Indian baseball adds eight JUCOs

Coming off the program's most successful season on the Division I level, Southeast Missouri State University baseball coach Mark Hogan has announced the signing of eight junior-college players during the NCAA's early signing period.

The eight players -- who include four pitchers -- will join the Indians for the 2003-2004 school year.

Two of the pitchers -- right-handers Jared Knaub and Mike Fitch -- play for Garden City (Kan.) Community College.

The other hurlers are right-hander Josh Marino from Kishwaukee (Ill.) CC and left-hander Derek Herbig from Cowley County (Kan.) CC.

Hogan said Knaub, Fitch and Marino all are capable of throwing in excess of 90 miles per hour while Herbig can reach into the high 80s.

Around the field, the Indians signed catcher Brady Noll from Kishwaukee (Ill.) CC, outfielder Chris Thedorf from Elgin (Ill.) CC, second baseman Eric Hortsman from Cloud County (Kan.) CC and first baseman/third baseman Keith Wollis from Colby (Kan.) CC.

Southeast assistant coach Jeremy Tyson, the Indians' recruiting coordinator, had praise for the early signees.

"This is by far the best fall recruiting period we've had since I've been here," Tyson said. "I expect all to come in and contribute immediately."

Added Hogan, "We are very excited about the quality of players we recruited during the early period. What we need to do is finish the recruiting season strong in the spring. It was a great start, but we're not finished."

Softball signs two

Southeast's softball team recently signed two high school seniors from the St. Louis area: Lindsay Pickering of St. Charles West and Florence "Flo" Davidson of Pattonville.

Pickering was a four-year starting shortstop at St. Charles West, where she set school records for hits, doubles and home runs.

Davidson played the infield and outfield for Pattonville Pirates.

"I'm excited to have both of them as part of our program," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said. "Lindsay is such a tremendous athlete who will add dimensions to the team offensively and defensively. Flo is a very versatile defensive player who will provide various avenues to work with." --From staff reports