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Oct. 14, 2009
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball head coach Will Gardner announced the signing of nine student-athletes to complete the 2010 recruiting class. Joining the Hawks are junior-college transfers J.J. Corriveau (Hollywood, Fla.) and Luis Mena (Cape Coral, Fla.) as well as freshmen Tony Gonzales (New Braunfels, Texas), Donnie Haines (Carneys Point, N.J.), Brady Hare (Federalsburg, Md.), Tre-von Johnson (East New Market, Md.), Luke Koenig (Berlin, Md.), Brandon Mothershead (Ellicott City, Md.) and Nik Nowottnick (Preston, Md.). "This is a smaller recruiting class than I'm used to adding, but it could prove to be the most productive, especially in its early stages," said Gardner. "It possesses a lot of offensive power, which is slightly uncharacteristic of a normal UMES ball club. There's a core of guys that possess some versatility which add depth to the squad." Corriveau, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound utility player, played two seasons at Chesapeake College under coach Frank Szymanski as a catcher and outfielder. He is described as a team player with strong leadership skills who could hit at the top or middle of the order. Corriveau was a career .355 hitter with 42 RBIs at Chesapeake. A five-sport athlete at South Broward High School, Corriveau was a two-time second team All-Broward selection and earned all-state honors in 2007. He led South Broward to two appearances in the Big League World Series, batting .440 and .450, respectively. "He's a very well-rounded player that brings a lot of intensity to our program," said Gardner. "He's tough individual that doesn't know the meaning of a day off." Mena comes to UMES from Central Maine Community College after playing multiple positions for coach Charles Bunyea. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he is expected to compete for the catching duties and may see time in the outfield.
"Central Maine and Coach Bunyea have sent some high-caliber student-athletes to us in the past and Luis is no exception," Gardner said. "He is extremely committed to making himself better and being a strong cog in the success of our program. He's one of those guys that you know is always going to be in the middle of something positive." Gonzales, a Canyon High School product at 6-foot, 185 pounds, is a left-handed reliever. "Tony is a great addition to our program," said Gardner. He knows how to win. We expect solid performances out of him on a consistent basis. He will make lots of short appearances to compliment our starting rotation." Haines, a highly decorated outfielder and pitcher out of Penns Grove High School, Gardner is pleased to have him for 2010. He was named first team All-Tri-County Conference three times, a Carpenter Cup selection twice. Haines was also Salem County Player of the Year and was part of the Philadelphia Inquirer's All-South Jersey Team as a junior. He was twice named an Under Armour Preseason All-American. "Donnie showed up on lots of radar screens in between his junior and senior years in high school," Gardner said. "He will certainly help push us to another level and be a strong contender for a starting spot in the outfield right away. He brings a strong left-handed stick to the heart of our order. We will use his plus fastball out of the pen to provide a different level of reliever to our arsenal." Haines (6-foot, 196 pounds) broke the Penns Grove and Gloucester County home-run record with 12 in his junior season. He also led his American Legion team to the New Jersey state tournament as a sophomore. Hare, an Eastern Shore native from Colonel Richardson High School, has a strong work ethic and will add depth to the catching position. At 6-foot and 175 pounds, he was a first and second team selection as well as honorable mention in three consecutive years. He helped lead Colonel Richardson to state, region and two conference championships. "I'm excited about having Brady around this program for four years," said Gardner. "He's going to be the guy that we're going to look back on in four years and really be proud of his accomplishments based upon his work ethic and his desire to succeed." Johnson will provide a big right-handed bat in the heart of the UMES lineup and will compete for a spot in the outfield. Johnson (6-foot, 205 pounds) lettered in three sports at North Dorchester High School and was named second team All-Bayside Conference twice and to the first team once in baseball. Johnson posted a .398 career batting average with nine home runs for the Eagles. "He is one of the best competitors on this team," said Gardner. "Nobody will fight harder for our success than Tre-von." Koenig has gap-to-gap power and could earn a corner-infield spot. Another local product from Stephen Decatur High School, Koenig (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) was a 2009 first team All-Bayside Conference member (2009) and second-team selection (2008). He led last year's squad to a 16-0 mark in the Bayside South Conference and a conference championship. Koenig hit .398 with 44 RBIs for the season. He was also part of four district championships in American Legion with the Salisbury Blue Sox and won several individual honors. "I'm elated Lucas chose to come with us," Gardner said. "He won't let us down. It's not in him. He's going to be there regardless of the outcome." Mothershead will bolster the Hawks' pitching staff. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, he is described as a driven, goal-oriented player. He earned four letters at Mount Hebron High School and was the recipient of the Allen Byron Allen Memorial Athletic Scholarship. He was also named the team's Pitcher of the Year as a sophomore and again as a senior. "We found Brandon early and he's stuck with us," said Gardner. "We think he'll be a great asset to our pitching staff. After he gets comfortable in the system, he'll let loose a little more and should demonstrate some quality leadership skills in order to help us capitalize on our relief efforts." Nik Nowottnick (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) will bring a strong mound presence to the UMES pitching staff as either a starter or reliever. He earned eight letters in four sports at Colonel Richardson High School and help lead the Colonels to two Bayside Conference championships in baseball. "Nik's got a loose arm that just comes right at you," said Gardner. "He doesn't play games and wants to stay in the zone to keep his appearances productive. He also has a great thought process for a young arm." UMES opens the 2010 campaign on the road with a three-game series at William & Mary Feb. 19-21. |
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