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BASEBALL |
2000 RECAP: The national championship returned to the New Jersey Athletic Conference in spring 2000 when Montclair State University ended a roller-coaster ride to the NCAA Division III World Series title. After claiming the top seed in the NJAC tournament with a stellar regular season, the Red Hawks fell early in the tournament, which was won by The College of New Jersey in the sixth game against Rowan University. All three teams advanced to the national tournament.
2001 OUTLOOK:
The American Baseball Coaches Association lists four NJAC schools in the pre-season top 25, with Montclair State University rated first in the nation. The College of New Jersey (#14), Rowan University (#21) and William Paterson University (#24) round out the list. The conference can expect another strong campaign within the ranks, with most of the teams returning key players in healthy numbers. At the head of the class are|
2001
NJAC |
|
1.)
Montclair State University (1)* |
|
Dark Horse: |
KEAN UNIVERSITY
COUGARS
Head Coach: Neil Ioviero
2000 Record: 8-10 NJAC, 22-15
Overall
Neil Ioviero is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Kean University baseball program. Under his guidance, last season, the Cougars were ranked as high as seventh in the nation in the American Baseball Coaches Association Division III poll and earned an invitation into the Eastern Colleges Athletic Conference tournament. This season, the team returns a core group of experienced veterans who will provide leadership for the squad that should have good balance between, pitching, defense and speed. The Cougars return five positional starters, however, they do have to replace three-fourths of their infield.
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Chris
Eickhorst - C Immaculata HS/So. Bound Brook, NJ |
John
Pederson - 1B/DH Brick HS/Brick Twp., NJ |
| Paul
Crivello - OF Somerville HS/Somerville, NJ |
Keith
Barber - P Bridgewater Raritan HS/Bridgewater, NJ |
| John
Woodhull - P/1B Woodbridge HS/Woodbridge, NJ |
Mike
O'Donnell - SS Middlesex HS/Middlesex, NJ |
After finishing first in the regular season conference standings, the Red Hawks claimed their third NCAA Division III Championship in 2000, setting a school record for victories. They will face an uphill battle this year as the pre-season number one in both the ABCA/Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America polls. The good news for MSU is that 16 letterwinners return, including the 2000 NJAC Player of the Year and All-American Brian Ellerson (.414, 61 RBI) and second-team All-American third baseman Craig Conway (.400, 75 RBI) who led the nation in doubles with 27. Last year's NJAC coach of the year Norm Schoenig will also have the services of pitcher Corey Hamman, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the national championship.
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
|
Brian Ellerson - SS Hudson Catholic HS/Bayonne, NJ |
Not available at this time |
| Craig
Conway - 3B Gov. Livingston HS/Mountainside, NJ |
|
|
Corey Hamman - P |
The
Lions are coming off another successful season in 2000, having won the New
Jersey Athletic Conference Championship for the first time in 19 years.
The 2000 campaign saw TCNJ earn the program's 12th NCAA
tournament bid, only to fall in the NCAA Regional Championship for the third
straight year. Despite some key losses to graduation, Coach Dell has several
reasons to be optimistic about the 2001 season.
Shortstop Nick Stine (58 H, 38 RBI), third baseman Mike Kohri (.369, 19
2B) and first baseman Colin Renick (.360) should anchor the infield for the
Lions this season. This trio
combined for 33 doubles, 10 triples, 13 homeruns, and 115 RBI’s. On the
mound, the Lions do return a handful of veterans in right handers Mike Virgilio
and Kevin Lawrence. Look for senior catcher Frank Soos to return this
season behind the plate with eyes on a record breaking season.
