Baseball News and Notes

Overall List of 2004-05 Recruiting Class

1.  Bucky Strickland-Catcher                Transfer from Columbus State   (Ga.)  NW Whitfield HS

2.  Ryan Headden-Catcher/Utl              Boyd Buchanan HS

3.  Joe Scalzo-1B/3B/C/OF                    NW Rankin HS (Miss.)

4.  Andy Simunic-OF/Utl                        Collierville HS

5.  Chad Kerley-Catcher                         Transfer from NW Shoals CC (Ala.)  Blackman HS

6.  Aaron Hookman-1B/3B                      Knoxville West HS

7.  Steven Simmons-SS/3B                       N. Marion HS (Fla.)

8.  Tyler Champion-SS/2B                       Thomson HS (Ga.)

9.  Matt Elmore-3B                                  Rockwall HS (Tx.)

10.  AJ Renfrow-OF                                Carrollton HS (Ga.)

11.  Scott Zurcher-OF/P                         South Doyle HS

12.  Lee Vannoy-Pitcher                         South Doyle HS

13.  Dustin Millaway-OF/P                     McMinn County HS

14.  Adam Knight-Pitcher                      Ridgeland HS (Ga.)

15.  Paul Davis-Pitcher                           McMinn County HS

16.  Julian Richards-Pitcher                   Canada

17.  Brandon Knowles-Pitcher              Red Bank HS

18.  Joey Benevides-Pitcher                  San Antonio (Tx.)

19.  Taylor Leija-Pitcher                       Knoxville Bearden HS

20.  Matt Gathagan-OF/Utl                  Knoxville Bearden HS

21.  Brett Hays-Shortstop                      Stockbridge HS (Ga.)

22.  Matt Glass-3B/P                              Eagles Landing HS (Ga.)

23.  Coleman McKellar-Pitcher            Cheatham Co. Central HS 

24.  Daniel Hollifield-Pitcher                   Lumpkin County HS (Ga.)

25.  Jon Koch-Pitcher                            Cleveland HS

Finishing touches put on '04-05 recruiting class

Chattanooga State baseball has put the finishing touches on the 2004-05 recruiting class and it looks to be a very solid one.  The final pieces of the puzzle were put in place with 3 more commitments.  Coleman McKellar, Brett Hays and Matt Glass have all committed to Chatt State which will effectively end the recruiting year for Coach Greg Dennis and the Tigers team.

Coleman McKellar is a side-arming right hander that comes to Chatt State after having a stellar career at Cheatham County Central HS.  He was voted the team's MVP this year and also Most Valuable Pitcher.  He was All District and sported a 8-3 record with 10 complete games.  He struck out 68 in 59 innings and also hit over .300 for the season.  He is a very solid 3 pitch pitcher who should come in right away and compete for mound time.

Laura McKellar, Coleman McKellar, Coach Greg Dennis and Michael McKellar at Cole's recent signing.

Brett Hays is from Stockbridge HS in Henry County Georgia.  He plays shortstop and also pitches.  He is a very talented fielder with a plus arm and the frame to fill out and become a very good player.  He has enjoyed great success at Stockbridge where he led the team well into the playoffs this season.

Matt Glass graduated from Eagles Landing HS in Georgia in 2003.  He has been out a year rehabbing from an injury and is back to full strength.  An All District pitcher who also plays a very solid 3B, Glass has competed against some of the best talent in the state and region in the past.  He has been considered one of the most competitive pitchers in that area and should be a real find for the Tigers for next year.

2004-2005 Recruiting class near complete

Chattanooga State's baseball team is near completion of it's 2004-05 recruiting class, the first one under Coach Greg Dennis.  Coach Dennis added a few names to round out the class and they are:

Tyler Champion - SS/2B from Thomson HS in Thomson Georgia.

Daniel Hollifield - RHP  from Lumpkin County HS Georgia.

Taylor Leija RHP and Matt Gathagan OF/INF from Knoxville Bearden HS.

Coach Dennis is very excited about bringing in Champion who is a very solid fielding athletic shortstop who has the ability to play any infield position.  He is a solid hitter from the left side and has good speed.

Hollifield is a hard throwing righty who has set school records in wins and strikeouts.  He has a good breaking ball and is a big, strong kid who is going to get better and better.

Leija is another solid righty who has shown glimpses of great pitching and has very good stuff.  He projects to throw harder as he gets stronger and has a very good breaking ball.  Gathagan is an athletic young man that can play any and everywhere on the field.  He is a very good hitter who could be a top of the order type hitter at this level.

This almost finishes up all recruiting for Chatt State and with the addition of one or two players, recruiting for next season will be over.  A final listing of recruits and potential depth chart will be forthcoming soon.

