BLESSED TRINITY BASEBALL MEDIA GUIDE

Transcription

1 BLESSED TRINITY BASEBALL MEDIA GUIDE

2 Titans bring home 2 nd state championship! The 2014 Titans went 10-1 in the state playoffs, ending with a sweep of Cartersville in the finals to bring home their 2 nd State Championship in 8 years.

3 Titans capture back to back to back region championships in 2014 Blessed Trinity baseball won their 3 rd straight Region Championship in 6AAA. The Titans traveled to Las Vegas to play in the Bishop Gorman Easter Classic over spring break. Junior Cody Roberts was named MaxPreps Player of the Year Ryan Young, Bronco O Brien and Cody Roberts named to the Georgia Dugout Club Pre-Season All-State Team

4 Bt gets new artificial turf surface prior to 2014 season Installation of the new artificial turf field was completed in November of 2013.

5 BT 2013 REGION CHAMPIONS: FINISH SEASON 1 WIN SHY OF PLAYING FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITANS FINISH 29-6 IN 2013 BACK TO BACK REGION CHAMPIONS NATHANIEL MAGGIO DRAFTED BY THE SEATTLE MARINERS, BECOMES 9 TH FORMER TITAN DRAFTED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS TITANS CONTINUE PLAYOFF RUN: 10 YEARS IN A ROW, SWEET 16 OR HIGHER. 7 OF THE LAST 8 YEARS, QUARTERFINALS OR HIGHER.

6 Alex cruz earns all-america honors in BT graduate, Alex Cruz was named to the 2012 College Baseball Insider All- America Team. Alex was 8-3 for Georgia Tech in 30 appearances. He pitched 73 1/3 innings and his 1.83 ERA ranked #10 in the country and #2 in the ACC.

7 Titans finish 2012 with a 26-6 record and ranked #3 in aa 2013 SENIORS SPENCER MCMANES C.J. BRAZIL KEENAN INNIS REED SCOTT JOHN DAVIS NATHANIEL MAGGIO WILL MURRAY SAM ROBERTS BRIAN KEHNER ANDREW RIEL

8 8 former titans drafted in last 9 years 2011 graduate Bret Marks was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 22 nd round of the 2012 MLB draft in June. Marks became the 8 th Titan to be drafted since The school s first season was in 2001, and in 2004, Tyler Flowers was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. Former Titans have represented the following teams: Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Milwaukee Brewers.

9 04 graduate tyler flowers makes mlb debut at wrigley field After debuting against the Cubs in 2009, Tyler made another appearance In In 2011, he was called up at the All-Star break and hit 5 homeruns and had 17 rbi. He hit his 1 st MLB homerun against the Kansas City Royals then his 1 st career MLB grandslam against the Seattle Mariners. Tyler has been an All-Star at every level of the minor leagues, A, AA, and AAA and named to the Futures Game in 2010.

10 08 grad matt skole drafted in 5 th round by washington nationals in 2011 Matt Skole, who went on to a standout career at Georgia Tech, became the 1 st pick in the 5 th round by the Washington Nationals. Matt was named the Nationals Minor League Player of the Year in 2012.

11 10 graduate Jake skole DRAFTED IN 1 ST ROUND BY TEXAS The Texas Rangers made Jake Skole the 15 th overall pick in the st Year Player Draft. Rangers GM Jon Daniels said Skole was the best athlete on the board. Skole was an All-State football and baseball player at Blessed Trinity. He had committed to play both football and baseball at Georgia Tech prior to the draft.

