Coaches

#5 Mike Roberts, Field Manager

Coach Roberts returns to Cotuit for his fifth consecutive season in 2008. During his coaching tenure in the Cape League, which includes 2 seasons in Wareham in 1984 and 2000, Coach Roberts has lead his team to the play-offs in 4 of those 6 seasons with the last trip being with the 2006 Western Division Champion Kettleers.

From 1978 through 1998, Roberts was the head coach at the University of North Carolina and then went on to UNC-Asheville, where he coached in the spring of 2000. All totaled, Roberts’ teams have made nine NCAA post-season appearances and two College World Series appearances. His teams have also had a strong history of being tops amid their ACC peers, five times capturing the ACC Regular Season Championship and four times the ACC Tournament Championship. Eight of Roberts’ former players have been first round draft picks in the annual Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. Sixteen of his former players have played in Major League Baseball. His lifetime collegiate coaching record is 850-450-3. His greatest individual coaching success is his own son, Brian Roberts, currently the two time all-star 2nd baseman for the Baltimore Orioles.

Five of Coach Roberts’ former players are now collegiate head coaches, many are assistants, and several others work in professional baseball. “I am pleased so many of the fine young men I have recruited through the years continue to enjoy a career helping young men try to reach their academic, athletic, and career goals. Every summer in Cotuit the goal is to win a Cape League Championship. We strive to accomplish this goal with mature student/athletes from around the nation who embrace our wonderful community and their host families and want to be positive role models for the hundreds of youngsters who attend the ever-growing Kettleer baseball clinics.”

Prior to managing Wareham to the Western Division regular season title in 2000, Roberts had led Wareham to the same title in 1984. Each of those two seasons, Roberts’ Cape League teams led the entire League in stolen bases and continued this tradition with the 2007 Kettleers. In 2000, Roberts’ Wareham team tied the Cape League all-time single season stolen base record.

In the off-season, Coach Roberts is studying part-time for his Doctorate in Sports Administration at the University of New Mexico, while writing a book on base stealing to be published in 2008. His son Brian, who led the American League in stolen bases in 2007, will contribute to the writing.

Mike works for Athletes’ Performance as the Business Development Manager for Baseball. AP is featured often in publications as the premier athletic training center for Elite Athletes in the USA and around the world. Current Boston Red Sox players Manny Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis did their 2008 off-season training with AP.

Noah Scott, Assistant Coach

Noah steps into the coaching ranks after a two-year career as the right fielder and team captain for the Rangers of Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

In 55 games played during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, he recorded 45 runs, 10 doubles, 9 home runs, 14 stolen bases, 46 runs batted in, along with a slugging percentage of .588 and a .439 on base percentage to finish his career as a Ranger.

Prior to attending NWOSU, Scott played both corners of the infield and saw time in the outfield for a year each at Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, AZ, and at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, OR.

Scott earned his B.S. in Health and Physical Education from NWOSU in 2007 while compiling a cumulative GPA of 3.4. Scott was the recipient of the Gene Filson Athletic Scholarship, awarded to a member of the NWOSU Baseball team who best typified characteristics of leadership, high morals, dedication, academic merit, and athletic talent.

Recently, Scott completed a 16-week Internship as a Performance Specialist at the Athletes’ Performance training facility located in Tempe, Ariz. He had the opportunity to train several elite MLB players including Manny Ramirez, Brian Roberts, and Dustin Pedroia.

Scott is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and is CPR/AED Certified by the American Red Cross.

Scott was born on November 24th 1981 and resides in Denver, CO.

Grant Rembert, Assistant Coach

Brother of 2007 assistant coach Aaron Rembert, Grant is an assistant baseball coach at Elon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2005 and his MBA in 2007.

As freshman on a baseball scholarship at the UNC Asheville, Grant was a Louisville Slugger All American and Big South All Tournament catcher. In 2003, he was named to the Johnny Quick Pepsi Classic All Tournament Team. After transferring to Elon University in 2004, as captain of the baseball team, he earned the NCBWA National Hitter of the Week award and twice was named to the Southern Conference All Conference Team. In 2006, he signed a professionally with the Evansville Otters from Evansville, IN, and was a member of the 2006 Frontier League Championship Team.

Grant’s extensive experience with baseball camps and knowledge of baseball will bring a strong background to the Kettleers 2008 season.

Kevin Kimball, Assistant Coach

Kevin started his coaching career as an assistant on the UNC baseball staff. He primarily worked with the Bears outfielders. Kimball earned his bachelors in Kinesiology from Northern Colorado in 2000.

Prior to coaching Kimball enjoyed a standout two-year career at UNC after transferring from Southern Idaho Junior College. In 1999 the Great Falls, Montana native was named team captain, started in centerfield, and led the team in batting average (.360), doubles (7), triples (3), and stolen bases (28). Over two seasons, Kimball batted .356 with 16 doubles, five triples, six home runs, and 45 runs batted in. Following his UNC career, Kimball had a short stint in the Los Angeles Dodger organization.

