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Baseball Ethan Hulsey, Director of Athletic Communications

Shehan and Forrest Ink 11 for 2016-17 Signing Class

Millersville, Pa. - Head coach Jon Shehan and recruiting coordinator Ryan Forrest signed one of Millersville baseball's largest classes in recent years, landing 11 high school seniors on November's National Signing Day. The class is heavy with position players and sluggers and features a mix of left and right-handed pitchers.

This is the third recruiting class put together by Shehan and Forrest, and the Marauders are on an unprecedented run of success. Now entering his ninth season, Shehan has led the Marauders to three consecutive PSAC Eastern Division titles (five since 2008), four NCAA Atlantic Regional appearances in the last five seasons and the program's first PSAC Championship since 1998 just last spring. Success breeds success and the Marauders are finding that true on the recruiting trail. The high school seniors signed will enroll at Millersville in the fall of 2016.

The class includes: left-handed pitcher Chris Blair (Southern (Md.)), infielder Eric Callahan (Bexley High School (Ohio)), infield Noah Clement (Roman Catholic), two-way player Brandon Harper (Middletown), first baseman Jake Mackara (Camden Catholic (N.J.)), left-handed pitcher Drew Miller (East Pennsboro), right-handed pitcher Paul Wilson (John Carroll (Md.)), outfielder Brandon White (Dallastown), right-handed pitcher Tyler Yankosky (Wyoming Valley), Aaron Yurko (Dallas), and right-handed pitcher Jacob Bowman (Greenbrier Christian (Va.)). Miller, White and Harper have already been teammates, playing for the Mid-Atlantic Rookies summer team coached by Mike Chroniger.

"Recruiting Coordinator Ryan Forrest has again outdone himself, assembling a 2016 recruiting class that is both talented and balanced," said Shehan. "Ryan is one of the best recruiters in the northeast at any level. Congratulations to him on a job well done. This is one of our bigger classes in recent memory. It is one that is well balanced with right-handed and left-handed arms, and position players. With the graduation of Dan Stoltzfus, John Brogan, and Tyler Orris on the horizon, the infield was the primary area of focus for us. Clement, Callahan, Yurko, and Mackara should fill those large voids well. With Jeremy Musser moving on after this year, and Dan Neff and Chas McCormick being juniors, we added two outfielders as well with the addition of White and Harper.

"From a pitching perspective, I am excited to see this group mature and perform over the next four years," said Shehan. "We have finesse and power, right-handers and left-handers, and multiple arm angles. There is no doubt in my mind that this crop of young arms will carry on the tradition of success on the mound here at Millersville."

Below is a look at each member of the signing class.

11618CHRIS BLAIR
LHP · 5-10 · 160
· L/L
Cheltenham, Md./Southern

About Blair: Blair is a lefty with plenty of big-game experience. He was an integral member of state championships teams during his sophomore and junior seasons. He is also a two-sport athlete, playing guard on the basketball team.

Shehan on Blair: "We saw Chris in Marietta, Ga., for the first time and he pitched a gem in a big time venue against a very good team. He shows three pitches in the zone, including a very good breaking ball and a mid-80s fastball. It is hard to find three-pitch lefties that compete like him. He is a proven winner—his high school team has won back-to-back state titles in Maryland—competing with schools almost twice their size. Chris has been a huge part of that success and we can't wait to see his competitiveness in Black and Gold."

Blair on Millersville: "I liked the campus and the learning environment seemed perfect for me. The baseball program is very successful and has a family-type atmosphere."

Blair's Goals: "My baseball goals are to be a productive player and help the team win championships. Academically, I want to graduate and become a certified athletic trainer."

Academic Interest: Allied Health Technology

11710JACOB BOWMAN
RHP · 6-4 · 170
· R/R
Chesapeake, Va./Greenbrier Christian Academy

About Bowman: Having already helped his program to a conference and state championship, Bowman brings a winning attitude and track record for success. From a military family, Bowman should seamlessly fit into the Marauder baseball culture.

Shehan on Bowman: "Jake comes from a disciplined military background. His dad, Scott, is currently serving as Commanding Officer of the USS Oak Hill in the Persian Gulf. Jake fits our profile for arms here at Millersville. Jake wants to be a Marauder as much as anyone that I have ever had the chance to be around—and that says a lot because he is from Virginia. He has an athletic long body with a giant upside. Most importantly, he comes from a great family—they share the same values as our program which should make it an easy transition for Jake and his teammates. He is a three-pitch guy and his fastball has a lot of life which could lead to both starting or a bullpen role."