12 Bt alums meet up in atlanta FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 10 GRADUATE, ALEX CRUZ, 07 GRAD JONATHAN KOLOWICH, AND 08 GRAD MATT SKOLE

13 Skole brothers have a big 2010 Matt Skole: Matt graduated in 2008 from BT and has gone on to be one of the top players in the country after his first 2 seasons as the starting 3 rd baseman for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. After only 2 seasons, he is tied for 11 th in career homeruns at Tech with 37. In 2010, Matt was a 1 st Team All-ACC selection. Jake Skole: Jake graduated in 2010 from BT and the Texas Rangers made him the 15 th overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft. Jake had committed to play both football and baseball at Georgia Tech prior to the draft. He signed with Texas and completed his first year with the Rangers. Matt skole Jake skole

14 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 signees 2012 Jeff Sidlovsky: University of Georgia Hunter Nowak: Spring Hill Connor Schmit: Piedmont College 2011 Bret Marks: Mississippi State Matthew Kinney: Belmont University Ross Hampton: North Georgia College Matt Pelt: Wofford Jack Howard: Spring Hill 2010 Jake Skole: 1 st Round Draft Pick of the Texas Rangers Alex Cruz: Georgia Tech Chiefy Azar: Tampa John Gaston: Lagrange College Ricky kleban columbia Alex cruz Georgia tech j.d. sabo West florida 2009 Ricky Kleban: Columbia Andy Vogel: Newberry College J.D. Sabo: West Florida University /South Georgia College 2008 Matt Skole: Georgia Tech Matt Lobacz: Winthrop University Blake Jenkins: South Georgia College Stephen Drisaldi: Young Harris College Matt lobacz winthrop Matt skole Georgia tech

15 tyler flowers and drew o neil spotlight TYLER FLOWERS: 04 BT graduate Tyler Flowers is making an impact in professional baseball. Flowers, recently traded to the Chicago White Sox from the Atlanta Braves, is climbing the ranks. The 25 year old was named to the Carolina League All-Star Team in 2008 after hitting.288 with 17 homeruns and 88 rbi. He led the CL in walks (98), and ranked second in on-base plus slugging percentage (.921), and on-base percentage (.427). He finished 4 th in RBI, 5 th in slugging percentage (.494), tied for 9 th in total bases (204), and tied for 10 th in doubles (32). He also hit.387 with 12 HR and 23 RBI, and 25 runs scored in just 20 games with the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. He led the league in homeruns, OPS (.1,433), and slugging percentage (.973). He was named to the AFL Rising Stars Team as well. In 3 minor league seasons, he has hit.291, with 75 doubles, 34 homeruns, 174 RBI and 161 runs scored in 262 games. He was also named the Rome Braves Player of the Year in DREW O NEIL: 04 BT graduate Drew O Neil was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 4 th round of the 2008 draft. It was the 2 nd straight year Drew was drafted. He was taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the 8 th round in O Neil became the 3 rd highest draft pick in Penn State baseball history. He earned a degree in economics from Penn State. He was an Academic All Big-Ten selection as well. Drew tied his own saves record at Penn State by recording 11 saves in He broke the Penn State school record by recording his 16 career save in the Nittany Lions 20 th game in He went on to record 22 of 23 save opportunities. He set both records while only being at Penn State for 2 years. He gave up just 1 earned run in 2 years to a Big Ten team during the regular season. Drew was a 2 time 1 st Team All Big Ten selection. He was on the preseason watch list for the Roger Clemens Award, and Golden Spikes Award.

16 Blessed trinity baseball tradition STATE CHAMPIONS 2006 REGION CHAMPIONS 2003, 2004 Titans lift the State FINAL 4: 2010 Championship Trophy ELITE , 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 SWEET , 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 STATE PLAYOFFS 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, State Champions! Dogpile after final out in State Championship Game

17 Georgia high school state tournament history 2001: 1 st season 2003: Region Champions 2004: Region Champions / Sweet : Sweet : AAA STATE CHAMPS! 2007: ELITE 8 / QUARTERFINALS 2008: Sweet : ELITE 8 / QUARTERFINALS 2010: FINAL FOUR 2011: ELITE 8 / QUARTERFINALS 2012: Region Champions /ELITE 8/ QUARTERFINALS 2013: Region Champions /FINAL FOUR

18 Matt skole hits 16 homeruns in 2008 MATT SKOLE HITS #16 AGAINST GILMER COUNTY IN 08 PLAYOFFS: While Georgia Tech signee Matt Skole was having a monster year, 09 graduate Ricky Kleban hit 9 homeruns of his own. Matt Lobacz earned the Most Outstanding Pitcher Award picking up big wins for the Titans including victories over Milton, Westminster, North Atlanta and Gilmer County. Kerry Corgan was the playoff MVP for his efforts on the mound against Gilmer County and Cartersville. The 2008 Titans made their 5 th straight Sweet 16 appearance with a record of 22-8.

