Posted:
January 20, 2015The Century College baseball team signed 14 student-athletes in the 2016 class beginning on Friday, January 15, 2016.
The 14 players in the 2016 recruiting class consist of 10 players from Minnesota, 3 players from Iowa, and one player from Florida. Six of the incoming recruits are ranked among the top 87 players in Minnesota and Iowa according to Prep Baseball Report. Prep Baseball Report is one of the most respected authority figures compiling high school rankings.
Signing with the Wood Ducks are Ryan Hennen (Rocori HS), Tyler Fredlund (Mounds View HS), Griffin Schneider (Wayzata HS), Matt Theis (Shakopee HS), Joey Wehr (St Anthony Village HS), Andrew Webster (St Anthony Village HS), Trevor Epps (Eden Prairie HS), Jesus Arteaga (Minnetonka HS), Ryan Lust (Blaine HS), Mike Schiller (Burnsville HS), Drew Prange (Ankeny Centennial HS, IA), Cory Koster (Ankeny Centennial HS, IA), Jack Voigt (Ankeny HS, IA), Freddy Gonzalez (Trinity Christian Academy, Fl).
“This group of players is not only very talented, but they are coming from some of the most successful high school programs in their respective states,” stated Head Coach Dwight Kotila. “Our coaching staff has done an excellent job finding these players and recruiting them to our program.”
The following is the list of Century recruits with information and coaches comments on each player:
Ryan Hennen (LHP Rocori HS)
Ryan is the 67th ranked player in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report. “Ryan was one of our top targets this year as he is one of the best left handed pitchers not only in the St Cloud area, but also statewide. He is a good sized athlete who already has a fastball in low to mid 80’s, and that will only get better.”
Drew Prange (SS Ankeny Centennial HS, IA)
Drew is the 54th rated player in Iowa according to Prep Baseball Report. “Drew is a very skilled player who combines good defense with being a middle of the order type hitter. We are very excited to see how he develops over the next couple years.”
Griffin Schneider (OF Wayzata HS)
Griffin is the 87th rated player in Minnesota according to Prep baseball Report. “Griffin has tremendous athleticism being 6’2 and 185lbs. He can throw upper 80’s from the outfield and could also see some time on the mound if needed. We expect Griffin to make an immediate impact as a freshman.”
Jack Voigt (LHP Ankeny HS, IA)
Jack is rated the 59th best player in Iowa according to Prep Baseball Report. “Jack is another left handed pitcher we are excited about. He has a firm fastball in the low to mid 80’s already and is just starting to develop as a pitcher.”
Cory Koster (Ankeny Centennial HS, IA)
Cory is the 77th rated player in Iowa according to Prep Baseball Report. “Cory is a fierce competitor on the mound and knows how to pitch. Fastball in the low 80’s and knows how to get hitters out. We’re excited to see him get stronger and develop the next two years.”
Tyler Fredlund (OF Mounds View HS)
Tyler comes in as the 73rd rated player in Minnesota by Prep Baseball Report. “Tyler is just a flat out gamer and is the type of player who energizes his teammates with his style of play. He is a top of the order hitter who gets on base and makes things happen.”
Trevor Epps (OF Eden Prairie HS)
“Trevor is a very fast and athletic hitter who can make an immediate impact as a freshman. Trevor also is a top of the order type hitter who gets on base and also has some good power.”
Matt Theis (C Shakopee HS)
“Matt has been one of Shakopee’s top hitters the past 2 years and has a chance to step in and hit in the middle of order as a freshman. Matt has good skills behind the plate, but also could play another position if needed.”
Jesus Arteaga (RHP Minnetonka HS)
“Jesus is truly a diamond in the rough even though his fastball has been up to 86 at times. Jesus won’t be pitching his senior year because of an injury, but he will be ready for next fall and we expect him to be a top of the rotation type guy.”
Ryan Lust (INF Blaine HS)
“Ryan is a very skilled player who can play multiple positions. Ryan has been one of the top hitters for his high school and legion teams the past couple years. He has very size (6’2, 175) and once he gets stronger he has a lot promise.”
Freddy Gonzalez (1B Trinity Christian Academy, FL)
“Freddy a big strong athlete (6’3, 215) who has some serious bat speed and power. The ball just jumps off his bat. We are excited to see what Freddy can for us the next 2 years.”
Mike Schiller (C Burnsville)
“Mike is one of the strongest players in all of Minnesota as he has competed nationally in Olympic style lifting events. Mike is very athletic and brings a passion for the game that was noticed the first time we met him. We feel Mike and Matt Theis of Shakopee are 2 of the best catchers in the metro area.”
Joseph Wehr (RHP St Anthony Village HS)
“Joseph has a big time body (6’5, 215) who we feel has the chance to develop into a very dominant pitcher. He will fit right in with our program and we expect Joseph to be one of our top pitchers the next 2 years.”
Andrew Webster (INF St Anthony Village HS)
“Andrew is one of the most athletic recruits we have coming in. He has played catcher, shortstop, and other positions in high school. Not only is he versatile, but is a very good all around player.”