2008 Concordia University Baseball Player Profiles

Varsity Roster

#1 Brennan Ingram

Position: IF
Height: 5-6
Year: Junior
Hometown: Battle Ground, Wash.
Previous Schools: Battleground H.S.

2007: Made 13 starts and appeared in 26 games in first CU season. Batted .214 in 56 charged plate appearances. Had a two-hit game at homer versus Pacific Lutheran on Feb. 23. Scored five runs and tallied six RBI's during the season.

Personal: Transfer from Dana College. Three-year letterwinner playing in the infield for Battle Ground High School. Captured all-league and team MVP honors while playing for the Tigers. Born March 26, 1987. Son of Marianne and Randy Ingram. Family includes two brothers, Aaron and Christopher. Majoring in business. Touts himself as the best fisherman on the team.

#2 Shawn Turner

Position: IF
Height: 5-8
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hermiston, Ore.
Previous Schools: Hermiston H.S.

2007: Played in 35 games while making 15 starts for the Cavs. Batted .212 in 66 chances. Opened his season with a 3-for-3 performance at Portland on Feb. 21. Had two additional multi-hit games, going 2-for-4 against George Fox on March 28 and at Albertson on April 29. Recorded four RBI's and six runs. Committed only two errors in the field.

2006:Â Played in 17 games. Made lone start at Linfield on May 7. Scored five runs via duties as a pinch runner.

Personal: Graduated from Hermiston High School in 2004. Played second base and pitched for the Bulldogs. Earned honorable mention all-conference recognition as a senior. Born July 17, 1986. Son of Patti and Greg Turner. Majoring in health and fitness management.

#3 Sean Strachan

Position: OF
Height: 5-9
Year: Senior
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Previous Schools: Roosevelt H.S. / Southwestern Oregon C.C.

2007: Started 22 contests for CU. Scored eight runs while driving in four after batting .139 on the year. Generated 13 walks, third on the team, against only 72 plate appearances. Went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI's at Linfield on March 20.

Personal: Previously played for Western Texas, named all-league as an outfielder. Three-sport standout for Roosevelt High School. Starred as the Roughrider's point guard in basketball, wide receiver in football and in the outfield for the baseball team. Led the conference in batting average as a senior on the way to all-state accolades. Born July 18, 1985. Son of Marilyn and Kenny Strachan. Family includes a brother, Brennen.

#4 Chris Williamson

Position: RHP
Height: 5-10
Year: Junior
Hometown: La Center, Wash.
Previous Schools: La Center H.S. / Lower Columbia C.C.

Personal: Played at Arizona Western as a freshman and at Lower Columbia as a sophomore. Multi-sport player for La Center High School. Three-time all-conference in baseball, including conference MVP and all-state as a senior. Also quarterbacked the football team and ran in the point in hoops. Born February 8, 1986. Son of Karen and Rob Williamson. Family includes two brothers, Josh and Hayden, and a sister Jenny. Brother Josh pitches for Washington State. Once pitched in a district quarterfinals game with a broker nose.

#5 Ryan Sussenguth

Position: C/OF
Height: 6-2
Year: Senior
Hometown: Gresham, Ore.
Previous Schools: Sam Barlow H.S. / Southwestern Oregon C.C.

2007: Played in 40 games, started 30 during the year. Batted .228 with 17 runs and 10 RBI's. Had five multi-hit games including a 2-for-3 performance with two RBI's and a run at Oregon Tech on April 7. Lone home run hit in that game. Fourth on the team in runs.

Personal: Played for Southwestern Oregon C.C. for two seasons before joining the Cavs. Named Southern Region NWAACC Utility Player of the Year as a freshman and Catcher of the Year as a sophomore. Competed in swimming and water pole along with duties on the baseball team. Earned all-league honors in all three sports. Guided the water pole squad to second- and first-place finishes. Born November 2, 1985. Son of Patty and Jeff Sussenguth. Family includes an older brother, Nick. Majoring in education/math. An eagle scout, enjoys playing pool and guitar.

#6 Paul Jaques

Position: IF
Height: 5-7
Year: Senior
Hometown: Canby, Ore.
Previous Schools: Canby H.S. / Chemekata C.C.

2007:Â Called on for 16 starting assignments while appearing in 30 games. Hit .259 with 10 runs and seven RBI's. Tallied two multi-hit games, both against eventual NAIA national champion Lewis-Clark State. Had two RBI's at George Fox on March 14. Went 2-for-2 in stolen base attempts.