19 bt baseball history marked the inaugural season for Titan Baseball. Coach Brad Kolowich fielded a team of freshmen and sophomores to compete in powerful Region 5-AAAA. The Titans won 9 games that opening season to set the stage for Blessed Trinity Baseball. In 2002, the Titans won 15 games and finished just one game shy of a state playoff berth, competing with 2 juniors and no seniors. In 2003, the Titans went 15-1 in Region 5-AA, defeating Union Grove to win the school s first Region Championship after only 3 years of existence. The Titans advanced to the state playoffs and played in one of the best 3-game series in Georgia, regardless of classification. The series came down to the final pitch, and the final score of all 3 games was 2-1. In 2004, the Titans once again went 15-1 in region 5-AA, for a combined 30-2 over 2 years in the region. Blessed Trinity won its 2nd Region Championship in 4 years of existence. The Titans finished the year making the Sweet 16 for the first time. Also in 2004, the Titans traveled to the Caribbean to play in Puerto Rico. The team took on the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy High School in a 4 game series. PRBAHS and the Titans split the series with game 1 featuring 11 draftees from the team from Puerto Rico, and 1 from Blessed Trinity (Tyler Flowers 04). Sophomore Eric Maust had an outstanding performance against the powerful PRBAHS team. In 2005, the Titans jumped to Region 5-AAA and once again, played for a Region Championship. The team finished as the Runner-Up and again advanced to the state playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year. The Titans made it back to back Sweet 16 appearances in In 5 short years, the Titan Baseball Team had 2 Region Championships under their belt, a Region-Up, and back to back Sweet 16 finishes. Blessed Trinity had set the stage for In their 6th year of existence, the Titans made it a 2nd Region Runner-Up season heading into the state playoffs for a 4th straight year. The Titans were the #2 seed going into the playoffs. In round 1, the Titans swept a very strong Cass team, to advance to the Sweet 16 for a 3rd consecutive season. In round 2, the Titans had to travel to Region 7 Champion, North Hall. Once again, the Titans swept an outstanding team, to advance to the Quarterfinals. Eric Maust greeted by team at Lagrange in 2006 Final Four Tyler Flowers in 2002 PUERTO RICO 2004 T.J. Lawrence flips to Ryan Testerman in 2003