Zurcher and Vannoy Sign

Scott Zurcher and Lee Vannoy III recently signed commitments to Chattanooga State baseball and were joined by South Doyle HS coach Robby Howard. 

3 Tigers named to All Conference Team

Sophomores Billy Carter and Mahal deCastro as well as freshman Adam Cross were named to various All Conference teams for their work this year in baseball at Chattanooga State.  Billy Carter, So. from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe HS, was named 2nd team third baseman for the 2004 season.  Billy led the team in 6 offensive categories including doubles, stolen bases, runs scored and total bases.  Billy has signed with Div. II West Alabama University.  Adam Cross, Fr. from Gordon Lee HS, was also named 2nd team outfielder for the 2004 season.  Adam led the team in batting average, hits and stolen base percentage.  He is looked to be one of the sophomores the team will build around next year.  Mahal deCastro, So. from McIntosh HS, was named 2nd team All Conference catcher on the www.tbca.org website that has covered Tennessee JUCO ball this year.  deCastro let the team in RBI's and home runs this year and has already signed with Div. II power Kennesaw State University.  CONGRATULATIONS go out to these 3 young men and the fine seasons they had.

Chattanooga State adds more names to the list

Matt Elmore from Rockwall HS ( Texas ) and Joe Scalzo NW Rankin HS ( MS )

Chattanooga State baseball announces the additions to the 2004-05 team in the names of Scott Zurcher from Knoxville South Doyle HS, Matt Elmore from Rockwall HS ( Rockwall, Texas ) and from Joe Scalzo from Northwest Rankin HS ( Mississippi ).  Zurcher is a 2-way player who has starred at South Doyle for 3 years and played both CF and pitcher.  the 6'2" 175 lb. Zurcher has hit well over .300 for his career and has been a solid outfielder during his time at South Doyle. 

Joe Scalzo comes to Chattanooga State from a NW Ranking HS team that is traditionally well thought of in the Mississippi prep circles.  He plays from head coach Jeff McClaskey and has been an outfielder, third baseman and catcher during his stint in high school.  His bat is considered one of the best in the state and he has been a huge contributor at the plate for 3 years.  He has hit well over .300 his last two seasons and averaged 8 HR's and well over 20 RBI's a year. 

Matt Elmore comes to Chattanooga State from Rockwall HS in Rockwall Texas and is part of their state ranked ( #9 ) 5A team.  He is their starting third baseman and has been recognized as the Metroplex Player of the Week by the Dallas Morning News the week of April 5th.  Matt is an outstanding defensive player who hits  left handed at the plate. 

Tigers ink South Doyle HS standout

Chattanooga State baseball announces the signing of Lee Vannoy to a baseball scholarship for 2004-2005.  Lee comes to Chatt State from Knoxville's South Doyle High School where he has been a standout for the last couple of seasons.  Lee hit .300 last year at third base but is coming to Chattanooga State as a pitcher of outstanding ability.  At South Doyle he went 5-1 last year with 65 strikeouts in 43 innings.  He possess' a powerful arm that has propelled the ball 85-89 mph.  He also has an outstanding breaking ball and a competitive demeanor on the mound.  Having also played for former big-leaguer Garth Iorg in summer ball for the Knoxville Yard Dogs, Lee has "cut his teeth" against some of the best competition in this area and in this part of the country.  Chattanooga State's Greg Dennis says " we are very excited to add Lee to our growing number of quality prospects signing to play here for next year.  He is a power pitcher with the ability to beat anyone on any day and hopefully, with some polish, he is going to progress into a solid JUCO and DI pitcher in the future."  

(Courtesy of tbca.org website)

(2002 2-2-2, 85+ MPH) (Knoxville Yard Dogs) {(#9)BA-top 10} {BA-PPlus}  2002 (Perfect Game World Underclassmen Showcase - Good, if not big "04" RHP. Excellent arm he threw mid 80s pretty easily in Ft Myers. Looked like he might have been muscling up a little. We've got reliable reports of high 80s in games. Nice 74 mph breaking ball that showed some 2 plane sharpness at times. Good college pitching prospect to keep a close eye on.) (86 consistently w/top 88 at Tusculum College Showcase fall 2002) (3.67 GPA - 26 ACT) (2003 Yard Showcase, 86-87 MPH with 89 MPH top) (2003 5-1, 33K's, 3.87 ERA.300 BA, 3 2B) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee) (WWBA Jupiter, FL) {BA-PPlus} 

