Missouri Western head baseball coach Buzz Verduzco has announced the signing of two student-athletes for the 2013 season. Western welcomes Kyle Thurman of O’Fallon, Mo. and Payton Scarbrough of Maryville, Mo. to the baseball team.

Kyle Thurman played high school baseball at Fort Zumwalt West. The outfielder’s .500 on-base percentage ranks in the top-ten all-time at Fort Zumwalt. Thurman led the team in o.b.p. the last two years and is a two-year letter winner in baseball. Thurman has a combined, .398 batting average and is an accomplished student as well. Kyle has been named to his high school honor roll three times and was elected to the St. Louis Rotary Youth Leadership Academy.

“Kyle is a very physical player. That will allow him to compete immediately at this level,” coach Verduzco said. “He has sound mechanics at the plate and a great knowledge of the strike zone.  We are very fortunate to have him be part of the Western baseball family.”

Payton Scarbrough played catcher for Maryville High School. A three-year letter winner, Payton earned All-MEC, all-district and all-state honors. Payton hit .512 with a .986 fielding percentage his junior year.  Scarbrough is also a two-year letter winner in basketball. Off the field, Payton is a member of the National Honor Society, MHS Student Ambassadors, Smokebusters and the DARE Role Model program. Scarbrough was also named as a Rotary Student of the Month.

“We are honored that Payton will be part of our program,” coach Verduzco said. “His catching skills and leadership ability for such a young player will allow him to be an immediate success in the MIAA.  He comes from a very athletic family and has been taught the meaning of strong character, dedication and academics.  I’m very excited for the opportunity to coach him.”

— MWSU Sports Information —