From 2002-2004 Kimball was the volunteer assistant at Southern Illinois University where he also earned his masters in Sport Management. Kevin is currently coaching high school baseball in Phoenix, Arizona where he is the head coach at Verrado High School.

2008 Player Bios

Paul Applebee, LHP, UC Riverside, Sophomore

High School: Two-year letterwinner at Damien HS in La Verne for Head Coach Rob Verdi… helped Spartans win 2004 Sierra League Championship and advance to CIF playoffs as a junior and senior… named first team all-league in 2005… selected to 2005 Inland Valley All-Star Game… member of Billiards and Bowling Clubs.
Personal: Paul Andrew David Applebee was born on May 17, 1988, in Upland, CA… son of Robert and Laura Applebee… has yet to declare a major… cheers for the Oakland A’s, Los Angeles Kings, and Green Bay Packers… favorite athletes are Barry Zito, Huston Street, Mark Mulder, and Brett Favre… loves to eat bread, steak, chicken nuggets, and In ‘n’ Out… favorite TV shows are The Simpsons and Law and Order… favorite movies are “Big Fish”, “Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind”, and “Fight Club”… listens to Saves the Day, The Get Up Kids, and Reel Big Fish… hobbies include listening to music, playing billiards, and golf… most memorable sports moment was striking out 11 and getting the win in his first CIF start… lists his parents as his biggest influence because they have traveled to all of his games and his father was his Little League coach.

Seth Blair, RHP, Arizona State, Freshman

High School: A 2007 graduate of Rock Falls High School in Rock Falls, Illinois…earned four letters in baseball and three in basketball…was a three-time captain of the baseball team and was the captain of the basketball team his senior year…a decorated high school player, Blair went 34-8 with eight saves during his high school career, including twice setting a school record with ten wins…struck out a school record 124 batters during his senior season…also hit .432 and set school records with 212 hits, 97 stolen bases and 114 RBI…led Rock Falls to the postseason all four years…was named All-Area First Team, NCIC Second Team All-Conference and won the Hustle Award as a freshman…was a preseason Puma All-American entering his sophomore year…named the Top Pitcher and MVP of his team as a sophomore, as well as NCIC First Team All-Conference Pitcher and Daily Gazette Baseball Player of the Year honors…was selected to the Team USA Youth National Team and was named one of the Top 50 players in Illinois…as a junior earned preseason Puma All-American accolades…was named Team MVP and won the hitting and defense award…also named NCIC All-Area First Team and Honorable Mention All-State honors…also named the Daily Gazette Baseball Player of the Year for the second straight year…ranked #1 player in the state of Illinois…was named a preseason All-American as a senior…won the Daily Gazette Player of the Year award for the third straight year…earned Second Team All-State honors from the Chicago Tribune and First Team All-State honors from the IHSBCA…named Team MVP and won hitting and pitching award.

MLB Draft: Selected in the 47th round (1,388th overall) by the Oakland Athletics in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft.

Personal: Is an exploratory major…son of Alan and Cheri Blair of Rock Falls, Illinois…lists Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres and Barry Zito of the San Francisco Giants as his favorite players…enjoys watching Dancing With The Stars…born March 3, 1989 in Sterling, Illinois.

Kevin Castner, RHP, Cal-Poly, Sophomore

2008: Expected to be Cal Poly’s closer this spring.

2007: Appeared in seven games, all in relief … no decision and 15.43 ERA … did not allow an earned run in first five appearances, including 1.2 scoreless, hitless innings against San Diego State on Feb. 2 … gave up six earned runs in both the UNLV and Oregon State games, his final two appearances on the mound in 2007 … listed No. 3 pro prospect from the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League by Baseball America and Perfect Game last summer … played for the Corvallis Knights, posting 1-2 record, 2.08 ERA and two saves with 29 strikeouts in 21.2 innings … opponents hit just .173 … named WCCBL All-Star.

2006: Redshirt … did not play summer baseball due to shoulder injury.

Prep: A three-year varsity letter winner in baseball at Acalanes High School … posted 2.63 ERA with one save and no decisions as a senior, helping Dons to 18-8 record, the Diablo Foothill Athletic League title and a quarterfinal-round appearance in the CIF-North Coast Section playoffs … hit .264 with four doubles, two home runs and 13 RBIs … earned All-Diablo Foothill Athletic League honors as a senior … also played third base and in the outfield … participated in drama.

Personal: Son of Joseph and Beth Castner … two sisters, Cara and Caylin … father played football and baseball at Occidental College … a grandfather played basketball at Kansas … claims to play “a mean game of tennis” … born August 3, 1987, in Concord, CA … majors in social science.

Evan Crawford, 2B-Shortstop, Indiana, Sophomore

FRESHMAN YEAR: Was one of the top freshmen in the Big Ten in his debut season, hitting .333 with one home run, 30 RBIs and 30 runs … led all conference freshmen and finished second on the team with 18 stolen bases on the season … finished the season with 121 assists, tied for second-most on the team … played in 51 games, earning 50 starts … began his career with hits in each of his first eight games, posting a .500 average over that time … had another eight-game hitting streak from March 17-April 1, going 11-for-27 over that span … had 20 multi-hit games, second-most on the squad … went 4-for-6 with three RBIs and three runs against Eastern Illinois (3/2) … was named to the AutoZone Classic All-Tournament Team after going 8-for-15 with four runs at the three-game tourney … hit his first career home run against Louisville (5/8) … finished the season on a 12-for-23 hot streak to raise his season average 27 points over the final six games … went 4-for-5 with three RBIs in a season-ending walkoff win over Minnesota (5/20).