Bowman on Millersville: "(I chose Millersville because of) the coaching staff, size of the school and winning tradition."

Bowman's Goals: "Win a national championship, be selfless and relentless on and off the field. (Academically) earn a master's degree, maintain a 3.0 GPA and become an officer in the U.S. Marines."

Academic Interest: Communications


11619ERIC CALLAHAN
INF · 6-2 · 170
· R/R
Columbus, Ohio/Bexley

About Callahan: Already a three-year varsity letterwinner, Callahan is a skilled midfielder that has played the majority of his high school ball at shortstop. He helped his team to an undefeated, league championship as a junior. He was named All-Mid-State League as a junior.

Shehan on Callahan: "Eric is an athletic infielder with a huge upside. He has what we call a 'Clemson body.' Clemson has a reputation for recruiting long, lean, athletic position players. Eric is just that. His frame has a lot of space for added strength. He is an advanced defender on the left side with a plus arm. Our staff sees him as a shortstop or even third basemen. Eric also brings a solid line drive swing with him in which we should see power develop over the long term. Last, we are overly excited to bring in our first Ohio player during my tenure as head coach. The Buckeye state is loaded with talent. Hopefully, this opens a few doors."

Callahan on Millersville: "I chose Millersville because I love the baseball program and its drive to succeed as well as the campus and life as a student-athlete."

Callahan's Goals: "Do whatever is necessary to help us get to Cary, N.C...to not only win the PSAC and the regional but the Division II Championship...Continue to make honor roll and receive a degree from Millersville University.

Academic Interest: Mathematics

11620NOAH CLEMENT
INF · 6-0 · 170
· R/R
Voorjees, N.J./Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)

About Clement: A shortstop at Roman Catholic High School, Clement hit a Catholic League-best .489 en route to an All-Catholic First Team selection and All-City Second Team honor. Clement was also named All-Southeast PA Third Team as a junior. He was selected to the 2015 Carpenter Cup and won the 2014 Unsung Hero Award at Eastern High School. While at Eastern High School, he helped his team to South Jersey Group 4 Championships in 2013 and 2014.

Shehan on Clement: "Noah is a slick defender with plus range. His hands and feet stood out when we compared him to other infielders during events this past summer. He has average to above average speed but is a very aggressive base runner. He put up some big numbers from an offensive standpoint last spring in the tough Philly Catholic League, earning him All-Catholic League First Team honors. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Noah is his ability to communicate and lead. This young man brings energy to every team he is on and that was something we definitely considered when offering a spot on the club."

Clement on Millersville: "I chose Millersville University because it fit me very well academically. That classroom and campus size is exactly what I was looking for. Also, it was in close enough proximity to my family, but far enough away fro me to establish my independence. Baseball wise, Millersville was an easy choice. I wanted to go somewhere I could win, and the coaching staff does a great job of getting high caliber players to buy into their program. I am hoping to develop to my full potential as a player, and at Millersville, I feel that is a main priority."

Clement's Goals: "To reach my potential as a player and teammate. I want to earn a spot in the lineup for four years and want to be looked at as a leader on and off the field...Utimately to win a national championship...Maintain a high GPA, attend and complete graduate school.

Academic Interest: Psychology or Communications

11621BRANDON HARPER
OF/1B/RHP · 6-6 · 190
· R/R
Middletown, Pa./Middletown

About Harper: Harper is an outstanding athlete that could contribute at several positions. A three-sport athlete at Middletown, Harper is already a three-time varsity letterwinner and was named the Big 26 Kyestone Klash MVP in 2015. He also served as team captain in basketball.

Shehan on Harper: "Brandon is the most intriguing player that we signed for sure. He brings a number of abilities to the table including great speed for a guy who is 6-6—he ran a 6.6 60 yard dash. He also has a plus arm that could make him a candidate to play right field or even put him on the mound. As summer went on, he became a threat at the plate too. It is definitely not a question whether or not he will make a contribution; the question is where he will make it?

