(Nov. 9, 2006) - Head baseball coach Tony Skole announced Thursday afternoon that Derek Trent and Bo Burton, both out of Dobyns-Bennett High School, have signed national letters of intent to play collegiate baseball at ETSU.

Trent, a left-handed hitting catcher, was first-team All-State performer a year ago, and was the only junior in the nation named to the Louisville Slugger All-America Team.  In his junior season he hit .427 with 11 home runs, 14 doubles, 46 runs scored and 39 RBI en route to being named to the Big 9 All-Conference Team, as well as District 1-AAA Most Valuable Player.

""We are very excited and honored that Derek Trent is coming to ETSU," said Skole. "Derek is the best high school hitter I have ever recruited. He is considered by many publications to be one of the best players in the entire country. What he has accomplished thus far in his high school career is quite remarkable. Derek is a great student and a great young man. He will immediately have a positive impact in our program. Our fans are going to love watching Derek Trent swing the bat."

Burton, who also served as the Indians starting quarterback during football season, has not lost a decision in the past two seasons for the Indians, amassing an 11-0 mark with 92 strikeouts against just 18 walks while compiling a 1.50 ERA.  An offensive threat as well, Burton hit .310 with 16 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 51 runs scored and 47 RBI over the past two campaigns.  His achievements on the diamond have yielded consecutive selections to the All Big 9 Team, the All-Region 1-AAA squad and the Super 22 team.

"Bo Burton is one of the top high school athletes in the state of Tennessee," said Skole.  "He has had a tremendous career on the football field and on the baseball diamond. Bo has a great amount of poise and presence and he is a fierce competitor. I'm excited to see Bo's development as he focuses all his efforts on baseball. It is definitely going to be a luxury to have his athleticism on the mound. Bo's potential is unlimited and he could play baseball for a very long time."

Skole hopes to fill out this season's recruiting class with signings over the next week.