CMU Baseball Announces Five Signings

Nov. 11, 2005

MOUNT PLEASANT -

Central Michigan University head baseball coach Steve Jaksa has announced the signing of five players to national letters of intent.

Dale Cornstubble (Homer, Mich./Homer HS), Bryce Morrow (Caledonia, Mich./Caledonia HS), Devan Kline (Battle Creek, Mich./Lakeview HS), Casey Ingle (Pinconning, Mich./Pinconning HS), and Eric Lawrence (Grand Ledge, Mich./Grand Rapids CC) will join the Chippewa program for the 2007 season.

"I think the class, as a whole, is a very good start toward continuing to replenish what we've established in this program, which is bringing in quality student-athletes who can contribute right away," Jaksa said. "We felt that we got the best catcher around in Dale. We want to have three solid catchers and we think he is going to be a really good addition for us.

"The other thing we wanted to do was bolster our pitching staff, and we felt these three guys were top-notch pitchers who are capable of contributing right away. And, in Ingle, we found a young man who we really liked his intensity and development. We just thought he would be a good `Chippewa fit.' Down the road we wouldn't rule out using him on the mound, as well."

CMU (42-18 overall, 18-6 Mid-American Conference in 2005) opens the 2006 season with a three-game series at Western Kentucky Feb. 17-19.

CMU Baseball Signees

Dale Cornstubble
5-10 • 165 • Catcher
Homer, Mich. • Homer HS

First team all-state selection in 2005 ... solid defensive player behind the plate ... teammate of current Chippewa Josh Collmenter on 2004 Homer squad that finished 38-0 and claimed a state championship ... Homer won a national record 78 straight games before falling in 2005 state final ... son of Dale and Julia Cornstubble.

Cornstubble on CMU: "CMU has a great coaching staff, facilities, tradition, and the comfort level really set it apart. I am looking forward to playing at a high level and experiencing what great baseball has to offer."

Jaksa on Cornstubble: "Once Dale gets here and goes through our strength and conditioning program he has a opportunity to be something special. He is already a talented player, knows how to win, and has tremendous leadership qualities."

Bryce Morrow
6-1 • 165 • Right-handed pitcher
Caledonia, Mich. • Caledonia HS

All-conference and all-region selection ... loose-armed right-hander with fastball in the upper 80s with late action and a hard slider ... slider expected to develop into "out pitch" ... son of David and Lisa Morrow.

Morrow on CMU: "They play baseball the way I feel it should be played and I'll get a good education. You know you are going to win when you play baseball for CMU. The stadium is the nicest I saw and I look forward to working with coaches who will help me develop."

Jaksa on Morrow: "We are thrilled to have such a talented pitcher, outstanding young man, and excellent student join the Chippewa family. Bryce has progressed over the last few months. He really brings a lot to the table."

Devan Kline
6-0 • 170 • Right-handed pitcher
Battle Creek, Mich. • Lakeview HS

Three-sport standout ... earned all-conference, all-city, and all-region honors in baseball ... collected all-conference accolades in football and all-state recognition in basketball ... throws fastball in the upper 80s and has a power breaking ball ... son of Al and Ellen Kline.

Kline on CMU: "CMU has a great team, coaching staff, and I like the location. Theunnisen Stadium, the IAC, and the campus are all awesome. I look forward to contributing to the team, battling for a spot in the rotation, and the opportunity to pitch in some big games."

Jaksa on Kline: "Devan is a very aggressive and competitive young man. We have seen him pitch in some really big games and he has excelled each time. When you combine his athleticism and competitiveness he is not hard to project."

Casey Ingle
6-1 • 175 • First base
Pinconning, Mich. • Pinconning HS

All-conference and all-state selection as a junior in 2005 ... slick-fielding first baseman with a smooth swing that provides power ... son of Darren and Heidi Ingle.

Ingle on CMU: "CMU has always had a great program, awesome history, facilities, and coaches. The coaches treated me well and they are real easy to get along with. I can't wait. I am just going to train hard this year and get ready for next year."

Jaksa on Ingle: "Casey is a gamer. If you need a big hit, a big play, or a good at bat, he is the type of player that you want in those situations. He comes to play and you can really see the intensity in his eyes. Casey knows our program well and fits right into the `Chippewa' mold."

Eric Lawrence
6-4 • 190 • Right-handed pitcher
Grand Ledge, Mich. • Grand Rapids CC

Selected in the 40th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks ...helped Grand Rapids CC claim the 2005 junior college national championship ...fastball that tops in the low 90s and a mid-80s slider ... son of Tom and Trish Oberlin.

Lawrence on CMU: "I really like the campus, have some real good friends there, they have great facilities, and I like the location. It's a good fit for me because I get along really well with the coaches and they really seem to know their stuff."

Jaksa on Lawrence: "Eric's ball has tremendous movement and his late-breaking slider is nasty which gives right-handed hitters fits. He has a ton of potential and we are excited to be part of it."