Player of the Month announced for CSTCC

Will Spann has been named the Player of the Month for the Chattanooga State baseball program for the month of April.  Spann, a freshmen right handed pitcher from Ooltewah HS, went 3-0 for the Tigers with all of his wins coming in conference play.  He beat Roane State, Volunteer State and Southwest Tennessee Community College this month with the first two being on the road.  He also had a superb outing vs. #6 ranked Walters State where he went into the 7th inning ahead 2-1 and came out with the game tied 2-2.  He threw 23 2/3 innings this month and had 16 strikeouts with a 4.75 ERA for the month.  Will is going to be counted on to head up next year's staff and will build on his success' this year.  Other players that were considered were previous winner Billy Carter who hit .355 for the month with 15 RBI's and Mahal deCastro who hit .310 with 17 RBI's. 

3 Tiger players commit to move on

Upper Left: Mahal deCastro   Upper Right: Billy Carter  Below:  Michael Carter

3 current members of the Chattanooga State baseball team have committed to moving on to 4 year programs.  Mahal deCastro, So. Catcher, has committed to perennial DII powerhouse ( currently ranked #29 nationally ) Kennesaw State University where he will hope to continue the success' he has enjoyed while at Chattanooga State.  deCastro has been a solid contributor at the plate and behind the dish this season for Greg Dennis' Tiger team and is currently hitting at a .331 clip with a team leading 48 RBI's and 9 HR's.  He has 2 doubles and 22 walks and has a total of 105 total bases.  Billy Carter and Michael Carter have both committed to DII West Alabama University in Livingston, Alabama where they will play for Coach Gary Rundles, formerly of Central High School and Carson Newman University.  Billy Carter has been one of the stars for the Tigers this spring after having sat out all last fall with a shoulder problem.  He is currently hitting .373 with 68 hits and 13 doubles with 8 HR's and 39 RBI's.  He has scored a team high 53 runs and is also leading the team with 17 stolen bases.  Michael has been a pleasant surprise holding down left field for the Tigers this spring while hitting .304 with 42 hits and 20 RBI's while stealing 10 bases.  All 3 of these young men have made strong contributions to this year's team and are going to be expected to continue this type of play and commitment for the next two seasons.

2 more commitments roll in for the Tigers

Chattanooga State's baseball program is announcing 2 more commitments to their program for the 2004-05 season.  Julian Richards and Steven Simmons have committed to the Tigers.  Julian ( JR ) Richards is a left-handed pitcher / first baseman from Burlington, Ontario, Canada.  He is 5'11" and 175 pounds and is playing currently with the C.E.B.C. National Squad.  He is also a member of the prestigious Canadian Thunderbirds team that is coached by Mel Oswald.  He throws in the mid 80's  with  a good curveball and is an exceptional student in the classroom.  Coach Greg Dennis says that the Tigers are excited to be recruiting up into Canada and hopefully, sending the message that CSTCC is committed to finding quality players any and everywhere.  Julian is a quality kid and a solid workhorse type of player who should come in here and log quality innings for us next year.  This young man could end up being one of those guys that plays a significant role in getting our program to the next level.

Steven Simmons comes to Chattanooga State from Ocala, Florida where he currently plays for his father, Steve, at North Marion HS.  Steven plays shortstop and has been selected for participation in the prestigious FACA State All Star Game.  He was voted the top player in 4A District 7 competition last year and is currently hitting .440 with 22 hits, 22 RBI's, and 22 runs scored.  Steven will also be the class valedictorian this May.  His father Steve, who was an All City player at Tyner HS here in Chattanooga and a part of the 2nd place nationally Cleveland State CC 1980 team, has known Coach Dennis since they were youngsters and feels very comfortable with the setting his son is going into.  Coach Dennis says this about Simmons, " I can't begin to tell you how excited we are to be adding a player and person of Steven's type to our program.  He does SO many things well on and off of the field and I know he will be a contributor and leader for as long as he is part of our program.  We feel really blessed to be adding him to the program."

2 more commitments come in for Tigers

Chattanooga State baseball is excited to announce 2 more commitments from players that have strong local ties.  Paul Davis from McMinn County HS joins his fellow HS teammate Dustin Millaway in committing to the CSTCC baseball program.  Paul has been the stalwart pitcher for  McMinn County HS the last 2 years and has helped lead Coach David Ray's teams to much success.  The sidearming right handed pitcher has been difficult for area hitters to figure out the past few years and has also been a big part of the Chattanooga Cyclones fall and summer team success' for George Koontz.  Coach Dennis says he is excited to get Paul in the fold because he has shown a strong, competitive attitude on the mound and brings a very aggressive approach to the game.  "Paul should do well here once he gets his feet on the ground". 