Personal: Member of Columbia Basin College and Chemeketa C.C. baseball teams before transfer to Concordia. Played football and baseball at Canby High School, graduating in 2004. Played as a fullback and as a kicker on the gridiron. Two-time second-team all-conference pick at second for the Bulldogs. Born August 9, 1986. Son of Paula and Mike Koenig. Family includes an older sister, Laura and a younger brother, Will. Majoring in biology. Favorite player is Ozzie Smith. Coaches youth baseball. Engaged to Concordia softball player Kari Mabe.

#7 Ben Lanier

Position: OF/IF
Height: 5-8
Year: Junior
Hometown: Kinston, N.C.
Previous Schools: Kinston H.S./ Edmonds C.C.

Personal: Transferred after two years at Edmonds C.C. Graduated from Kinston High School in 2004. Three-year varsity shortstop for the Vikings. Helped Kinston to a conference championship in 2003. All-conference pick as a junior. Born July 4, 1986. Son of Connie and Benjamin Lanier. Family includes a younger brother, Jeremiah. Majoring in business.

#9 Hector Yorba

Position: IF
Height: 5-10
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Ramona, Calif.
Previous Schools: Ramona H.S. / San Diego City College

Personal: Played one season at San Diego City College as a shortstop. Four-time letterwinner in baseball for Ramona High School. Earned all-league status as a junior and senior after second-team honors the previous two seasons. Once scored seven runs in a single game. Also played football, wrestled and ran cross country for the Bulldogs. Born January 23, 1988. Son of Alicia and Hector Yorba. Family includes a younger brother, John-Henry. A tutor middle school students. Majoring in business/finance.

#11 Derek Shigano

Position: IF
Height: 5-6
Year: Senior
Hometown: Pearl City, Hawaii
Previous Schools: Roosevelt H.S.

2007: Started 20 games for the Cavs and made 10 other appearances. Averaged .210 at the plate in 62 charged at-bats. Scored 11 runs. Hit first career collegiate home run against national champion Lewis-Clark State on April 16. Stole three bases in four chances.

2006: Made 45 starts in a team-leading 49 appearances. Batted .250 in rookie season with 23 runs and 14 RBI's. Tied for third on the team in runs and tied for the team lead with 20 walks. Swiped two bases in four attempts. Had two four-game hitting streaks. Scored a pair of runs on four occasions.

2005: Started 36 games while entering 43 of the team's 47 dates. Seventh on the team with a .265 batting average. Tied for fifth on the team with 21 runs scored.

Personal: 2005 graduate of Roosevelt High School. Second-team all-league pick as a senior after honorable mention honors as a junior. Played shortstop and at second for the Roughriders. Born January 24, 1986. Son of Jill and Destin Shigano. Family includes an older brother, Kyle, and a younger sister, Raymie. Majoring in business.

#12 Jarren Hirasaki

Position: C
Height: 5-6
Year: Junior
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Previous Schools: McKinley H.S. / Monterray Bay C.C.

Personal: Played for Monterey Peninsula College before arriving at Concordia. Versatile player for McKinley High School, playing second, shortstop, catcher and as a pitcher for the Tigers. Second-team all-state as a senior. Also competed in bowling and in volleyball as a defensive specialist. Born June 2, 1987. Son of Noreen Tanno. Family includes an older sister, Janna. Majoring in physical education.

#14 Neil Barrett

Position: IF
Height: 5-10
Year: Senior
Hometown: Springfield, Ore.
Previous Schools: Thurston H.S.

2007: Had a trio of starts while appearing in 19 games. Batted .143 in 21 at-bats. Recorded three hits and three walks on the season. Also hit-by-pitch on two occasions for a .296 on-base percentage.

2006: Made first career start versus Whitman in Feb. 24. Went 1-for-2 with a walk in that game. Had three starts on the season, entered a dozen contests.

2005: Saw limited duty as a freshman, appearing in six games. Gathered one hit in five at-bats.

Personal: Played football and baseball while attending Thurston High School. Held down the third base spot for three seasons after shifting from second. Spent time at fullback, linebacker and tight end on the football field. Born September 21, 1984. Son of Jackie and Rod Barrett. Family includes an older sister, Libby, and wife Danielle. Married on July 21, 2007. Â Majoring in health/physical education. Plans to teach and coach following graduation. Coaches high school fall ball as well as at various kids camps in the offseason. Enjoys downhill skiing, tennis, golf, hunting and fishing in free time.