Soos (.349 last, 13 HR) is closing in on the school’s career home run
record as he is just five away from holding the mark
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Mike
Kohri - 3B Washington Twp. HS/Sewell, NJ |
Bob
Capaldo -OF Bridgewater HS/Bridgewater, NJ |
| Nick
Stine - SS Hunterdon Central HS/Flemington, NJ |
Joe
Bergondo - P/IF JFK Iselin HS/Iselin, NJ |
|
Frank Soos - C Edison HS/Edison, NJ |
Steve
Czajka - P/IF Cherry Hill West HS/Cherry Hill, NJ |
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
GOTHIC KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Ken Heaton
2000 Record: 2-16 NJAC, 5-29 Overall
When you begin a new year with a solid class of sophomore pitchers, and add the strongest recruiting class in recent years, 12th year head coach Ken Heaton believes he
’s found the recipe for an exciting baseball season at NJCU. Ten letter-winners return from last season, including seven pitchers who saw extensive action a year ago, and they will begin with a season-opening trip to Fort Myers, FL. Senior right-hander Mike Gramp and sophomore righties Aaron Grossman , Pete Amadeo, and Jay Yanez all saw extensive action in their first seasons with the team. The quartet combined to start 21 of NJCU’s 34 games, and win 60 percent of their games, and they will be the main ingredients in the starting rotation this season. The NJCU infield is light on experience, but rich in depth and talent. Senior captain Carlos Rosado started a team-leading 31 games at second base last year. A steady offensive player (.284, 16 RBI, 29 hits, 35 total bases), and solid defensive performer, Rosado will shift his leadership to shortstop. Heaton will start freshmen at the corners. Rick Boyer (Kearny, NJ/Kearny) is the starter at the hot corner, while Wes Batista (Passaic, NJ/Passaic) and Manny Minaya (Clifton, NJ/St. Joseph’s, Montvale) will battle for time at first base. With Neal Czechowski and senior Don Nelson on board, NJCU will have experienced players roaming the outfield. When not closing, Czechowski started 27 games, batting .288 with 15 runs scored. Nelson is a transfer from Division III defending National Champion Montclair State and should provide the Gothic Knights with considerable offensive punch.|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Carlos
Rosado - SS St. Benedict's Prep/Newark, NJ |
Don Nelson - OF Newton HS/Newton, NJ |
| Mike
Gramp - RHP Jefferson Twp. HS/Oak Ridge, NJ |
|
|
Rick Boyer - 3B Kearny HS/Kearny, NJ |
|
| Neal
Czechowski - P/OF |
RAMAPO COLLEGE
ROADRUNNERS
Head Coach: Rich Martin
2000 Record: 7-11 NJAC, 18-17 Overall
After finishing the 2000 season with the best overall record in 10 years, the Roadrunners look to first year head coach Rich Martin to continue to lead the team to success. The Roadrunners return 19 players and add 11 newcomers to the roster. They will look to senior captain Tim O'Shaunghessy and co-captains Billy Murrin, Larry Kurdes and Leon Owen to help the team to a conference play-off berth. Ramapo's schedule will include a spring trip to Miami, Florida for the Homestead Challenge.
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Tim
O'Shaughnessy - RHP Fair Lawn HS/Fair Lawn, NJ |
John
Franken - RHP Clifton HS/Clifton, NJ |
| Leon
Owen - OF Willingboro HS/Willingboro, NJ |
Mike
Fibane - INF Notre Dame HS/Trenton, NJ |
| Billy
Murrin - LHP Carle Place HS/Long Island, NY |
Jason
Valloni - C Fox Lane HS/Katonah, NY |
RICHARD STOCKTON COLLEGE
OSPREYS
Head Coach: John Gurzo
2000 Record: 7-11 NJAC, 12-20 Overall
The Stockton baseball team looks to build around
a solid nucleus of returning players in 2001. All-conference first team outfielder Steve Karrer heads
the list of veterans after leading the Ospreys in almost every offensive category
last season. Returnees Brady Schlack, Ed Anderson and Joe Tardogno all
batted over .300 last season. Head coach John Gurzo seeks improvement from his
pitching staff this season. The continued development of junior Chuck Cianfrini and sophomore Matt Caverow should bolster the Stockton staff.
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Steve
Karrer - IF Pope John HS/Augusta, NJ |
Chris
Price - P Vineland HS/Vineland, NJ |
| Brady
Schlack - IF Sun Valley HS/Aston, PA |
Josh
Dean - P Metuchen HS/Metuchen, NJ |
| Matt
Caverow - P Buena HS/Estell Manor, NJ |
Sean
Tomesco Lakewood HS/Brick Twp., NJ |
ROWAN
UNIVERSITY
PROFS
Head Coach: John Cole
2000 Record: 14-4 NJAC, 31-11 Overall
After a second place conference finish in
2000, Rowan will find the task a little tougher without the services of catcher Andy Dougherty and center fielder Mike
Dickson. Dougherty led the Profs with a .431 batting average, seven home
runs and 45 RBIs. He signed with the Cleveland Indians last August and
played at class-A Burlington (NC). Dickson ended his four-year career as
the school's all-time leader in hits (215) and doubles (41). Dougherty was
selected to the NJAC All-Conference first team while Dickson received honorable
mention.
The Profs are led offensively by infielder Doug Scott and first
baseman/outfielder Tim Staszewski. Last season Scott hit .352 with 32 RBIs
and 16 stolen bases. Staszewski batted .388 with 17 doubles, five home
runs, 37 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. Scott was a member of All-Conference
first team while Staszewski made the second team. The Profs return three of their five starting pitchers: lefty Brad Bahring (6-1,
2.60 ERA) and right handers Craig Waggner (3-0, 4.24) and Pat Vengenock (4-1,
2.70). Bahring was on the All Conference second team. The bullpen is
anchored by last season's NJAC Fireman of the Year, southpaw Jeff Kalber (2-1,
1.96, two saves).