PREP/PERSONAL: Joins the Indiana baseball team in 2007 after earning three letters for Dave Starling at Reynoldsburg High School … finished his senior season with a .462 average, stealing 21 bases in 22 attempts on the year … was named first team all-state for that effort, and was selected to the Columbus Dispatch All-Agonis team … finished his career with 61 steals in 64 attempts and with a .410 batting average … hit .446 with 26 swipes in 28 attempts as a junior … earned first team All-Ohio Capital Conference laurels, first team all-district honors and was selected his team’s MVP in each of his final two seasons … as a sophomore, Crawford hit .345 and was 14-for-14 on the basepaths … has one older brother, Merlon L. Crawford III … parents are Kelly and Merlon L. Crawford Jr. and Janet Robinson.

Brandon Cumpton, RHP, Georgia Tech, Freshman

High School: Four-year letterwinner at Greenbrier High School … Played one year for coach Rodney Holder after beginning his prep career under Ed Williams … Two-year captain of the Wolfpack baseball team … Tabbed a Louisville Slugger High School All-American as a pitcher and third baseman in 2007 … Finished his career with a 31-3 record and a 1.01 ERA while also hitting .415 with 10 home runs and 106 RBI … Led Greenbrier to the 2006 and 2007 AAAA State Championship as well as three region championships … Named the Region Player of the Year in 2007 … Tabbed a Team Georgia Senior Selection in 2007 after playing for Team Georgia in 2006 … Led his 2007 Savannah Chain team to the Barrett-Fletcher World Series title, earning the win in the championship game … Member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Personal: Full name is Brandon Tyler Cumpton … Born November 16, 1988 … Son of Ron and Jolene Cumpton … Intends to major in business management at Georgia Tech.

Matt Fairel, LHP, Florida State, Freshman

2007: Made his collegiate debut against Tennessee pitching 0.2 of an inning … gave up 28 hits in 33.2 innings of work … went six appearances without giving up a run twice in 2007, one a span of six innings, the other a span of 11 innings … held right handed hitters to a .213 batting average … pitched 3.1 innings against Miami to pick up his first collegiate save … in seven games, including four of his last five to close out the season, pitched at least two innings or more … registered his first collegiate victory against Georgia Tech as he threw 4.1 shutout innings in relief … he also struck out five batters in the win…recorded his second win of the season throwing 2.2 innings of shutout baseball in FSU’s 6-2 win over Bethune-Cookman in the NCAA Regional … set career-highs in innings pitched (4.2), hits allowed (8) and strikeouts (6) in his final outing against Mississippi State in the Tallahassee Regional

MLB DRAFT: Drafted in the 2006 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants in the 32nd round with the 956th pick.

HIGH SCHOOL: 2006 FSWA 5A First Team All-State as a pitcher … Lakeland Ledger’s 2006 Player of the Year … New Chief Player of the Year … F.A.C.A. District 12 M.V.P … hit .471 with four home runs and 29 RBIs … went 10-4 on the hill with a 1.49 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 94 innings of work … threw a no-hitter versus Kathleen High School … won all three regional games to lead Winter Haven to State … 2005 FSWA 4A All-State third-team … was 5-2 as a starter and also recorded one save in 2005 … posted a 2.21 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 39 innings of work … hit .396 with three home runs and 31 RBIs for the Blue Devils as a junior … team finished as state runner-up for the second year in a row … 2005 IBC High School Player of the Year … rated one of Florida’s top recruits by sunshinestatebaseball.com … 2005 and 2006 Blue Devil Classic All-Tournament Team. IBC BASEBALL: Played for Team IBC over the past five years going 16 -1 over his high school career … threw three no-hitters and four one-hitters … only loss came in his 9th grade year at the WWBA Underclassmen World Series where he pitched a one- hitter and lost 1-0 to Team Ontario … three no-hitters came against SWFB, Bayside Yankees and Kentucky Royals … also hit .450 and played outfield.

PERSONAL: Son of Doug Fairel and Linda Leifheit … mother attended Florida State … two sisters Jennifer (28) and Annie (25) and a brother Doug (23) … graduated from Winter Haven with high honors and a 3.9 GPA.

