September 4, 2008

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LAURINBURG, N.C.—Second year head coach Keith Williams has announced his first recruiting class at St. Andrews Presbyterian College. Williams has added 13 new players to the 2009 Knights roster this fall.

“Our first recruiting class here has substantially increased the talent level of our program,” said Williams. “All of the players we have brought in should contribute on the field right away, whether on the mound or at the plate. The incoming players bring an increased level of athleticism and experience as we point the program back in the right direction.”

The addition of 13 new Diamond Knights will help fill out this year’s roster that has lost eight seniors from the 2008 season. The new class consists of nine freshman and four transfers from seven states (including four from North Carolina) and Puerto Rico.

The St. Andrews coaching staff believes the 2008 recruiting class will help build on last year’s improved 15-win season.

The new recruiting class includes:

Josh Axelsen transfers to St. Andrews from Elgin Community College. Axelsen is a six-foot, four-inch tall, right–handed first baseman from St. Charles, Illinois. Axelsen participated in the Division II Junior College World Series twice while batting .383 in 2007 and winning a Gold Glove in 2008.

“Josh will bring a quiet leadership and a powerful bat to the middle of our lineup,” boasted Williams. “He brings a load of experience from his junior college and summer league play, which will help the younger players mature and see the effort needed to be successful at this level.”

Samson Williams transfers to SAPC from Louisburg Community College and is a right-handed outfielder from Wilmington, North Carolina. Williams was drafted out of high school by the Atlanta Braves in the 36th round of 2006 draft.

“Samson is a legitimate five-tool player, who has the potential to be an outstanding player for us,” commented Coach Williams. “He will provide quality defense and be an offensive threat at the plate and on the bases.”

Kyle Schneider joins the Knights after transferring in from Gloucester County College. Schneider is a six-foot, six-inch tall, right-handed pitcher from Bedminster, New Jersey. He was a multiple award winner at Bernards High School including being a two-time All-Conference selection and a first team All-Area, first-team All-County, and second-team All-State honoree.

“We will be relying on Kyle to bring experience to our pitching staff,” explained Williams. “He has great size and an outstanding work ethic. He could enter into our rotation or be at the back end of our bullpen.”

Brett Andrews transfers to St. Andrews from Greensboro College. Andrews is a right-handed middle infielder from Durham, North Carolina who bats leftie. He had an outstanding career at Orange High School where he batted .338 with 12 stolen bases, earning All-Conference accolades.

“Brett brings a quiet confidence with him,” said Williams. “He has outstanding hands and feet and could develop into a top player for us.”

Matthew Bolden graduated from The Avalon School in Germantown, Maryland. Bolden is a six-foot tall, right-handed outfielder. He was a first-team All-Conference and second-team All-Gazette honoree with a .524 batting average.

“Matt is an outstanding offensive player,” stated Williams. “He will bring another quality bat to the middle of our lineup.”

Xavier Cruz joins the Knights from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (PRBA) and High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Cruz is a six-foot, one-inch tall, right-handed pitcher and outfielder.

“Xavier is our first recruit from the PRBA, which is run by an alumnus of St. Andrews,” informed Williams. “He shows much promise on the mound and we anticipate him being an outstanding pitcher for us during his career here.”

Michael Ficarro is a right-handed middle infielder from Pine City, New York. Ficarro was the Male Athlete of the Year at Southside High School as a three-sport student-athlete (baseball, football, basketball) while being an All-Conference baseball player.

“Michael is just an overall outstanding athlete,” expressed Williams. “He had an outstanding high school career in three sports, and we are looking for him to continue his outstanding career here at St. Andrews. We are looking for Michael to fill the hole at shortstop.”

Michael Hale is a right-handed pitcher that graduated from Rappahannock High School in Haynesville, Virginia. The six-foot, four-inch tall Hale also plays first and third base. He had an outstanding four-year varsity career batting .411 with 97 RBI while winning multiple awards including All-Region, All-District, and All-State praise.

“Michael is a big, well-built young man who has just tapped into his potential,” described Williams. “He could develop into one of our top pitchers during his career.”

Ethan Powell is a right-handed, second baseman who graduated from North Pitt High School in Greenville, North Carolina. Powell was a four-year varsity letter winner that was a three-time All-Conference and All-County selection. He batted .522 his senior season with 17 RBI and 23 runs.

“Ethan has great athletic ability, plus he has outstanding hands and feet,” said Williams. “He should challenge for a starting spot on the infield this year.”

James Shahayda graduated from Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Shahayda is a right-handed relief pitcher that also plays in the outfield.

“James is an outstanding two-way player, who should contribute on the mound and in the outfield,” remarked Williams. “He shows a quiet confidence in his demeanor.”

Garrett Wright is a right-handed catcher that graduated from Fitzgerald High School in Rochelle, Georgia. Wright was a two-time All-Region honoree and a four-year letter winner.

“Garrett is a young man with a ton of ability, and he has only scratched the surface of his talents,” predicted Williams. “He has a plus arm and a powerful bat.”

John McElhany graduated from Mooresville Senior High School in Mooresville, North Carolina. The six-foot, three-inch Wright is a left-handed first baseman.

“Johnny is a big target at first base and moves around the bag well,” added Williams. “He has a nice swing from the left side and should develop into an offensive threat.”

Mark Terwilliger graduated from Elmira Free Academy in Elmira, New York. Terwilliger is a right-handed pitcher and infielder.

“Mark is a versatile player who could see time on the mound as well as in the field,” concluded Williams. “As he gets stronger, he could develop into a strong contributor for us.”