Drovers Stock up on Pitching, Infielders

CHICKASHA - L.J. Powell, head baseball coach at the University of Science and Arts, began the task of replacing eight seniors from the 2006 roster by announcing the signing of eight players for the 2007 season.

The class features six junior college transfers, who will bring invaluable experience to the Drover lineup, and two true freshmen, who could also make an impact.

“We’ve signed these guys for a reason,” assistant coach Mike Ross said. “I think all of them will step in and do good things for our ballclub. All of these pitchers will give us a chance to win anytime they step on the mound for us.”

Right-handed pitcher Blake Coon comes to USAO from Vernon College in Vernon, Texas. Coon was an all-stater at powerhouse Dale High School. Coon helped lead the Pirates to three state championships during his career and was selected to the Texas JUCO All-Star team in his first season at Vernon.

Shortstop Louie Romero also comes to USAO from Vernon College. The Phoenix, Ariz., native posted a .291 batting average in 2006 and finished with 20 RBIs. Romero has played in the Goodwill Games in China and Australia and was also an Arizona High School all-stater.

Ricky Duke rounds out the trio of Vernon transfers. Duke is a right-handed pitcher from Choctaw. He finished his sophomore season at Vernon with a 3.49 ERA.

The Drovers have also signed two pitchers out of the perennially tough Jayhawk Conference.

Matt Sopic, a 6-6 right-handed pitcher from Arlington, Texas, played at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kan. A 2005 draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles, he proved to be a steady arm out of the bullpen for the Saints and should be a great addition to the Drover staff.

Another tall right-handed pitcher, Corey Milford will join the Drovers after spending his last two seasons at Hutchinson County Community College in Hutchinson, Kan. Milford, a 6-4 hurler out of Midwest City, finished his sophomore season with a 3.02 ERA.

Trey Hellmon from Cisco Junior College rounds out the list of pitchers. The 6-2 right-hander is a Fort Worth, Texas, native.

Infielders Christopher Campbell and Dustin Schurr are the only freshmen signed so far. Campbell, a Norman North product, has proven to be very versatile by pitching some and playing third base in high school. Schurr is another infielder from Glen Rose, Texas.

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CUTLINE

Dustin Schurr of Glen Rose, Texas, signs a letter-of-intent to play baseball at the University of Science and Arts. Behind Schurr are assistant coaches Brian Wyatt (left) and Sam Hayden.