Corban Inks 11 Baseball Recruits

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Corban University Head Baseball Coach, Jeff McKay, and Associate Head Baseball Coach, Jacob Garsez, announced on Wednesday morning that 11 players had signed letters of intent to play with the Warrior Baseball team.

"This 2014 recruiting class expectation is two-fold," said McKay. "First, the junior college and four-year transfers provide some needed reinforcements in key areas where we needed to add depth, and secondly, the freshman class has as good of an upside as any group of freshmen we have been able to recruit at Corban in my time here. We still expect to add a few more this summer to make this class even better."

"We return a lot of quality players this year in our program who gained a lot of experience last year," McKay continued. "This year's recruits should complement our current players, and this class completes a full four-year recruiting base for this program during my time at Corban. The program's roster now only has players from our coaching staff's recruiting efforts. We have been blessed to have been able to attract quality student-athletes spiritually, academically, and athletically. We pray that these players will honor the Lord as they compete athletically with their God given abilities as Corban Warriors."

Wolgamott joins the Warriors as a transfer-student after playing for two years at Columbia Basin College. Originally hailing from Bellevue, Wash., Wolgamott registered the single-season hit record at his high school and captained his team to the 3A State Championship game during his senior season. Recognized by coaches in his league, Wolgamott earned First-Team All-Metro honors during each of his final three high school years.

He plans to major in Communications with the hopes of eventually becoming an Amway Global Business owner.

"Braden will add some much needed right-handed power to our lineup, especially from the catching position," commented McKay. "He is coming off an injury that cut his spring short at junior college, but he should be ready to go in the fall."

Hailing from Medford, Ore., Zavala comes to Corban after being homeschooled growing up. During the high school years, he played for the North Medford High School baseball team, leading the squad to the 6A State Championship during his senior year as a catcher. Registering multiple All-league accolades, Zavala earned Honorable-Mention honors during his sophomore season and First-Team plaudits during his junior and senior campaigns. In addition, Zavala received the Gold Glove award in each of those three seasons.

"Zavala is a tremendous defensive high school catcher with an above-average ability to catch and throw with further development," stated Garsez. "Our staff is excited about the experience Austin gained while helping lead his high school team to the 6A State Championship."

Northrup comes to Salem after leading his high school squad to numerous successes over the past four years. As a First-Team All-League catcher during his senior season, he participated in the All-District All-Star game. In addition, he led his team to districts every year and collected back-to-back Wesco 3A North Championships during his junior and senior seasons.

Northrup was also a football player during high school, playing all four years. He helped the team to the State Tournament in three of those seasons, and during his senior year, he received a Scholar-Athlete award from the Snohomish County Football Officials Hall of Fame.

He intends to major in education with the hopes of becoming a high school history teacher one day.

"Ben is a strong player with great work ethic and attitude," commented McKay. "We expect him to develop his overall ability here. He adds good depth to our young catching situation."

Dordan comes to play for Corban after racking up numerous high school accolades during his time at Newport High School. While receiving Team MVP honors during each of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons, Dordan frequented the All-League list as well. In 2012, he was a Second-Team All-League first baseman. In 2013, he garnered First-Team All-League honors and Third-Team All-State plaudits for his play at first base. In 2014, he was tabbed the All-League Position Player of the Year and received First-Team All-State honors at first base. In addition, Dordan was selected to play in the 2014 4A All-Star Series as a first baseman.

Dordan plans to major in Health Sciences with intentions of one day becoming an Athletic Trainer.

"Tyler has a big upside offensively," said McKay. "He shows a solid approach to hitting with left-handed power potential. He is a key to the future Warrior offense."

Swainston brings his talents to the Warriors after playing at a high level for Nampa High School. During his high school career, Swainston garnered All-Conference accolades during both his junior and senior seasons.

"Chase is an athletic high school shortstop with strong defensive tools and has the ability to run," said Garsez. "He projects as a solid defender at our level and we anticipate him developing into an all-around good player."