Nate Garcia, RHP, UC-Santa Clara, Freshman

AS A FRESHMAN IN 2007: Named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team … started all 16 games in which he appeared … went 5-6 with a 5.06 ERA, and 74 strikeouts in 90.1 innings … earned first win after striking out five in five innings against Utah on Feb. 3 … struck out eight and allowed only one run on three hits at San Diego State on Feb. 10, but got no-decision … got another no-decision against Cal Poly on Feb. 24, allowing only two runs on six hits over six innings while striking out six … didn’t allow an earned run in six innings for second win March 4 at San Jose State … struck out five and allowed only three runs on six hits over 8.1 innings of work Apr. 5 at San Francisco … struck out career-high 13 batters, including nine batters in a row at one point, against Gonzaga on Apr. 13 … struck out six and allowed only three runs over seven innings in win over Saint Mary’s on May 4 … got fifth win of the year by striking out six and allowing only three runs over eight innings against Sacramento State on May 19.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION: A 2006 graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, Calif … played for Coach Gary Cunningham … in 2005 was Bellarmine Varsity MVP, All-WCAL First Team Pitcher, San Jose Mercury News Second Team CCS … in 2006 was named First Team All-State, named to the 2006 Louisville Slugger High School All-American Team, CCS Player of the Year, San Jose Mercury News All-CCS First Team, Bellarmine Varsity MVP, All-WCAL First Team Utility Player and Pitcher of the Year, Sports Focus POY, CalHi Sports POY, and USA Today National Pitcher of the week.

PERSONAL DATA: Born in Santa Clara, Calif … son of Gilbert and Brenda Garcia … has two older siblings, Jonathan and Vanessa … enjoys bowling, golfing and wakeboarding … wants to play professional baseball.

Mike Gilmartin, SS/RHP, Wofford, Sophomore

Preseason starter at shortstop for the Terriers and also will be a top closer … The only switch-hitter on the team … Returning leader in runs and hits … His eight saves on the season tied the school record … Eight career saves is tied for third in school history … 2007: Named to SoCon All-Tournament Team … Named All-Southern Conference second team by the media … Earned Preseason All-Southern Conference second team honors at shortstop … Was the only SoCon newcomer named to the squad … Started all 63 games at shortstop for the Terriers and also made 21 appearances on the mound … Hit .322 for the season with 86 hits, including twelve doubles and fourteen home runs … One of four Terriers to hit 10+ home runs as the team was the NCAA Statistical Champion with 108 total home runs … Had 50 RBIs on the season and was three-of-five on stolen base attempts … Among Southern Conference leaders, was eighth in hits (57) and ninth in homeruns (14) … Led the team with a fifteen-game hitting streak … On the mound, he led the team with a 4.11 ERA and had a 1-3 record … Pitched 35.0 innings in 21 appearances and threw 19 strikeouts with only 16 earned runs … Picked up first save of the season against Dayton (Feb. 10), getting two strikeouts … Against IPFW (Feb. 17) had four hits in five at-bats with three RBIs … Also against IPFW (Feb. 18) had three hits and a run … In the final game against Niagara (March 4) had three hits … Against Lafayette (March 14) had four hits in five at-bats with a home run and three RBIs … Had three hits, including two doubles, against N.C. A&T (March 28) … Had three hits each in back-to-back games with Georgia Tech (April 3) and The Citadel (April 6) … Posted three RBIs against Davidson (April 15) … Against UNC Greensboro (April 21) went a season-long 4.0 innings with one strikeout … Had a season-high five RBIs against UNC Greensboro (April 22) on two hits … Earned the win against Furman (May 6) with one strikeout in 2.2 innings and added two hits and an RBI in the game … In the second game of the Southern Conference Tournament against the College of Charleston (May 23), had four hits in six at-bats with three runs … In the Southern Conference Championship game against The Citadel (May 26), played 2.1 innings with three strikeouts to get the save … BEFORE WOFFORD: Redshirted as a freshman with UC Irvine … HIGH SCHOOL: Played shortstop, second base and pitched for Crespi High in Encino, California … Earned All-CIF honors in 2003, ‘04 and ‘05 … Three-time All-Mission League selection … Team MVP as a senior … Hit .395 and went 4-4 on the mound as a senior … His 129 career hits is the second-most in Crespi Carmelite history … Ranks fifth all-time with eight career homers and fifth with 18 victories … Earned league Most Valuable Pitcher honors as a junior and was the MVP of the Toyo Tires National Classic … Helped Crespi to league championship in 2004 and runner-up spot in CIF Division III … Squad captured a CIF championship in 2003 … PERSONAL: Born July 14, 1987 … Son of Paul and JoAnna Gilmartin … A history major.

