Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Valparaiso University baseball coach Paul Twenge has announced the signing of six ball players to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period this fall.

Joining the Crusaders beginning in the fall of 2006 are Brett Bivens, Ranko Ivetic, Mark Schoeck, Austen Siwiec, Matt Stucky, and Josh Wallace.

Bivens is a 6'0" infielder from Battle Creek, Mich. A two-year All-Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference selection for Lakeview High School, he has also been named to the All-City and All-District teams twice. He has helped lead the Spartans to the district title all three years as well as to two SMAC titles.

Ivetic is a 6'4" left-handed pitcher who also can play first base and the outfield. The Schererville, Ind. native helped lead Lake Central High School to the Duneland Conference championship in 2005.

Schoeck, a 6'1" first baseman and outfielder, arrives at Valpo from Bellefontaine, Ohio. He is a two-year All-Miami Valley District selection for Bellefontaine High School and also earned All-Logan County honors twice. In addition, Schoeck was a First Team All-Central Buckeye Conference selection for the Chieftains.

Siwiec is a 6'2" right-handed pitcher, catcher, and third baseman. An All-Suburban Catholic Conference selection for Marmion Academy, he has also been named to the All-Area Team. The Aurora, Ill. native also was named to the SCC All-Star Team and is a Wendy's High School Heisman nominee.

Stucky, a 6'1" left-handed pitcher who also can play first base and the outfield, is from Hoagland, Ind. The three-year letterwinner Concordia Lutheran High School has led the Cadets to two Summit Athletic Conference titles as well as a sectional crown.

Wallace, a 6'5" infielder from Bellefontaine, Ohio, hit .366 with six homeruns and 30 RBIs as a junior at Bellefontaine High School. He also earned All-Central Buckeye Conference honors.

?I am extremely happy with all seven of these young men making the decision to come to Valparaiso University," Twenge said about the incoming players. ?They all have strengths that will help make our ball club become better."