After an accomplished high school career, Thoren comes to Corban with lots of potential. As a two-time All-Conference Infielder, Thoren led his squad to the 2012 State Championship, while also winning the Rock Award during his time at Rocky Mountain.

"Jarrett is a solid high school third baseman with strong leadership skills and a good work ethic on and off the field," commented Garsez. "Coming from a program that has had a lot of success, Jarett's strong overall makeup will put him in a position to make a difference in our program on both sides of the line."

Welborn comes to Corban as a transfer-student from Mt. Hood Community College with two years of eligibility remaining. At Mt. Hood CC, Welborn received First-Team All-League recognition in 2014 as an outfielder. He was also tabbed a First-Team All-Academic Team member. Welborn attended Camas High School in Vancouver, Wash., and in addition to playing four years of baseball, he also ran four years of cross country.

Welborn intends to major in Exercise Science with the hopes of one day becoming a college professor.

"John will improve our right-handed hitting outfield depth," said McKay. "He will likely play mostly left field. He is coming off a very good junior college season and has the ability to produce here right away."

Munro comes to the Warriors as a transfer student-athlete after playing two years at Clark College. Originally hailing from Sherwood, Ore., Munro earned a varsity letter every year at Sherwood High School, leading his team to the State Championship in 2011. He also won the NWOC League Championship during his 2012 campaign as the captain of the squad, and he garnered All-League accolades during his junior and senior seasons at Sherwood.

Munro also played football at Sherwood, serving as the team's running back and outside linebacker for the 2010 State Champion team and 2011 NWOC League Champion squad. He collected All-League honors during his senior season. In addition, Munro played two years of varsity basketball.

Munro plans to major in Health Sciences with intentions of one day becoming a Physical Therapist.

"We will have Connor for three years as a transfer and we expect him to be able to play any of the outfield positions and add speed to our lineup," said McKay. "He is making good adjustments this summer and having good results."

Henry joins the Warriors following a stellar high school career at West Salem. After earning Second-Team All-League honors during his sophomore season, he garnered First-Team All-League and First-Team All-State recognition during his junior year. During that junior campaign, he also earned the CVC Pitcher of the Year award and was an All-Mid-Valley selection as well. During his final high school season, he once again landed on the All-League First-Team and the All-State Honorable Mention squad.

He also played four years of basketball during high school, earning Honorable-Mention All-League recognition during his junior year and Second-Team All-League honors during his senior season.

Henry plans to be a Pre-Med major with intentions of becoming a Physician's Assistant.

"We love adding local high school products to our team, and Caleb is as good of a pitching prospect as Corban has ever signed," stated McKay. "He will be interesting to watch develop and should compete as a freshman this year for innings."

Toney joins the Warriors after a solid high school career in which he showed versatility on the diamond. While garnering Second-Team All-Conference honors as an infielder, he also landed on the Honorable-Mention All-Conference Team as a pitcher. Not only a four-year baseball player, but he also played three years of basketball for his high school quad. Additionally, Toney collected All-Academic plaudits during three of four years.

Toney plans to major in criminal justice with hopes of one day entering into the Law Enforcement field.

"Zach brings a mid-80's fastball, with good command, and solid feel for his breaking ball," said Garsez. "As he develops, we anticipate Zach being a strong contributor in our rotation."

Wood comes to Corban following time at Porterville College. Prior to his time there, Wood was named the Idaho Baseball Player of the Year in 2011 while playing for Rocky Mountain High School, and he was also tabbed a Pre-Season Aflac All-American. Additionally, he was named to the Perfect Game Top 1000 list. During his time in high school, he played football in addition to his baseball endeavors.

Wood plans to major in Criminal Justice with the intention of getting into the Federal field of work some day.

"Ryan possesses a real quality arm," said McKay. "He has been a two-way player in junior college, but will just pitch here. That should really bring out his high potential as a pitcher. He will be a strong candidate for the rotation next year."