Harper on Millersville: "Millersville felt like the best home for my academic and college baseball experience. Beautiful campus, great all-around environment, and has the best alumni that I would want to carry on traditions for."

Harper's Goals: "Become a professional baseball player...Win PSAC Championships, win Division II Championships...(Academic/career goals) are to become a successful CEO or supply chain manager."

Academic Interest: Business Administration

11622JAKE MACKARA
1B · 6-3 · 265
· R/R
Camden, N.J./Camden Catholic

About Mackara: A first baseman on the diamond and defensive lineman on the football field, Mackara helped his football team to an undefeated season this fall. As a baseball player, he led South Jersey in doubles, was named team offensive MVP and all-conference second team.

Shehan on Mackara: "Jake is super athletic and plays an excellent first base for a guy his size. However, like Yurko, he is not coming to the Ville because of his defense. Rather, our hope is that he is going to help our club in the run production department. He certainly showed signs of that by driving balls over and over during the recruiting process. He is a fun player to watch. The prevailing wind blowing out to left at the Coop is really going to play into Jake's favor for sure. I cannot wait to see what he can do the next four years."

Mackara on Millersville: "I chose Millersville baseball because I want to be apart of the long winning tradition that Coach Shehan and Coach Forrest have upheld."

Mackara's Goals: "Be the absolute best baseball player I can be on and off the field...Win four regionals at Millersville...(Academic/career goals are) to run a hospital."

Academic Interest: Business/Health Management

11623DREW MILLER
LHP · 6-2 · 170
· L/L
Camp Hill, Pa./East Pennsboro

About Miller: Shehan and Forrest were familiar with Miller early after signing his older brother Grayson in the fall in 2014. Miller scored All-Mid-Penn First Team honors as a junior.

Shehan on Miller: "Drew has a super clean arm action and has a tremendous upside due to his lanky frame. He fits the mold here at the Ville. His changeup and breaking ball make him a candidate to become a starter early in his career. Recruiting Drew was a no-brainer due to his brother's makeup. This is our first brother tandem during the time I have been head coach."

Miller on Millersville: "I felt that this school offered an excellent education that would prepare me to get a job after I receive my degree. I chose Millersville baseball because they conted for a championship every year. They also have coaching that will help me reach my full potential as a player."

Miller's Goals: "I want to continue to master my craft and become a pitcher that is associated with Millersville's success. I would like to win the Division II Championship. I would like to graduate from Millersville in four years with a degree in economics.

Academic Interest: Economics

11624PAUL WILSON
RHP · 6-4 · 175
· R/R
Perry Hall, Md./John Carroll School

About Wilson: A tall right-hander, Wilson enters his fourth season as a starting pitcher with his high school club. He helped his team to the state playoffs in 2015.

Shehan on Wilson: "Paul reminds us a lot of current Marauder Jimmy McDade. Physically, his frame is very similar, but his delivery is where the most striking comparisons are made. Like McDade, he throws lots of strikes—locating three above average pitches. He is also a tremendous student at an excellent academic institution. His mid-80's fastball, breaking ball, and changeup should all improve greatly as he adds size and strength. We really like what the future holds for this young man."

Wilson on Millersville: "I felt that there is a fmaily-like atmosphere on the Millersville baseball team and that Millersville is a very successful baseball team. Millersville competes at a high level and they will give me a chance to win a championship. The school is a good fit and has a good atmosphere between the students."

Wilson's Goals: "To become a four-year conference starting pitcher and enter the MLB Draft...To get to and win the NCAA Division II Championship multiple years. (Academic/career goals are) to finish with a 4.0 GPA and enter the MLB draft, then become a financial analyst or pitching coach."

Academic Interest: Business Administration/Finance

11627BRANDON WHITE
INF · 6-1 · 190
· R/R
York, Pa./Dallastown

About White: White is an honor roll studen in the classroom, outfielder on the diamond and shooting guard for the basketball team. He helped his baseball club to the district playoffs after hitting .340 as a junior.

Shehan on White: "Brandon has surprising speed for a guy as big as he is. However, his frame will likely take on another 15-20 pounds and put him on a corner in the outfield. He has a lot of bat speed as well, which we see developing into middle-of-the-lineup type power long term. Sometimes outfield fundamentals and defense get overlooked. We didn't miss on Brandon from that aspect. He is well-taught and handles his position from a fundamental standpoint very well. Last, he shows a ton of maturity as a high school senior. He already has the makeup of a great teammate on and off the field."