20 Bt baseball history With only 8 teams left in Georgia, the Titans played host to a great Harris County team. The Titans took game 1, then split after dropping game 2. In game 3, junior Jonathan Kolowich, hit a giant 3-run homerun to put the Titans ahead, and pitchers Ricky Kleban, Evan Tieles and Eric Maust came in to close down Harris County and advance the Titans to the Final Four. Blessed Trinity now had to travel to face perennial power, Lagrange. The Titans swept the Grangers in 2 exciting games, including a key homerun in game 1 from senior Derek Chriscoe, before a sellout crowd to advance to the finals. In the State Finals, the Titans would have to travel to 9-time champion, Columbus. Columbus was going for their 10th State Championship on their own turf. Hundreds of fans made the 2 hour drive for the final series. It was going to be a showdown at Golden Park, a minor league park in Columbus, Georgia. The Titans took game 1, by a score of 1-0 behind incredible pitching from senior Eric Maust. Junior catcher Benton Yaun was outstanding behind the plate throwing out a Columbus runner in a key situation. Junior Evan Tieles drove in the only run of the game with an rbi single to score speedy shortstop Tim Bondell. Bondell made play after play defensively in the game. The final out of game 1 was a ground out to senior 2nd baseman, Shane Doyle. In game 2, junior Evan Tieles pitched another incredible game. With the score tied at 1-1, junior Jimmy Coleman hit a single to right, scoring junior Jonathan Kolowich to put the Titans up 2-1. Then, in the 6th inning, Columbus had the tying run on 3rd with 1 out. Columbus hit a fly ball to right field, the runner tagged, and Jonathan Kolowich threw a one-hop strike to catcher Jameson Contratto to cut down the tying run. The crowd exploded and the game would go to the final inning with BT 3 outs away from winning it all. In the final inning, with Tieles going after a complete game, the first hitter popped to shortstop Tim Bondell for the first out. The 2nd hitter grounded out to 2nd baseman Shane Doyle. Then with 2 outs, and 2 strikes on the hitter, Tieles threw a breaking ball for a called 3rd strike and the Titans had won it! Titan fans erupted as the players sprinted to Tieles on the mound State Champions! In 2007, the Titans once again put up 21 wins during the season highlighted by a successful trip to San Diego, California over spring break and defeating #1 ranked Cartersville to advance to the State Quarterfinals. The Titans played in the 57th Annual Lions Tournament in San Diego, where teams from 8 states were represented. BT went 3-0 winning their pool and became the only non-california team to advance to the semifinals. The Titans defeated St. Augustine, Central Union, and Temple City before falling to Point Loma in the semi-finals. The baseball team attended Mass at the Basilica de Alcala, toured Petco Park, the USS Midway, and attended a San Diego State game at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Shane Doyle at Lagrange in Final Four 2006 Jonathan Kolowich homerun against Harris County in 2006 quarterfinals

21 BT Baseball history ake Skole squeezes ome Matt Batteh in an Diego The Titans went into the playoffs as a #3 seed and knocked off Oconee County in round 1. The series was highlighted by a 2 run, walkoff homerun in game 2 in the bottom of the 7th by senior shortstop Tim Bondell. Advancing to the Sweet 16 for the 4th consecutive year, the Titans had to face the #1 ranked team in Georgia, and #9 ranked team in the nation by Baseball America, the Cartersville Hurricanes in Cartersville. The Titans took game 1 behind strong pitching from senior and UGA signee, Evan Tieles. Then, in a wild game 2 which went back and forth, the Titans trailed going into the bottom of the 7th by 2 runs, The Titans got a run to make it with one out. After a walk loaded the bases, Evan Tieles hit a single to left field scoring Tim Bondell to tie the game and Jake Skole to win it. The series was highlighted defensively by Titan centerfielder, Jonathan Kolowich. Kolowich made play after play in key situations including a spectacular catch running full speed into the centerfield wall. The Titans advanced to the State Quarterfinals before falling to Columbus High School. In 7 years, the Titans have won 2 Region Championships, 2 Region Runner-Ups, a State Championship, advanced to the Sweet 16 four years in a row, made the State Playoffs five years in a row and in the last 4 years, have amassed a record of Blessed Trinity has sent 16 players on to play college baseball, and have had 3 players, Tyler Flowers, Drew O Neil, and Liam Shanahan either drafted or sign with major league teams. Check out the Records page on the BT Baseball website to see the list of players who have been chosen for Team Georgia, and earned All-County and All-State honors. Court Kasten In San Diego Titans at La Jolla High School in San Diego 2007 Matt Batteh at Senior Night 07 Tim Bondell walkoff Homerun against Oconee County

22 Where are they now? GRADS Liam Shanahan Liam Shanahan 03 GULF COAST PHILLIES / Western Kentucky University In 2007, Liam signed with the Philadelphia Phillies playing in the Gulf Coast League. Liam was a standout pitcher and shortstop for the Titans, then went on to a successful college career as a weekend starting pitcher for Western Kentucky University. Following college, Liam signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization and played a year for the Gulf Coast Phillies. Liam is currently running a baseball facility in the Atlanta area. Tyler Flowers 04 Chicago White Sox /Atlanta Braves/ 2007 Minor League Player of the Year Rome Braves / 2008 All Star Catcher for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Tyler was the first Titan drafted out of high school in He was a standout 3rd baseman, catcher, and pitcher on 2 Region Championship teams at BT. Tyler is currently with the Chicago White Sox where he hit 5 HR s and had 17 rbi in He also had his jersey #21 retired in 2006 by the Blessed Trinity baseball program. Tyler Flowers Chicago White Sox

