Wednesday, September 28, 2005

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 28, 2005) - ETSU head baseball coach Tony Skole announced on Wednesday that Collegiate Baseball Newspaper has ranked the Buccaneers' incoming recruiting class in its Top 75.

The Bucs, ranked No. 74, were rated higher than any other Atlantic Sun Conference school with the exception of Stetson, which rated 69^th. In all, the class is made up of 13 players, which includes standouts such as pitchers Ryan Howe and Tony Lombardi, outfielders Jacob Fabry and C.J. Lee, catcher Justin Aughey, and second baseman Michael Courtney.

"This is a great honor for State Baseball and a great testament to our coaching staff and players," Skole said. "During our practice sessions this fall the talent level of this class has been very evident. They have been very solid on and off the field. Our program is building momentum and although we have a lot of work to do, I am very excited about next season. This recruiting class has also helped us get off to a great start in our recruiting efforts for the 2007 season.  We are hopeful that the 2007 class will be even better."

            The Buccaneers, who are currently involved in fall practice, will wrap up their autumn workouts with the "Blue & Gold" World Series on the weekend of Oct. 7. All games are open to the public and will be played at Cardinal Park in Johnson City.