Mario Hollands, LHP, UC Santa Barbara, Sophomore

2007: The left-hander with tremendous potential could find his way into the weekend rotation sometime this season.
High School: Played for Brian Nicholas at El Cerrito High School, where he pitched and played outfield and first base for the Gauchos … Went 7-2 with an ERA of .60, 89 strikeouts and only 12 walks … As a junior, tallied a record of 9-2 with an 1.00 ERA, 82 strikeouts and 16 walks … Selected First Team All-League after his junior and senior campaigns … Selected Second Team All-League as a sophomore … Named Pitcher of the Year as a junior and senior … Earned MVP honors as a senior … Named one of “The Nation’s Best 50 Pitchers to Watch” by Student Sports … Also recruited by Cal, Oklahoma, USC and UC Irvine.
Personal: Born August 26, 1988 in Oakland, Calif…Majoring in business economics at UCSB … If he was not on the hill, he would be playing tennis … Roots for the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors and Oakland Raiders … Aspires to either work for Nike or play professional baseball … Favorite athlete is Ken Griffey, Jr. … Most memorable sports moment was throwing a no-hitter … Enjoys watching Driving Miss Daisy and The Shawshank Redemption … Tunes into re-runs of Good Times on television … Subscribes to XXL and Complex Magazines … Would choose either Denzel Washington, Will Smith or Tiger Woods to play him in a Hollywood movie about his life … Favorite aspect of Santa Barbara is the weather … Lists Michael Durant as the best player faced in baseball … Would invite Ronaldinho, The Temptations and Sean (P-Diddy) Combs to dinner … Best baseball advice received was given to him by his dad: “There is always someone out there better than you, so you must keep working hard”…Has one sister, Tanya … Son of David and Maria Hollands.

Tyler Holt, Outfielder, Florida State, Freshman

HIGH SCHOOL: Starred at Gainesville High School, lettering and starting on the school’s varsity team all four years…also played two years of football…named third team All-State as a freshman, second team All-State as a junior and first team All-State as a sophomore and senior…had a remarkable senior season as he hit .608 with six home runs, 42 RBIs, and 32 stolen bases…graduated with a 3.92 weighted GPA and was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: Son of Kenny and Becky Holt…plans on majoring in Sport Management…is first member of his family to attend college straight out of high school…was high school teammates with current Seminoles pitcher Luke Smierciak…born March 10, 1989.

Brett Jackson, Outfield, UC Berkeley, Sophomore

An outstanding left-handed hitter who is in contention for immediate playing time as a true freshman … also a strong fielder who will be vying for a starting nod in either the Bears’ infield or outfield…was high school teammates with freshman right-hander Greg Redig.

HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL: At Miramonte High School was a 2005 All-CIF shortstop, batting .385 with seven doubles, six triples, four home runs and 34 RBI … was a two-time first-team All-DFAL selection, leading his school to two-straight North Coast Section titles … was also a two-time Puma Preseason All-American, selected one of Team One Baseball’s Top 10 West players, and was a member of the Bay Area World Series All-Tournament team … undeclared major … several relatives attended Cal, including father, Peter, who competed for the men’s soccer team … parents are Peter and Katie Jackson … born August 2, 1988 in Berkeley, Calif.

Dan Jennings, LHP, Nebraska, Junior

2008: Outlook: One of the benefits of the Huskers’ postseason run was the emergence of left-hander Dan Jennings • Capped a solid sophomore year with a pair of strong outings in the NCAA Tempe Regional, highlighted by 3.1 shutout innings against No. 14 UC Riverside in the Huskers’ NCAA opener • Earned his lone win in his only start, limiting Iowa to one earned run over four pre-determined innings • Combines a fastball in the upper 80 with improved breaking pitches to become a more well-rounded pitcher • Worked exclusively as a starter for Waterloo in the Northwoods League, going 4-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 11 games to earn postseason all-star honors • Has put himself in a position to snag one of the spots in the Huskers’ weekend rotation this season • Carries a 3.28 cumulative GPA in economics and could challenge for academic All-America honors this spring.

2007: Jennings became one of the Huskers’ top arms out of the bullpen, going 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 13 games • Primarily used in middle relief, recording an 18-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio • Allowing just four of 21 inherited runners to score in 12 bullpen outings • Held opponents to a .265 average and allowed just three extra-base hits over 21 innings • Was at his best in the postseason, posting a 2.45 ERA in three appearances in the NCAA Tempe Regional and the Big 12 Championship • Went a career-long 5.2 innings in the NCAA Regional title game against No. 5 Arizona State on June 5, allowing three earned runs on seven hits while matching his career high with four strikeouts • Threw 3.1 shutout innings against No. 14 UC Riverside in the NCAA Regional opener on June 3, scattering three hits and striking out four • Fired two scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts in the Big 12 Tournament against Kansas State on May 24, as he came in after Charlie Shirek left the game with an injury • Made his first career start against Iowa on April 10, going a pre-determined 4.0 innings for his first collegiate win • Struck out four Hawkeyes and allowed one earned run on five hits • Made just one appearance in Big 12 action during the regular season, tossing 0.1 innings of shutout relief against Missouri on March 23 • Tossed 1.2 innings of no-hit, shutout relief in the series opener at No. 22 Alabama on March 11 • Came out of the bullpen to get NU starter Charlie Shirek out of a two-on, one-out jam by retiring both hitters he faced against UT-Arlington on Feb. 17 • Fired 1.1 innings of shutout ball against New Mexico on Feb. 16 • Pitched for the Waterloo (Iowa) Bucks in the Northwoods League over the summer, putting up a 4-3 record and a 2.01 ERA in 11 appearances en route to earning Northwoods League All-star honors • Fanned 64 over 67 innings of work, while ranking in the top 10 in ERA (seventh), complete games (two, first) and shutouts (one, first) • His best performance was a complete-game four-hit shutout of Eau Claire where he struck out 13 in a 1-0 victory.

