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November 18, 2009

Bearkats add arms

Huntsville's Smith can be a 'big-time contributor,' SHSU coach believes

Sam Houston State head baseball coach Mark Johnson announced Tuesday the signing of four Texas high school players, plus one junior college player. The Bearkats’ latest recruiting class includes three left-handed pitchers, one right-handed pitcher and an infielder

Lefties Caleb Smith (Huntsville High School), Cody Dickson (Mansfield Summit) and Matt Walker (Robinson) will join right-handed pitcher Josh Ganze (Angleton) and infielder Jake Arrington (North Central College) on the Bearkats squad in 2011.

“Because of a very small senior class, our needs and available scholarships were limited,” Johnson said. “We are very excited about this recruiting class because it specifically addresses our critical needs. We were able to secure our needs for left-handed pitching.

“Caleb, Matt and Cody will be an immediate support in this area. Additionally, Josh brings some important help on the right side of the mound. All four of these young men are great fits and we are excited about their future in a Bearkat uniform,” he said.

Smith (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) was 5-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 2009 for head coach Jeff Brumbelow at Huntsville. He struck out 50 in 46 innings pitched, while only giving up 37 hits on his way to being named an all-district performer. Smith was selected to pitch in the Texas Scouts Association game held at Ameriquest Field this summer. During the summer he competes with the Houston Heat.

“We are very excited to have Caleb be part of our program,” Johnson said. “It’s nice to have a homegrown Huntsville athlete be part of our program. We feel that Caleb has the potential to be a big-time contributor to our program.”

Dickson (6-2, 170) is a left-handed pitcher from Mansfield Summit and plays under head coach Chris Peacock. Dickson has compiled a 15-6 record over the past two seasons and holds the school record for career wins.

Dickson was also selected to represent the Metro Scout League All-Star team in Jupiter, Fla., this fall. During the summer Dickson competes with the Fort Worth Cats led by Bruce Kirby.

“Cody is a very projectable left-handed pitcher that will help fill some holes that we have on the left side of the mound,” Johnson said. “We are happy to have him and feel that he will contribute greatly to our program early in his career at Sam Houston State.”

Walker is a dual position player who plays under Bryan Kent at Robinson High School. Walker has a career record of 20-4 with a 1.59 ERA. In 2009 he recorded 82 strikeouts on the mound, while hitting .468 with four home runs and 25 stolen bases.

Walker was an All-Centex selection in 2007 and 2009. During the summer Walker competes with the Waco Storm led by Todd Haney.

“Matt is a very gifted athlete and will fill a few different roles for our program,” Johnson said. “He has great potential from the left side of the mound and will also give us quality depth in the outfield. Matt will compete early for time on the mound and we are excited to have him here.”

Ganze (6-2, 190) is also a dual position player that will join the Bearkats in 2011. Ganze is from Angleton High School where he plays for Udean Pounds. He hit .409 with six home runs in 2009.

He also shows great potential on the mound with an upper-80’s fastball coupled with above average off-speed pitches. During the summer he competes with the Columbia Angels.

“Josh is a very strong athlete and will impact our program as a hitter and as a pitcher,” Johnson said. “He has great power potential at the plate and also has the ability to be a power type pitcher for us. We are very excited that he is a Bearkat.”

Arrington comes to Sam Houston State by way of North Central College. He was an all-conference second baseman for head coach Scott Harp in 2009. He hit .338 with 14 doubles, six triples and six home runs. He also added 12 stolen bases and 67 RBIs on the season.

Arrington was also an academic all-conference selection and was chosen to play in the Texas/New Mexico All-Star game held in Waco.

“Jake is a very versatile player that brings great athleticism to the table. He is a top of the order type of hitter and gives us an additional left-handed bat in the lineup,” Johnson said.

“He can play in the middle infield, but will more than likely make the transition this season to the outfield. Jake is a strong student and many people speak highly of his character. We are excited to add him to this year’s recruiting class.”

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