#15 Steven Taft

Position: RHP/OF
Height: 6-2
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.
Previous Schools: San Dieguito Academy

Personal: Pitched for four seasons at San Dieguito Academy. Holds the school mark for most career wins with 18 and single-season wins at eight. Coastal League Pitcher of the Year in 2007. Also earned first-team all-league and second-team all-San Diego following that season. Helped the Mustangs to a Coastal League title. Born October 24, 1988. Son of Deanna and Charles Taft. Family includes two brothers and three sisters. Father played basketball for Long Beach State. Majoring in business. Family owns a sportfishing business. Involved with "Friends of Rollo" an organization that helps underprivileged kids fish.

#16 Brett Byrd

Position: IF
Height: 5-9
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Previous Schools: Portland Christian H.S. / Warner Southern University

2007: Made one start for the Cavs, going 1-for-2 with a run and a walk against British Columbia on March 18.

Personal: Redshirted at Warner Southern College before attending Concordia. Majoring in business. Graduated from Portland Christian in 2005. Two-time all-league pick for the Royals as an infielder. Played as a guard on the basketball team. Son of Carol House and Craig Byrd. Along with brother Cameron, raised over $500,000 for breast cancer research while playing music in their band Mindframe. The brothers' effort was made in memory of their mother.

#17 Myles Stratton

Position: RHP
Height: 6-3
Year: Junior
Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.
Previous Schools: Hudson's Bay H.S. / Lower Columbia C.C.

Personal: Came to Concordia after playing for Ventura College and Lower Columbia College. Four-year pitcher for Hudson's Bay High School. Born November 28, 1983. Son of Susan and Mike Stratton. Family includes two sisters, Jana and Angela. Enjoys fishing in his free time.

#18 Brett Hawley

Position: RHP
Height: 6-2
Year: Junior
Hometown: Bellevue, Wash.
Previous Schools: Newport H.S. / Concordia University-Irvine

Personal: Played two seasons at Columbia Basin College and one year at Pepperdine.

Pitched for Newport High School, graduating in 2003. Born June 22, 1984. Son of Pamela and Richard Hawley. Family includes an older brother, Matt. Majoring in business/marketing. Holds a 4 handicap in golf. Great uncle Cap Peterson played with the 1985 Giants that featured all-time greats Juan Marichal, Willie Mays and Willie McCovey.

#20 Roberto Reyes

Position: OF
Height: 5-11
Year: Senior
Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
Previous Schools: Warden H.S. / Western Oregon University

Personal: Came to CU after a year at Skagit Valley and Western Oregon University. Named Student-Athlete of the Year at Skagit Valley. Played football and baseball for Warden High School. League MVP in both sports as a senior. All-state pick in 2004.
Born May 13, 1986. Son of Nereyida and Jorge Reyes. Family includes three brothers, Jorge, Arturo and Luciano. Brother Jorge was the 2007 College World Series MVP for Oregon State. Majoring in education.

#21 Josh Mandin

Position: OF
Height: 5-9
Year: Senior
Hometown: Sutherlin, Ore.
Previous Schools: Sutherlin H.S. / Southwestern Oregon C.C.

2007: Made 30 starts while making 41 appearances in first season with the Cavs. Batted .240 after registering 100 at-bats. Charted 16 runs and nine RBI's. Had five multi-hit games. Collected season-high three RBI's at Linfield on March 20 and three hits against Pacific University on April 3. Tied for third on the team with six steals.

Personal: Played two seasons for Southwestern Oregon C.C. graduated from Sutherlin High School in 2004. Played basketball, baseball and football for the Bulldogs. Two-time first-team all-conference as an outfielder. Second-team all state as a senior. Born May 16, 1986. Son of Christie Groleau and Christian Mandin. Family includes sisters Jessica and Jennifer. Majoring in biology with a pursuit to become an office in the U.S. Coast Guard. Lead singer in the band Under Surveillance.

#22 Jason Grisham

Position: RHP
Height: 6-4
Year: Senior
Hometown: Canby, Ore.
Previous Schools: Canby H.S. / Lower Columbia C.C.

2007: Struck out 29 hitters in 48 1/3 innings on the mound. Made nine starts while recording a 2-5 record. Went two innings against British Columbia on March 18 without allowing a walk or a hit. Added an inning with three no-hit stanzas against Lewis and Clark on April 11.

2006: Third on the team with 53 2/3 innings and nine starts. ERA of 6.20 ranked fourth on the squad. Struck out a season-high eight batters against just one walk against Corban College on March 4. Opened the season with five innings of work, allowing just one unearned run, against Eastern Oregon on Feb. 18.