The second commitment comes from Adam Knight of Ridgeland HS in North Georgia.  Adam is a 6'5" right handed pitcher who has been clocked in the mid to upper 80's at various times.  He is a 3 year letterman and a current team captain for Ridgeland and head coach Brent Tucker.  He has shown not just a strong commitment on the field but is also a stellar student in the classroom.  He maintains a 3.04 GPA and has been consistently on the honor roll during his high school work.  Coach Dennis has been quoted as saying about Adam, " In many ways he is exactly what we are looking for both on the field and in the classroom.  After talking with Coach Tucker and seeing Adam pitch some his best days are definitely ahead of him and he is wanting to really improve and mature on the field.  This should be a great place for him to do that."

Derek Brewer named Conference "Pitcher of the Week"

Red-shirt freshman right-hander, Derek Brewer, was named the TJCCAA conference "Pitcher of the Week" for his work the previous week vs. Southwest Tennessee CC.  Statistically, Derek had a solid pair of outings getting the win in the first game of the series with 6 innings of 2 hit relief and allowing only 1 run.  He then came in the 3rd game and threw the final 2 innings allowing 0 runs and securing the win for the Tigers starting pitcher, Will Spann.  Derek comes to Chattanooga State after a highly successful high school career at Gilmer County HS in Georgia and has made great strides this year in posting a 3-3 record with a 5.56 ERA and 40 strikeouts to lead the team.  Opponents are barely hitting over .200 against him.  Congrats to Derek on a great job last series!!

Co-Players of the Month Announced for March

The Chattanooga State Baseball program has announced it's "Players of the Month" for March.  Freshmen Adam Cross from Gordon Lee HS and Greg Hobart from Hixson HS have been named co-winners for this month.  Cross hit .382 for the month going 26 for 68 with 4 doubles and 15 RBI's.  He played a solid centerfield and has 12 stolen bases in as many attempts.  Originally signed as a pitcher, Adam has done a great job at the plate and in the field already owning a 14 game hitting streak and hit in 21 of 22 games at one stretch.  Greg hit a whopping .397 for the month going 23 for 58 overall and driving in 16 RBI's since coming into the lineup.  He was thrust into the line up due to injuries and has done a superlative job thus far.  Playing his usual hard nose defense along with a progressing plate awareness, Greg is enjoying great success.  He has stolen 4 bases this month and scored 16 runs.  Other players who deserve recognition are Nate Durham who hit .351 this month with 2 HR's and 15 RBI's and Mahal deCastro who hit .400 with 20 RBI's in a more limited duration this month.

Another commitment for the Tigers

Chattanooga State's baseball program is excited to announce another commitment to their program.  AJ Renfrow has committed to play for the Tigers in the 2004-05 season.  AJ comes from Carrollton HS in Carrollton, Georgia where he has been a strong contributor to 2 teams that have made it to state.  He is a 5'10" outfielder with outstanding speed and defensive prowess.  He hits from the left side and batted .448 last year with 2 HR's and 11 SB's.  AJ was voted the team's MVP last spring and is looking to build on that success this year and in the future.  The son of Mike and Renee Renfrow and coached y Craig George at Carrollton, AJ brings an abundance of athleticism to the Tigers and a gritty, hard-nosed approach that is going to help him do well at this level and beyond.  Head Coach, Greg Dennis, said of Renfrow " AJ is just the type of young man we are looking to bring in here and be a very solid part of our program for the next 2 years.  He excels on the classroom and on the field and is going to represent our program well in all that he does.  I know that AJ is going to be a factor in our success in the near future."  This brings the number of commitments up to 6 for the Tigers with Dustin Millaway ( McMinn County HS ), Brandon Knowles ( Red Bank HS ), Aaron Hookman ( Knoxville West HS ), Andrew Simunic ( Collierville HS ), and Ryan Headden ( Boyd Buchanan HS ).

Ryan Headden commits to Chattanooga State

Front Row (L-R) Tammy Headden, Ryan and Phil Headden

Back Row ( L-R ) Justin Headden (brother), Greg Dennis CSTCC Head Coach

This is from the TBCA.org web-site: Great everything!  (bat, arm, speed)  6.9 - 60 yard dash timed at Pirates tryout!  8 stolen bases, half of his hits were for extra bases, 4 HR, batting average .338, very instinctive! (All district 5-1A, All tournament team 2001) (2001,2002 All-District, All-Region) (Blue-Grey Classic Pre-Select Jacksonville Univ. - 2002) (2003 SUMMER TEAM:MUDCATS) (STATS:FR-390,SO-463,JR-416 8 HRS.-2 GRAND SLAMS,19 STEALS (FIRST TEAM ALL CITY BEST OF PREPS) (POP TIMES: 1-1.50,2ND-1.93,3RD-1.53, 40 DASH-4.5, 60 DASH-6.87) (Blue-Gray Classic VII at the University of Tennessee)