2006: One of six freshmen who pitched for the Huskers in 2006, Jennings made seven appearances and split time between long relief and late-game situations • Did not record a decision, as he pitched 7.2 innings on the year • Enjoyed his best outing against Northern Colorado on March 28 with 1.1 innings of shutout ball, highlighted by inducing an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded • Made two appearances in Big 12 action, getting a hold in NU’s 13-inning win over Missouri on April 8 by tossing a scoreless 0.1 innings of work • Went two innings on a pair of occasions, at Iowa on April 11 and at Kansas State on March 31.

Valley High School: Jennings was a two-year letterwinner for Coach Ryan Cooley at Valley High School, helping the program to back-to-back Iowa state titles in 2004 and 2005 • Helped the program set school marks for most wins (39) and highest winning percentage (.929) during the 2005 campaign • Took home first-team all-district and all-state honors in 2005, posting a 9-0 record with a 0.85 ERA • Tossed five shutouts, including a perfect game, as he closed his high school career with a perfect 11-0 mark on the mound • Selected to play in the 2005 Iowa state high school all-star game • Was a two-way performer who also hit .494 as a senior and set a school mark with a .482 career batting average • Went 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA as a reliever in 2004, as Valley went 36-10 and won a state crown • Also played two seasons of basketball • Named to the school honor roll in each of his last three seasons and garnered academic all-conference recognition in 2004 and 2005 • Looked at Northern Iowa, Kansas State and several community colleges before choosing to become a Husker.

Personal: Born on April 17, 1987, in Berkeley, Calif. • Parents are Bob and Janet Jennings • Has one brother (Tom) who plays tennis at Coe College • Majors in economics where he has a 3.28 GPA.

Brendon Kelliher, INF-OF, George Washington, Freshman

American Legion: Top hitter for Bob Corradi’s Post 188 team this summer… just finished playoffs for 18-7 Post 188 team that finished in second place in District 10.

AT GW: Expected to add depth to the infield positions.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Dave Aycock … Lettered in baseball all four years at Sandwich High … Named a Cape Cod Times All-Star and an Atlantic Coast League All-Star sophomore, junior and senior seasons (2005-07) … Starting infielder for Post 188 American Legion State Champions in 2005 … Led team in RBI, with a batting average of .333, at the 2005 American Legion New England Regionals … Graduated in the top-third of his class … Outstanding Scholar in English freshman and sophomore years … Outstanding Musicianship as a sophomore … Peer Mediator and Peer Leader for all four years.

PERSONAL: John Brendon Kelliher … Born January 7, 1989, in Hyannis, MA … Son of Jack and Lori Kelliher … Has one brother, Daniel (16) … Undecided on major.

Jason Kipnis, OF, Arizona State, Sophomore

ASU: A sophomore transfer from Kentucky…appeared in 34 games for Kentucky in 2007 after redshirting in 2006.

2007 (Sophomore): Saw action in 34 games for the Wildcats, making 29 starts in the outfield…was named the SEC’s Freshman of the Week on February 19…hit .337 with six homers and 27 RBI…stole 11 bases in 12 attempts…also drew 18 walks and was hit by six pitches.

High School: A 2005 graduate of Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois…earned three letters in baseball and two in football…was two-time team captain of the baseball team and also football team captain…earned First Team All-State honors as a senior…was the Central Suburban League Most Valuable Player as a senior…twice named his team MVP…was named All-Conference in junior and senior seasons…hit .520 with eight homers and 36 stolen bases as a senior…hit .455 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI as a junior, setting a school record for homers…was an All-Conference wide receiver, setting school records for catches, yards and TDs in a season.

Personal: Interested in studying sociology and education…son of Mark and Kay Kipnis of Northbrook, Illinois…has two older brothers, Blair and Todd, and an older sister, Amanda…nickname is Kip…lists Super Bad as his favorite move…says Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is his favorite athlete…born April 3, 1987 in Northbrook, Illinois.

Jeff Kobernus, Outfield, UC Berkeley, Sophomore

Another multi-talented freshman who could see immediate playing time in either the infield or outfield for the Bears…was high school teammates with junior right-hander Tyson Ross at Bishop O’Dowd High School…

HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL: At Bishop O’Dowd High School played shortstop, earning 2005 and 2006 all-league and All-East Bay honors…had a career .415 batting average, including hitting .423 with six doubles, three triples, two home runs and 22 RBI as a junior…was a two-time North Coast Section Scholar-Athlete…competed in the 2005 Area Code Games and at the 2005 17U Junior World Wood Bat Association National Tournament in Marietta, Ga., helping NorCal to a co-national championship, batting .455 with a home run and nine RBI…undeclared major…father, Jeff, played minor league baseball for the Seattle Mariners…parents are Jeff and Margie Kobernus…born June 30, 1988 in San Leandro, Calif.

John Lambert, LHP, Sante Fe CC, Sophomore

Santa Fe Community College left handed pitcher John Lambert has been drafted by the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball in the 36th round (pick 1081), of the 2008 MLB First Year Player’s Draft.