White on Millersville: "I liked the coaching staff, and it is a model program that does it the right way."

White's Goals: "Play to my highest potential and win the PSAC and national championships."

Academic Interest: Sociology/Criminology

11625TYLER YANKOSKY
RHP · 6-6 · 190
· L/R
Larksville, Pa./Wyoming Valley West

About Yankosky: A right-handed pitcher, Yankosky comes from a successful program that won the conferece and district and finished as the state runners-up in 2015. He was named a Times Leader and Cititzens Voice All-Star. A letterwinner in basketball and golf as well, Yankosky was named all-conference second team on the hardwood.

Shehan on Yankosky: "Tyler is the prototypical big, power arm that Ville fans are accustomed to seeing the past four or five years at Cooper Park. He has a mid to upper-80's fastball and a hard breaking ball that could allow him to compete right away for an impact role. Last year, he was part of a league and district championship club which finished as state runners-up. He pitched in a lot of big games, which we loved as well. His golf experience should also directly impact his ability to mature within the mental aspect of the game."

Yankosky on Millersville: "Education wise, it offered me high-quality education in what I want to major in, and in baseball, I feel in love with the program and the coaching staff is amazing."

Yankosky's Goals: "Do whatever is needed to help this team win and also become an All-PSAC First Team picther...Have a winning season every year, PSAC titles, regional titles and a national championship...Make sure I get my degree and become successful in life."

Academic Interest: Business Administration

11626AARON YURKO
1B · 6-3 · 200
· R/R
Dallas, Pa./Dallas

About Yurko: Already a three-year starter, Yurko hit .342 with a .556 on base percentage as a junior. He captained the UPA Black Team and hit .451 with a .523 on base percentage and 19 extra b ase hits. He was selected to the 2015 Perfect Game Northeast Super Qualifier All-Tournament Team. His high school team won a division championship. Also a swimmer, Yurko qualified for districts as a freshman and his team has won division and district titles.

Shehan on Yurko: "Aaron can flat out hit. He uses the whole field well and has shown power already, which will only improve with our strength program, nutrition, and the natural maturation process of college hitters. When recruiters see a guy that squares the ball up as much as he does, we call it 'barrel awareness.' He just knows where the barrel is—that is hard to teach. Aaron's makeup and ability to swing it remind me a lot of former Marauder All-PSAC first basemen and DH Dan Johnson. He and Macakara should add some needed firepower into the lineup due to the future loss of Stoltzfus and Brogan."

Yurko on Millersville: "I loved the coaches and their philosophy about winning and team, the facilities and the emphasis on winning a national championship. I also liked the campus and the academic reputation of Millersville University."

Yurko's Goals: "Be a major contributor to winning national championships at Millersville University...(Academic/career goals are) to work with a college or professional sports organization."

Academic Interest: Marketing

 
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Players Mentioned

Dan Johnson

#15 Dan Johnson

1B
6' 2"
Redshirt Senior
R/L
John Brogan

#27 John Brogan

RHP
6' 5"
Junior
R/R
Jeremy Musser

#13 Jeremy Musser

OF
6' 0"
Redshirt Sophomore
L/L
Tyler Orris

#8 Tyler Orris

SS
5' 9"
Junior
R/R
Dan Stoltzfus

#14 Dan Stoltzfus

1B
6' 0"
Junior
L/R
Chas McCormick

#20 Chas McCormick

OF
5' 11"
Junior
R/L
Dan Neff

#3 Dan Neff

OF
6' 0"
Redshirt Junior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Dan Johnson

#15 Dan Johnson

6' 2"
Redshirt Senior
R/L
1B
John Brogan

#27 John Brogan

6' 5"
Junior
R/R
RHP
Jeremy Musser

#13 Jeremy Musser

6' 0"
Redshirt Sophomore
L/L
OF
Tyler Orris

#8 Tyler Orris

5' 9"
Junior
R/R
SS
Dan Stoltzfus

#14 Dan Stoltzfus

6' 0"
Junior
L/R
1B
Chas McCormick

#20 Chas McCormick

5' 11"
Junior
R/L
OF
Dan Neff

#3 Dan Neff

6' 0"
Redshirt Junior
R/R
OF