Personal: Lower Columbia C.C. transfer. Pitched for three seasons at Canby High School. Compiled a 14-2 record final two seasons. Two-time all-conference pick. Named Oregonlive.com Player of the Week. Born November 29, 1984. Son of Susan and Jerry Grisham. Majoring in business with an aim to enter real estate.

#23 Davin Muramoto

Position: RHP
Height: 5-10
Year: Senior
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Previous Schools: Kalani H.S. / Yakima Valley C.C.

2007: Made seven relief appearances for the Cavs. Pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out three while giving up six walks for a 6.75 ERA. Started the season with three appearances without yielding a run.

Personal: Two-year player at Yakima C.C. Played baseball and football for Kalani High School. Pitched and played in both the infield and outfield for the Falcons. Born May 21, 1985. Son of Sue Ye and Don Muramoto. Family includes a brother, Daren, and a sister, Dorie. Majoring in education.

#24 Sam McCormick

Position: OF
Height: 5-10
Year: Senior
Hometown: Keizer, Ore.
Previous Schools: McNary H.S.

2007: Starter on 21 occasions en route to 32 games played. Hit .172 in 64 at-bats. Scored five runs on the year. Swiped three bases in seven attempts. Went 2-for-3 in a 5-4 win against Pacific on April 24.

2006: Made first career start against Pacific Lutheran on Feb. 25. Totaled seven starts while entering 32 games for Concordia. Batted .188 in 32 plate appearances. Scored six runs and collected four RBI's.

2005: Belted five hits in seven at-bats for a .429 average. Played in 21 games for CU. Scored five runs while knocking in one runner. One stolen base in one attempt.

Personal: Graduated from McNary High School in 2004. Member of the Colts baseball and football teams. Born September 1, 1986. Son of Beth Nevue and Mike McCormick. Majoring in biology with the goal to become a fisheries biologist. A fly fisherman for nine years. Also snowboards and plays the guitar.

#25 Casey McLeod

Position: IF
Height: 6-2
Year: Senior
Hometown: Milwaukie, Ore.
Previous Schools: Rex Putnam H.S.

2007: Tied for second on the team with 42 starts. Averaged .250 with the bat. Third on the team with 20 runs and two home runs. Had a six-game hit streak early in the season and again late in the year. Powered for three RBI's in a game at Corban College on March 31. Stole four bases without getting caught.

2006: Led the team with a .304 batting average. Started 30 contests and entered a total of 37. Collected 31 hits, 17 runs and 15 RBI's. Had 10 multi-hit games and four home runs on the season. Hot safely in 11 of the team's final 15 games. Went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI's in the final week of the season against Linfield.

2005: Batted .348 in 18 games. Made four starts on the year. With three walks, held a .444 on-base percentage.Â Scored five runs and had one RBI.

Personal: Played soccer, basketball and baseball at Rex Putnam High School. Valedictorian of senior class. All-conference and all-state pick in baseball as a senior. Born January 25, 1986. Son of Julie and Dennis McLeod. Family includes a younger brother, Kelly, and an older sister, Brianna. Majoring in health/physical education. Plans to teach and coach following graduation.

#26 Brad Himes

Position: RHP
Height: 6-4
Year: Junior
Hometown: Chatsworth, Calif.
Previous Schools: Bishop Alemeny H.S.

2007: Saw limited action as a sophomore, making two starts and playing in nine games.

2006: Had 12 appearances with two starts in first season with the Navy and White. Had on error against 45 putouts on the season. On offense, had two hits and a walk in 21 at-bats. Ended the year with a hit and a run against Linfield on May 7.

2005: Redshirt.

Personal: Bishop Alemany High School grad in 2004. Pitched and played first for the Indians. All-league player as a senior. Born July 6, 1985. Son of Mimi and Les Himes. Family includes a younger brother, Mike, and two older sisters, Erin and Katie. Majoring in health/physical education. Intends to coach high school baseball in the future.

#27 Jimmy Rudig

Position: 1B
Height: 6-5
Year: Junior
Hometown: Milwaukie, Ore.
Previous Schools: Rex Putnam H.S.

2007: Made 41 starts in 44 appearances. Third on the squad with 39 hits while batting .277 on the season. Also third in the team after racking up 22 RBI's. Swiped two bases in three attempts. Went 9-for-11, including a 4-for-4 performance with five RBI's, in a three-game series against Albertson in the middle of the season. Tallied eight multi-hit games on the year. With 11 walks, elevated his on-base percentage to .338.