Lambert, a transfer from Wright St., finished the 2008 season for the Saints with a 2-4 record, a 5.58 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 59.2 innings pitched.The 6’7” sophomore has signed to play next season at North Carolina St. University of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Prep: Lettered all four seasons for the Trojans…selected as the team captain during his senior season…garnered All-Duneland Athletic Conference First Team honors as a junior…selected to the All-State First Team during his senior season…earned PUMA All-American honors as a senior…played for head coach Jack Campbell while at CHS…drafted in the 37th round by the Texas Rangers in the 2006 MLB First Year Player Draft.

Personal: Born John Patrick Lambert on October 11, 1987…the son of Bob and Leslie Lambert…has two brothers and one sister.

Joey Lewis, C-1B, Georgia, Sophomore

2007 (Freshman): Appeared in 53 games with 49 starts (40-C, 9-DH) … Batted .250-5-24 with a .993 FLDG% in 289 total chances (2 errors) … Threw out 37% of would-be base stealers (21-of-57) … Only made two errors all year, one in season opener on Feb. 9 against #15 Oregon State and then one against Western Carolina on April 25 … Hit .252-4-15 in SEC action (29 games, 27 starts) … Hit first home run to tie game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth against Gardner-Webb on March 10, GWU eventually won in a school-record 17 innings that took 4:03 … Hit game-tying two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth against #9 Arkansas on April 21 but Razorbacks posted 7-6 win in 10 innings … Hit .533 (8-for-15) with two runs and two RBI in Kentucky series in April … Posted a 5-for-5 performance in 9-3 road win over Kentucky on April 28

High School: A graduate of Starr’s Mill where he played for coach Brent Moseley … Named Louisville Slugger High School All-American
Led team to 28-2 mark and No. 14 final ranking in Baseball America HS Top 50 … Named Atlanta Journal-Constitution Fayette/Coweta Hitter of the Year … Batted .506 with 14 home runs, 45 RBI and 46 runs scored and 30 walks as a senior … Baseball America/Prospect Plus Top 300 Class of 2006 … Named Most Valuable Player and Region Player of the Year … Only struck out seven times in 81 at bats … Hit .341-8-19 as a junior and led the Panthers to the state quarterfinals … Batted .342-8-27 as a sophomore as squad reached the state
quarterfinals … Member of Junior Team Georgia and Home Plate Chillidogs
Personal: Born Oct. 13, 1987 … Son of Julie and George Sumrow and Rick Lewis Major: Physical Education

Dallas Poulk, Infielder, NC State, Sophomore

As a freshman (2007): Earned first-team Freshman All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball magazine, and second-team from Baseball America … Led the team in batting at .394, the second-highest batting average ever by an NC State freshman, and led the team in hitting in virtually every conceivable category, including ACC games (.375), non-ACC games (.424), home games (.392), away games (.373), neutral-site games (.458), day games (.404) and night games (.383) … Batted .458 in six postseason games, including .455 in three ACC Tournament games and .462 in three NCAA Regional games … Finished the season with a 17-game hitting streak, longest on the team in 2007 by seven games, and the longest by a Wolfpack hitter since 2005 … Batted .459 (34-for-74) during the hitting streak … Had two or more hits in 11 of the 17 games during the hitting streak, and had three or more hits in six of the 17 … Had 13 hits in a five-game span from May 4 vs. Campbell through May 12 at Virginia … Led the team with 18 multiple-hit games, including a team-best 10 three-hit games … Moved into the starting lineup on March 14 against Valparaiso, went 1-for-2 with three RBIs, and never looked back … Batted .398 (64-for-161) the rest of the season (42 games) … Did not have consecutive hitless games after moving into the starting lineup … Made an even bigger impact when he moved into the leadoff spot in the lineup on May 4 vs. Campbell … Went 3-for-5 in that game, and batted .465 (33-for-71) with two doubles, three triples, one home run and 13 runs scored as the leadoff hitter the rest of the year (16 games) … Had three hits in a game five times in ACC games, once in the ACC Tournament and once in the NCAA Tournament … Went 3-for-4 with a double, three runs scored and three RBIs on April 27 in the opening game of the North Carolina series at Doak Field … Had four hits, including two triples, and scored three runs in five at-bats on May 12 at Virginia … Went 2-for-4 with a game-winning walk-off home run May 18 vs. Clemson … Went 3-for-4 and scored twice May 26 vs. Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament.

Summer league: Played for the Santa Barbara Foresters of the California Collegiate League in 2007, batted .325 with 10 doubles, two triples, 14 RBIs, 30 runs scored and 12 steals in 15 attempts to help the Foresters win the CCL championship with a 47-10 record and earn a berth in the National Baseball Congress World Series.

