WEST SIGNS WITH SW MISSOURI

Southwest Missouri State University came within one victory of reaching the College World Series this year.

Brandon West hopes to help the Bears get over the hump next season.

West, a former Cape Girardeau Central High baseball standout, recently signed a letter of intent with Southwest Missouri.

A righthanded pitcher, West spent the past two seasons at Jefferson College in Hillsboro after graduating from Cape Central in 1995. He's currently pitching for the Kohlfeld Capahas.

"I'm really excited about going to Southwest," said West, who will have two years of eligibility with the Bears. "They've got an excellent baseball program. They came within one game of the College World Series this year and they'll have most of their key players back."

West went 8-7 with a 2.90 earned-run average and he led the team in strikeouts as one of Jefferson College's top starters this year. He was 3-2 as a freshman.

"They (Southwest's coaches) really seemed to show a lot of interest in me," said West. "From what they've said, it sounds like I can be a starter for them next season."

West, who plans to major in business, said he's throwing a bit harder now than he did in the past but his biggest improvements have come with his breaking pitch and his control.

"I'm mainly getting my curve over and I'm throwing strikes," he said.

Added West, "I'm looking forward to going there (Southwest). I'd love to help them get to the College World Series. That would be really great."