23 Where are they now? 2004 GRADS Drew O Neil Penn State Drew O Neil 04 Penn State Drew was drafted in the 4th round by the Chicago White Sox in 2008 and played 2 seasons in the minor leagues where he recorded 33 strikeouts in 31 innings. Drew was a 1st Team All Big Ten selection in 2007 after setting a Penn State single season record of 11 saves. He also set the Penn State record for career saves. Sean Hilley 04 Sean was an All-County shortstop on 2 Region Championship Teams at BT. He went on to play 2 years at Sewanee, University of the South. Sean Hilley Tim Kay 04 Bluffton University Tim was recently honored as a 2nd Team All-Mideast Region selection by the ABCA. He was named 1st Team All-Heartland Collegiate Conference for the 2nd consecutive year. Tim played 3 years at Blessed Trinity before an injury sidelined him his senior year. After graduation, Tim did an internship doing video work for the Washington Nationals. Tim Kay Bluffton University

24 Where are they now? GRADS Matt Vogel 04 Mercer University Matt was the catcher on 2 Region Championship teams, in 2003 and Matt went on to play a year at Mercer University. Matt Byrne 04 Reinhardt College Matt was a pitcher on the 2004 Region Championship team. He Michael Lobacz went on to pitch at Reinhardt College in Waleska, Georgia. Elon University Michael Lobacz 05 Elon University Michael was a 4 year letterman at BT, and 4 year starter. He set numerous offensive records during his time at Blessed Trinity, and was a member of 2 Region Championships. Following a standout high school career, Mike went on to play at Elon University. Mike played in his first NCAA Regional in 2008.

25 Where are they now? 2006 Grads Eric Maust Eric Maust 06 University of Notre Dame, AAA State Player of the Year Eric was a standout pitcher at Blessed Trinity for 4 years. He holds numerous pitching records at BT, and in 2006, was named AAA State Player of the Year by the Georgia Dugout Club. Eric was a member of the 2006 State Championship team. Eric had an outstanding freshmen year at Notre Dame including getting mid-week starts, and a weekend conference start against West Virginia. Eric is also playing football for the Irish. Eric went 6-2 for Notre Dame as the Sunday starter in Eric is currently working Eric in Maust the banking industry and resides in Indianapolis. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Shane Doyle 06 Georgia Southwestern University Shane was the starting 2nd baseman on the 2006 State Championship team, and was a Gold Glove Award winner. Shane is currently played at Georgia Southwestern University following 2 years at South Georgia College. Shane joined the BT coaching in the spring of Derek Chriscoe 06 Shorter College Derek was the starting 1st baseman on the 2006 State Championship team, and one of the best defensive players in Georgia. Derek went on to play at Shorter College. Eric Maust AAA State Player Of the Year 2006 Shane Doyle Georgia Southwestern

26 Where are they now? 2007 grads Tim Bondell Columbus State Jonathan Kolowich Georgia State University Jonathan Kolowich Tim Bondell 07 Columbus State Tim was a standout shortstop and leadoff hitter at BT. He was an All County selection, Georgia Dugout Club Player of the Week, and also won a Gold Glove Award. Tim went on to play at Columbus State University.. Jonathan Kolowich 07 Georgia StateUniversity Jonathan was an All County centerfielder at BT. He also won Georgia Dugout Club Player of the Week, a Silver Slugger Award, and was a Gold Glove Award recipient. Jonathan was on the All Tournament Team for Team Georgia following his senior year. Jonathan is currently playing at Georgia State University where he earned Player of the Week honors as a true freshman. Kevin Smith 07 Furman University Kevin was a standout 3rd baseman for the Titans. He went on to play a season at Furman University. Kevin Smith Furman University