Chattanooga State's baseball staff and program are excited to announce the commitment of one of our area's finest players in Boyd Buchanan's Ryan Headden.  Ryan brings great versatility to the Tigers team for 2004-2005 and could factor in a number of places.  He is an extremely good athlete who has excelled at catcher the past few years but also showed great ability at the middle infield spots and in the outfield.  His bat is one of the best in the area as his numbers indicate.  He was just recently named All Tournament at the Outback/Wildcat Tournament in Hixson.  As some of the stats above indicate, he has "graded out" well in a number of areas throughout his career.  Tiger's Head Coach, Greg Dennis, had this to say about Headden...." I can't begin to express the excitement we had here when we heard of Ryan's commitment.  I just feel he is going to bring so much athleticism along with a great attitude and work ethic.  EVERYTHING I have heard about him around here has been positive and I just feel that after having spent time working and playing for Coach Jimmy Parker at Boyd Buchanan he is going to be more than ready for the step up to the next level.  I have met with Coach Parker and have great respect for the job he has done there and the players he has produced. It is always exciting to get players from good programs in this area."

2 more commit to Chattanooga State

2 more players have committed to Chattanooga State for the 2004-05 season.  Andrew Simunic comes to Chatt State from Collierville HS where he has been a solid player for the past 3 years.  He hit .364 last year with 10 RBI's and 18 runs scored.  A utility type player, Simunic looks to fit into a number of different roles for the Tigers.  The second player is Knoxville West HS standout Aaron Hookman.  Having played the last 3 years for West HS and being one of their most solid offensive weapons over the past couple of years, Hookman is a third base/first base type of player with the ability to be a "plus" hitter at the plate.  Coach Dennis has this to say about the two players....."We feel that Andy has a chance to be a very competitive utility type player that runs well and has good arm strength and savvy on the field.  Aaron is a very good hitter who is amazingly more athletic than his look appears.  He runs okay and has good arm strength in the field.  Both of these guys come from good competitive programs and I look for them to compete for playing time next season."

Carter Named Player of the Month for Baseball

Billy Carter has been named the Chattanooga State Baseball Player of the Month for February following a torrid month of hitting.  The sophomore currently leads the Tigers at the plate with a .448 batting average and has chipped in 5 doubles, 1 triple and 2 home runs.  He has driven in 14 runs while scoring 16 runs for the Tigers in leading them to a 9-7 overall record thus far.  He has been a stalwart defensive third basemen turning in some fine defensive plays.  Billy has also shown great desire and effort in the classroom and is hoping to graduate from CSTCC and move on to a quality four year program.  Congratulations Billy!!

CSTCC Signs Red Bank's Knowles for 2004

( From Chattanooga News Free Press )

Red Bank pitcher Brandon Knowles has committed to play baseball next year for Chattanooga State.  "Brandon has been a top starter for Red Bank HS for a couple of years and has had a great foundation laid for him through work with Coach Bumper Reese and his staff.  He seems very committed to progressing."  Tigers coach Greg Dennis said.  "It's good to go into your last season knowing somebody wants you and knowing where you are going after that.  It takes some pressure off," Knowles said.  "Chattanooga State should be pretty good.  I've heard Coach Dennis is a good coach."  The Lions' Reese said of Knowles:  "He will be our go-to guy this year.  He had a great season for us last year, and he is a big righty - 6'3" and right at 200 --who probably worked as hard in the off-season as any kid I've got.

Dustin Millaway Commits to Chattanooga State

( From the Chattanooga News Free Press )

McMinn County HS senior outfielder Dustin Millaway has committed to play baseball next school year for Chattanooga State.  Millaway missed most of McMinn's 2003 season with a wrist injury in his throwing hand but hit .390 with six home runs as a sophomore.  "Dustin is an outstanding athlete who has a chance to step in here right away and make big contributions," Chattanooga State coach Greg Dennis said.  "He is a good kid with a good work ethic coming from a very solid program."  McMinn coach David Ray said the right-wrist problem had set Millaway back "almost as if he'd been out a year but we're hoping for another season like he had two years ago.  He's even going to pitch for us a little bit.  he throws 85 mph.  He's a big strong kid ( 6'1", 195) who runs well."  Millaway, who follows Red Bank Pitcher Brandon Knowles as a 2004-05 Tigers recruit, said he was attracted by Dennis's coaching reputation and personality and the chance for substantial playing time at a two-year college.