Missouri Western head baseball coach Buzz Verduzco announced the signing of four more student-athletes for the 2014 season.
Junior college transfers Matthew Russell (Maple Woods CC) from Bentonville, Ark., Grant Woods (Maple Woods CC) from Smithville, Mo., Derek Rottinghaus (Highland CC) from Seneca, Kan. and Tyler Sanders (Santa Rosa JC) from Rohnert Park, Calif. join freshman Jonathan Temenak and Tyler Tuepker to next seasons squad.
Russell is a 6-1 pitcher who comes to MWSU from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo. He played his high school baseball at Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Ark. At Maple Woods he helped MWCC to a Region 16 Championship while appearing and starting in 10 games as a sophomore. He went 5-2 with a 3.53 ERA in 66.1 innings pitched. He gave up 70 hits whiel striking out 48. Overall at Maple Woods he was 10-4 with a 2.50 ERA in 111 innings. In high school he was an two time All-State performer and a three time All-Conference 7A West selection. In high school he had a 3.18 ERA to go along with a 19-8 record. Russell plans on majoring in exercise science at MWSU.
“Matt is very competitive by nature and we are thrilled he has chosen MWSU,” commented Coach Verduzco. “He had a great deal of success at Maple Woods CC as their top starter and we also look for him to fill a starting rotation spot for the Griffons next season.”
Woods is a 6-2 pitcher who also comes to MWSU from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo. He played his high school baseball at Smithville High School in Smithville, Mo. He helped MWCC to a Region 16 Championship in 2013 while starting 10 games with a 2.68 ERA. He pitched 57 innings giving up 47 hits and striking out 37. In high school he was a two time All-District and All-Conference selection. He plans on majoring in biology.
“Grant will bring a power arm to our rotation next season.” stated Coach Verduzco. “He knows the game and what it takes to be a top pitcher in the MIAA. We look forward to watching Grant perform at the front end of our rotation.”
Rottinghaus is a 6-3 pitcher who transfers to Missouri Western from Highland Community College in Highland, Kan. He played his high school baseball at Nemaha Valley under John Thomas. Rottinghaus was an honorable mention All-Conference pitcher at Highland and in high school was named his teams Most Valuable Player. His greatest sports moment was when his legion baseball team took second at state. He plans on majoring in business at MWSU.
“Derek is a very talented pitcher who comes to us from Highland Community College,” said Coach Verduzco. “He has the skill and the drive to definitely fill one of the starting rotation spots vacated due to senior graduation. A solid competitor who throws in the upper 80’s and can throw three pitches for strikes. We are very fortunate to have Derek in our program.”
Sanders a 5-11 pitcher transfers to Missouri Western from Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, Calif. He played his high school baseball at Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park, Calif. In his two seasons at Santa Rosa he pitched 100.2 innings with a 7-2 record and six saves. He had a 1.34 ERA with just nine walks. As a sophomore he was named Big 8 First Team as well has helping his team to the Big 8 Championship. In his school he was named First Team All-League as a pitched and helped his team win back-to-back league titles. Tyler plans on majoring in natural sciences at MWSU.
“Tyler is probably one of the most talented relievers we’ve recruited to Missouri Western since I’ve been here,” commented Coach Verduzco. “His ERA numbers were tops in the league. The JC league in which he competes is probably the top JC conference in California. We look for him to be the most important factor in our success next season.”
— MWSU Sports Information —