Baseball signs three pitchers and one outfielder
11/21/2006 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
Nov. 21, 2006
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University head coach Dan Callahan unveiled the Salukis' early signees. Pitchers Jay Voss, Nick Rice and David Kington, and outfielder Chris Murphy, will play for the Dawgs in 2008.
"Due to the small number of seniors we have, this is not a large group, but we went into the early signing period knowing we needed only three pitchers and an outfielder," said Callahan.
"We were able to fill those needs with four young men, who are not only good baseball players, but also good students and solid individuals."
Voss, a native of Breese, Ill., is a 6-4, 195, left-hander out of Kaskaskia College.
Rice, also a left-hander, stands at 6-6, 180, and is from Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wis.
Kington, a 6-2, 185, right-hander at Feather River College, is the first player with Canadian roots, who will play under the Callahan regime.
Murphy, a 5-10, 160, left-handed hitter, comes to SIU from Fox Chapel High School in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Biographical Sketches on SIU's Early Signees
Jay Voss, LHP, 6-4, 195, Breese, Ill., Kaskaskia College/Mater Dei High School
Notes: Chose SIU over 2006 NCAA College World Series participant Clemson and Evansville...throws in the high 80s/low 90s with a plus changeup...went 5-4 with a 3.40 ERA as a freshman at Kaskaskia College...struck out 44 and walked 16 in 47.1 innings...attended Mater Dei High School, where he was named Belleville News Democrat first-team all-area. Saluki Head Coach Dan Callahan on Voss: "With what we've seen of Jay, we feel he is talented enough to be as good as our Friday starter, which says a lot in the Missouri Valley Conference. He is everything we search for in a quality student-athlete and we are ecstatic he has chosen to attend SIU." Kaskaskia Coach Brad Tuttle on Voss: "I think the sky is the limit for Jay and I'm curious how much better he's going to get in the next two years at SIU. He makes people around him better because of his work ethic. I can't stress enough how great of a guy he is to be around." Comments from Voss: "My focus is to come down there and work hard to earn a spot in the rotation. The MVC is a strong pitching conference and I'm looking forward to being a part of it. I felt really comfortable with the coaching staff and liked everything I saw. I know there's going to be an opportunity for me to step in and contribute immediately."
Nick Rice, LHP, 6-6, 180, Kenosha, Wis., Tremper H.S.
Notes: Was also recruited by Nebraska, a top-seed and regional host in the 2006 NCAA Tournament...two-time first-team all-Southeast Conference pitcher... was also named first-team all-Kenosha County and second-team all-area...is a combined 14-7 in his first three years as a prep...went 7-3 with 53 strikeouts and 15 walks in 58.1 innings last season...also had a 1.80 ERA...as a sophomore, he struck out 42 and walked 29 in 55.2 innings. Saluki Head Coach Dan Callahan on Rice: "He is tall, has a loose arm and it works extremely well. We are confident Nick can come in and compete for a weekend starting spot possibly as early as his freshman year. In time, he could develop into a fine pro prospect." Tremper H.S. Coach John Matera on Rice: "I think Nick has tremendous potential and has really progressed during his time in high school. The potential is limitless for him and that's due in large part to his commitment to working hard and improving. Comments from Rice: "I felt comfortable with the coaching staff and related well with Coach Dixon. SIU is a good fit for me and I know I can make the baseball program better. I'm left-handed, and I bring a lot of energy and a great work ethic to the team."
David Kington, RHP, 6-2, 185, Coquitlan, B.C., Canada, Feather River College
Notes: Velocity is in the 88-89 mph range...has only been pitching for two years...went 3-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 11 appearances, including seven starts last season...allowed 13 earned runs, while striking out 33 and walking 14 in 39 innings of work...his 14 walks were fewest on the team. Saluki Head Coach Dan Callahan on Kington: "We feel David can come in and pitch in a significant role. He has a knack for competing and we feel his best years are ahead of him." Saluki Pitching Coach Tim Dixon on Kington: "He has raw talent and is exciting to watch. He has a big time breaking ball and consistently locates his pitches." Dixon also coached Kington one year at Feather River College. Comments from Kington: "I really liked the southern Illinois area and it reminded me a lot of my hometown. Coach Dixon was a big factor in my decision to commit to SIU. Where I'm from, it's every kids dream to play Division I baseball. I think I'm capable of playing at that level."
Chris Murphy, OF, 5-10, 160, Pittsburgh, Pa., Fox Chapel H.S.
Notes: Was also recruited by North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Xavier...three-year letterman and co-captain at Fox Chapel H.S...Pittsburgh Post Gazette Sports Writers' Northern Region All-Star selection and AAAA first-team all-section pick...hit .471 with five home runs...named a PerfectGame 2007 Prospect...spent last few summers playing for the prestigious East Cobb summer program, and was the Most Valuable player of the 2006 East Cobb Cubs team. Saluki Head Coach Dan Callahan on Murphy: "Chris might be one of the top outffielders in Pennsylvania. He possesses great quickness, great bat speed and a great knack for the game. We were looking for someone to replace Kevin Koski at the end of this year, and we feel Chris has all the tools to be that guy. He and Kevin are very similar players." Fox Chapel H.S. Coach Donnie Schubert: "Chris is a great kid and fantastic ballplayer who will give you 110 percent all the time. He's a hard worker and a smart player. He's a true class act and a delight to coach." Comments from Murphy: "I chose SIU because I liked the program, coaching staff, support staff and location. I think I give it 100-110 percent every time I go out on the field and that my work ethic can be an asset to the team."