2006: Only .04 off the team lead in batting average after connecting on a .300 clip. Made nine starts with 29 overall games played. Had 10 RBI's despite only 50 charged at-bats. Went 3-for-4 with three RBI's against Pacific on April 25. Stretched a triple against Oregon Tech on April 23.

2005: Redshirt.

Personal: Rex Putnam High School graduate in 2004. Captained the Kingsmen baseball team as a senior. Earned honorable mention all-league accolades. Born January 31, 1986. Son of Laura and Tom Rudig. Family includes a brother, Tommy, and a sister, Sarah. Majoring in finance.

#28 Ross Conway

Position: RHP
Height: 6-8
Year: Junior
Hometown: Seattle, Wash.
Previous Schools: Garfield H.S.

2007: Third on the pitching staff with 17 appearances. Finished with a 6.39 ERA in 43 2/3 innings on way to a 3-2 record. Made three starts. Struck out 37 batters including a season-high seven in three innings against Linfield on March 20.

2006: Reliever on nine occasions. Held opponents scoreless in six outings, tagged for one run twice. Five of his seven earned runs occurred against Albertson on April 14 for the sole blemish on the year to inflate his ERA to 5.11. Finished with an 0-1 record with 12 1/3 innings of work. Struck out seven while giving three walks.

#29 Sean Myrom

Position: IF
Height: 6-1
Year: Freshman
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Previous Schools: Rancho Bernardo H.S.

Personal: Rancho Bernardo High School alum. Played in the infield for the Broncos for two seasons. Born July 16, 1989. Son of Kathy and Craig Myrom. Family includes one brother, Erik. Majoring in health and fitness management. Hopes to work as a personal trainer for major league players. Enjoys scuba diving.

#30 Jon Houts

Position: IF
Height: 5-11
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Ramona, Calif.
Previous Schools: Ramona H.S.

Personal: All-league third baseman for Ramona High School. Graduated in 2007. Earned all-league honors as a senior. Born March 5, 1989. Son of Lynne and Jim Houts. Family includes a brother, Chris, and a sister, Ashley. Majoring in business. Rides dirtbikes in free time. Enjoys movies, even the really bad ones.

#31 Ben Rue

Position: RHP
Height: 6-4
Year: Junior
Hometown: Silverton, Ore.
Previous Schools: Silverton H.S.

2007: Starter on nine dates. Finished the year with a 3-4 record and a 5.27 ERA after totaling 54 2/3 innings. Struck out a career-high 11 batters in 5 2/3 innings against British Columbia on March 17. Had 50 strikeouts on the season while holding his walk count to 20. Pitched seven innings, allowing just a single run, for his first win and a 5-3 team win against Linfield on Feb. 22.

2006: Came in to pitch in 11 ballgames, making lone start against British Columbia on April 18. Worked 23 2/3 innings from the mound with a 7.99 ERA.

Personal: Played four seasons of baseball and basketball for Silverton High School. Graduated in 2005. Two-time team MVP in both sports. Second-team all-conference selection as an infielder in 2004 and as a pitcher in 2005. Born April 29, 1987. Son of Donna and Joel Rue. Family include two brother, Jesse and Lucas. Majoring in physical education/athletic training. Spent time working with Habitat for Humanity and at the Chris Dudley Diabetes Basketball Camp.

#32 Zac Manor

Position: LHP
Height: 6-4
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Sandpoint, Idaho
Previous Schools: Sandpoint H.S.

Personal: Helped lead Sandpoint High School to a 4A state title in 2006. Played first base and pitched for the Bulldogs. Graduated in 2006. Born June 27, 1988. Son of Daphne and Thomas Manor. Family includes a younger brother, Ethan. Grandfather played football for Oklahoma University. Majoring in athletic training. Enjoys fishing, hunting and hiking. Once awarded a blue ribbon at the fair with a pig he raised.

#33 Brandon Nelson

Position: RHP
Height: 6-3
Year: Junior
Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.
Previous Schools: Heritage H.S.

2007: Number called six times for pitching relief. Struck out 10 batters in 12 1/3 innings. Carried a 6.57 ERA.

2006: Appeared in six games as a reliever. Pitched 7 1/3 innings with a 13.50 ERA. Struck out five while issuing eight walks.Â Went 2-for-2 at the plate with a pair of doubles against Linfield on May 7.

Personal: Baseball and basketball standout for heritage High School, graduating in 2005. All-conference pitcher fir the Timberwolves as a senior. Born April 1, 1987. Son of Nory and Chuck Nelson. Family includes a younger brother, Dylan, and a younger sister, Natalie. Majoring in business.

