Nov. 14, 2008

Contact: Ryan Mulford

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Eight high school seniors, six of whom will play their senior season in northeast Ohio, comprise the first members of the 2009 CSU baseball freshman class.

The group each signed a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday (Nov. 12), the first day permissible to sign with a Division 1 school.

"This is a very talented class," said head coach Kevin Kocks. "We were able to get a good group of young players from northeast Ohio that fit into our system."

Tim Clark, a 6'4" left handed pitcher from Vermillion High School, posted a 3-4 record with 66 strikeouts and a 1.69 ERA over 52 innings last spring. He has a career ERA of 2.46 to go along with a 15-8 record.

Pat Shedlock, a 6'0" right hander from University High School, threw 38 innings with 46 strikeouts and a 3.07 ERA en route to a 4-3 record last season.

Chris Snopel, a 5'10" lefty from Canton Central Catholic High School, posted a 2.96 ERA with 47 strikeouts on his way to a 3-0 record.

The Vikings have also signed pitcher Kris Hall a 6'2" right-hander from Strongsville High School.

"We are built on a three step foundation," Kocks said. "This is a key group in building our foundation."

Chuck Gasti, a 6'2" short stop from Carmichaels High School in Pennsylvania, was a 2008 high school all-star. He batted .523 with 33 runs scored, while also earning a 5-0 record on the mound.

Brent Casto, a 6'2", infielder from Strongsville High School, hit .373 with two home runs, 33 RBI's, 34 runs scored and 11 stolen bases playing for Diamond Premier summer league.

Joe Lauria, a 6'2" outfielder from Cathedral Prep in Erie, Pennsylvania. He batted .436 with 11 doubles, 15 RBI's and 10 stolen bases leading Prep to a 15-5 record in 2008.

Vince Marquard, knocked in 26 RBI's with a .405 batting average leading St. Edward to a Division 1 State Championship in 2008.

"We can now look ahead to the 2010 class to complete the foundation," Kocks said. "There are definitely bright times ahead.