High school: Batted .392 with one home runs, four RBIs, 11 runs scored, 13 stolen bases as a senior in 2006 for Pine Forest and head coach Tom Wiiloughby … Earned first-team all-conference honors in the All-Two-Rivers Conference for the third time in as many years … Batted .426 with six doubles, three triples, one home run, 14 RBIs and 16 stolen bases as a junior in 2005 … Was a first-team all-conference pick for the second year in a row … Went 5-2 with a 1.97 ERA, three saves and 35 strikeouts in 32 innings as a pitcher … Was a first-team all-conference selection as a sophomore in 2004 when he batted .392 with four doubles, one triple, one home run, 22 runs scored, 14 RBIs and nine steals … Went 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA as a pitcher, allowing 33 hits and striking out 61 in 45 2/3 innings … Named second-team all-conference as a freshman in 2003 after batting .446 with five doubles, 23 runs scored and 16 stolen bases.

Personal: Born May 16, 1988 … Is the son of Steve and Debbie Poulk … Enrolled in the First-Year College.

Robbie Shields, Infield-SS, Florida Southern, Sophomore

HIGH SCHOOL: 2006 graduate of Pasco High School … four-year player in baseball … first-team all-conference selection as a junior and senior … Pasco County Player of the Year as a senior … hit .553 with 18 home runs and 40 RBI … named to school’s academic honor roll every year.

PERSONAL: son of John and Pam Shields … major not yet declared … born 12/7/87.

Robert Stock, C-RHP, USC, Sophomore

2007 Cotuit Kettleers: As young as he was at age 17, Stock found himself right in the thick of things last summer for the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod Baseball League — whether behind the plate or on the pitcher’s mound. Stock ended up batting .228 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 39 games last summer… he ended up being the Kettleer’s top closer with three saves and a 7.88 era (0-1).

2007 College: After bypassing his senior year in high school to enroll at USC in the fall of 2006, Stock will be one of the most interesting stories in college baseball as a 2007 freshman…expected to be the team’s No. 1 starting catcher, but also has the ability to be one of the team’s closers on the mound.

Youth National Team: He was a member of the 2004 and 2005 U.S. Youth National Team.

High School: Stock was named 2005 Baseball America Youth Player of the Year after his junior season at Agoura (Calif.) High for coach Scott Deck…batted .456 with six home runs and 25 RBI while posting a 5-3 record with a 2.69 ERA with a fastball clocked as high as 95 miles per hour…behind the plate, he committed only one error and threw out almost 70% of all base runners…played in the 2006 Aflac All-American Classic in San Diego where he was the starting pitcher for the West squad and allowed two unearned runs in one inning before striking out the side…showed his hitting prowess later in the game with a solo home run to center field…batted .400 with eight home runs in his sophomore season…named the top player in the nation by Baseball America in his age group three years in a row (age 13, 14 and 15)…along with his Baseball America honors, Stock was named Player of the Year by the Los Angeles Times and earned All-CIF first team honors…his Agoura team reached the CIF Division I final, losing to Lakewood, 2-1, despite Stock throwing six shutout innings and going 3-for-3 at the plate…recorded a 3.8 GPA while at Agoura.

Personal: He is majoring in business…parents are Gregg and Randi…has two brothers, Richard and Jacob, and two sisters, Sasha and Sabina…favorite movies are Gladiator, Forrest Gump and Lord Of The Rings…favorite television show is South Park…enjoys listening to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix…birthdate is Nov. 21, 1989.

Zach Von Tersch, RHP, Georgia Tech, Sophomore

A physically gifted, hard-throwing pitcher that has spent one season with the Georgia Tech program … Has three pitches that he throws very well … Made great strides in his first year of collegiate baseball and coaches expect tremendous growth as he continues to gain experience and exposure in the southeast.

Drafted in the 38th round by the Washington Nationals in the 2006 Major Leage Baseball Draft, but elected to attend school.

Named to the ACC Honor Roll in 2007.

2007: Made 13 appearances during the season,six of which were scoreless outings … Made a start in the first appearance of his career … Held Duqesne (2/25) scoreless while striking out one in his first relief appearance … Pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning against Georgia Southern (2/28) in the Jackets’ 6-2 win over the Eagles … Struck out a season-hifh four batters in 1.2 innings against Georgia (4/24) … Tossed two scoreless innings, striking out three, in the Jackets’ 11-3 win at USF (3/28) … Made a career-long outing against Florida State (5/19), holding the Seminoles scoreless on just one hit while striking out two in three innings of work.

High School: Three year letterwinner for coach Jack Sole at Cedar Falls High School … Went 5-1 with a save while posting a 0.97 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 57.2 IP his senior year at Cedar Falls … The Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year, Mississippi Valley Conference Player of the Year and BCA District Player of the Year in 2006 … Rated the No. 1 prospect in the state of Iowa by Perfect Game USA … Named to the 2006 All-State Super Team … First team all-state by the Iowa Newspaper and the Baseball Coaches Association … Captain of the 4A Team … Received the Bob Feller Pitching Award as the top pitcher in Class 4A … Two-time first-team all-conference … Participated in the Area Code Games and the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game … Also lettered one year for basketball coach Jerry Slykhuis at Cedar Falls.

Personal: Full name is Zachary Taylor Von Tersch … Born April 22, 1988 … Son of John and Annette Von Tersch … Majoring in Management.