#34 Kyle Corwin

Position: RHP
Height: 6-6
Year: Senior
Hometown: Rockaway Beach, Ore.
Previous Schools: Neah-Kah-Nie H.S.

2007: Second on the staff with 10 starts and 55 innings. Concluded with a 2-6 record and a 5.24 ERA. Struck out six on two occasions. Had six starts with less than three earned runs charged against him. Went 3 2/3 of scoreless play against Oregon Tech on March 3.

2006: Went 3-1 on the year in 14 appearances. Made five starts and finished with a 7.59 ERA. Struck out 19 in 32 innings. Season-high five strikeouts in three innings of scoreless work at Pacific on March 14. Went eight innings in a no-decision start against Lewis and Clark on March 28.

2005: Started one game among 10 appearances. Tallied 14 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings.

Personal: Graduated from Neah-Kah Nie High School in 2004. Played football, basketball and baseball for the Pirates. Holds the school mark with 113 strikeouts as a senior. Three-time Pitcher of the Year. First-team all-state pick in 2004. Born November 13, 1985. Son of Delpha and Corky Corwin. Family includes two older brothers, Chris and Kevin. Father coached all three sons in baseball at the high school level. Majoring in physical education.

#36 Tyler Anderson

Position: OF
Height: 5-11
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Twin Falls, Idaho
Previous Schools: Twin Falls High School

2007: Hit .500 with six singles in 12 charged at-bats. Starter twice while entering 17 total contests. Recorded a 3-or-3 day at the plate with two RBI's and two runs against British Columbia on March 18.

Personal: Graduate of Twin Falls High School in 2006. Outfielder for the Bruins. Also played as a wide receiver/strong safety on the football team. Team claimed a 5A state title in football in 2005. Born February 24, 1988. Son of Julie and David Anderson. Family includes two sisters, Katecia and Joanne. Majoring in pre-physical therapy.

#37 Greg Simmons

Position: RHP
Height: 6-4
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Clackamas, Ore.
Previous Schools: Clackamas H.S.

2007: Played in one game during the season, coming in for an inning of relief against the University of British Columbia on March 18. Gave up one hits and allowed one walk in the 7-4 Concordia win.

Personal: Baseball and football standout for Clackamas High School. Graduated in 2006. Earned all-league status in both sports. Played at left tackle on the gridiron, pitched and played first on the diamond. Born June 30, 1987. Son of Charlene and David Simmons. Family includes a brother, Michael, who is a four-time All-American in the javelin while competing at the University of Oregon. Had played the piano for almost a decade.

#38 Tommy Whalen

Position: C
Height: 5-11
Year: Freshman
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Previous Schools: Skyview H.S.

Personal: Four-year catcher for San Diegutio High School. Moved up to first-team all-league status as a senior after capturing second-team honors the previous season.

Born February 7, 1989. Son of Annette and Thomas Whalen. Family includes a sister, Alexandria. Majoring in business. Intends to pursue an MBA degree. Volunteered with the Special Olympics.

#39 Derek Kirkland

Position: OF
Height: 5-10
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Flagstaff, Ariz.
Previous Schools: Coconino H.S.

2007: Made nine starts with 30 total appearances. Batted .176 in 34 at-bats. Often used as a pinch runner, scored 12 runs on the year. Went 1-of-2 with an RBI against Lewis and Clark on April 11. Swiped four bases in nine chances.

Personal: Graduated from Coconino High School in 2006. Earned second-team all-region honors in baseball and soccer while playing for the Panthers. Also a member of the varsity football team as a wide receiver/free safety. Born April 2, 1988. Son of Cheryl and Eddie Kirkland. Family includes two sisters, Audrey and Trisha. Majoring in health and fitness management.

#40 Dylan Smith

Position: RHP
Height: 6-1
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.
Previous Schools: Columbia River H.S.

2007: Came in from the bullpen three times for 3 2/3 innings of work. Carried a 2.45 ERA. Opened his CU career with 2/3 of perfect pitching with a strikeout against Pacific Lutheran on Feb. 23. Allowed only run of the year against No. 1-ranked Lewis-Clark State.

Personal: Graduate from Columbia River High School in 2006. Four-year pitcher for the Chieftains. Born April 25, 1988. Son of Jane and Glenn Smith, both staff members at Concordia. Family includes an older sister, Carlee. Majoring in history. Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Wishes he could hit the ball.