiting class,” said Loe. “We want this group to be a key part of our success for this year and the foundation of our success in future years.”

— Northwest Media Relations —