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Brad
Bahring - P Triton Regional HS/Laurel Springs, NJ |
Corey
Brown - LHP Sacred Heart HS/Vineland, NJ |
| Doug
Scott - IF Indian Hills HS/Oakland, NJ |
Jimmy
Starkey - OF/RHP Dover HS/Dover, DE |
| Tim
Staszewski - 1B/OF Collingswood HS/Collingwood, NJ |
Nick
Urbanovich - INF St. Peter's Prep/Rutherford, NJ |
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - CAMDEN
SCARLET RAPTORS
Head Coach: Keith Williams
2000 Record: 3-15 NJAC, 5-29 Overall
Third-year coach Keith Williams is ready for the Scarlet Raptors to take the
next step up the NJAC ladder after improving to
5-29 overall last year and climbing to ninth place in the NJAC (3-15). With several fine
veterans, some good transfers, a solid freshman class, plus a new stadium on the way for the 2002 season, Williams is expecting the Raptors to continue
their improvement.
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Bob
Diepold - P/IF Camden Catholic HS/Oaklyn, NJ |
Barry
Huver - SS Williamstown HS/Williamstown, NJ |
|
Mike Murphy - P/OF Highland HS/Blackwood, NJ |
|
|
Chris Staszewski - C/IF Washington Twp. HS/Sewell,NJ |
|
|
Joe Eubanks - 1B/OF Washington Twp. HS/Sewell,NJ |
Mike Roth - OF Gloucester Catholic HS/Bellmawr, NJ |
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - NEWARK
SCARLET KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Stan Hyman
2000 Record: 6-12 NJAC, 19-18 Overall
Look for Rutgers-Newark to make their presence known in the NJAC, as evidenced by their selection as the team most likely to cause an upset in the pre-season coaches' poll.
Third-year head coach Stan Hyman returns seven regular position players and five starting pitchers from last season. But there are giant shoes to fill – those belonging to all-American catcher/outfielder Troy Longo. Gone are Longo’s .485 batting average, his 63 runs batted in and the departed senior’s nine home runs. Sophomore catcher/infielder Shawn Dyckman and junior infielder Steve Ballerini, the last two NJAC Rookies of the Year, figure to pace the Raiders this spring. Dyckman batted .369 with 21 RBIs while Ballerini drove in 33 runs while stroking 12 doubles and three home runs. Centerfielder Bill Shaver will anchor the defense after having batted .298 as a junior. On the mound, Hyman is counting heavily on sophomores right-hander Jed Rohmann (5.57 ERA, 3-3 record in 2000), lefty Alex Nicolov (3.24, 5-0) and righty Luke Mistretta (4.50, 3-0) and senior right-hander John Iantosca (4.50, 3-1).|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Shawn
Dyckman - C/IF Spotswood HS/Spotswood, NJ |
Not available at this time |
| Steve
Ballerini - IF HS/ ,NJ |
|
| Alex
Nicolov - P HS/ , NJ |
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
PIONEERS
Head Coach: Jeff Albies
2000 Record: 13-5 NJAC, 20-18 Overall
The Pioneers will look to improve on last year's 20-18
season, as head coach Jeff Albies enters his 27th season at the helm of the baseball
team, and boasts 709 career wins, ranking 5th in the country. "Good is not good enough," Albies commented as he pointed out that the team has worked
hard in the off-season. Improving defensively will be a primary goal for the
Pioneers, who committed 85 errors in the field last season. But William Paterson hopes to pick up where their potent
offensive
left off last season, as they hit .310 as a team. Key players returning to
the team are senior outfielders Robin Roberts and Jack Lipari, as well senior infielder
Matt Rozema and senior pitcher Dan Snyder. Roberts hit .466 last season, second highest in
school history for a single season.
|
KEY RETURNEES |
KEY NEWCOMERS |
| Robin
Roberts - OF Bergen Tech/Hackensack, NJ |
Dan
Sherlock - IF Lake Hopatcong HS/Lake Hopatcong, NJ |
| Jack
Lipari - OF Northern Highlands HS/Allendale, NJ |
|
| Matt
Rozema - IF Fair Lawn HS/Fair Lawn, NJ |
Bo
Coutts - P Dover HS/Mine Hill, NJ |
| Dan
Snyder - P Holy Cross HS/Burlington, NJ |