27 Where are they now? 2007 grads Evan Tieles Evan Tieles 07 University of Georgia Evan was a standout pitcher and 1st baseman at Blessed Trinity. He won the Golden Spikes Award, Silver Slugger Award, was an All County selection, and was also a Georgia Dugout Club Player of the Week. Evan hit a record 21 career homeruns at BT. Evan went on to play at the University of Georgia where he recently graduated. Evan joined the BT coaching staff in Benton Yaun 07 Georgia College and State University Benton was a standout catcher at BT. He won the Academic Athlete Award his junior year from the City of Roswell and was a pivotal member of the 2006 State Championship team. A converted infielder, Benton made the transition to catcher, and became an instant college prospect. Benton played 4 years at Georgia College and State University and played in the DII College World Series. Benton Yaun Georgia College Benton Yaun at Senior Night 2007 Evan Tieles University of Georgia

28 Where are they now? 2008 grads Matt Skole 08 / GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS Matt finished a stellar career at BT with 16 homeruns his senior year. Matt was a member of the 2006 State Championship team. He played college baseball at Georgia Tech then was drafted by the Washington Nationals. Matt won numerous awards at BT including the AJC Offensive Player of the Year in Matt Lobacz 08 / YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE Matt earned the Most Outstanding Pitcher award for the 2008 Titans. He signed with powerhouse Young Harris and is now playing baseball at DI Winthrop University. Matt was a member of the 2006 State Championship team. Blake Jenkins 08 / SOUTH GEORGIA COLLEGE Blake was a standout outfielder for the Titans during his career at BT. Blake played college baseball at South Georgia College and Young Harris College. Blake was a member of the 2006 State Championship team. Stephen Drisaldi 08 / YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE Stephen had an outstanding career at BT as a 1 st baseman, outfielder, and DH. Stephen played college baseball at Young Harris College.

29 Titans in the community Titans in the community Our MVP! Marc Fuentes In 2005, the Titans began volunteering at the North Metro Miracle League. The NMML provides inclusive adapted sports and social activities for children and adults of all abilities. The baseball team volunteers with baseball games on Saturdays at North Park in Alpharetta. In 2006, the NMML, presented the Titans with a service award when Blessed Trinity played host to rival St. Pius X High School. At the game, senior Eric Maust pitched a no-hitter, and presented the game ball to NMML player Marc Fuentes. Marc ended up coming to many Titan games in 2006, including traveling to road games. Marc and his parents made the 2 hour drive to Columbus for the state finals, and was part of the celebration after the game. The Titans look forward to volunteering for the season! Many former and current Titans have received academic honors during their time at Blessed Trinity. Former centerfielder and 2005 graduate, Danny Strickland, was named Salutatorian. Danny currently attends Vanderbilt University graduate Eric Maust, while juggling college football and baseball his first semester at Notre Dame, earned a 3.6 GPA seniors Matt Batteh and Benton Yaun were honored at the baseball banquet in 2006 for Academic Awards. Baseball alumni are attending such schools as Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, the University of Tennessee, Western Carolina University, and the University of Georgia, just to name a few. In 2004, the Titans traveled to Puerto Rico over spring break and participated in Palm Sunday Mass at The Cathedral de San Juan, which is the 2nd oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. Construction on the Cathedral began in North Metro Miracle League

30 Titans in the community Captain Jeff Struecker At Blessed Trinity we provide students with spiritual opportunities to deepen their faith and their personal relationship with God. Each season, prior to opening day, the Titans host an annual 1st Pitch meeting. The meeting is designed to provide information to players and parents regarding the Blessed Trinity baseball program. In addition, the coaching staff brings in a keynote speaker to talk to the families not only about baseball, but share life experiences. College baseball head coach Scott Baker, spoke at the 2006 meeting. Coach Baker shared information to players and parents regarding the recruiting process. Current New York Met pitcher, Tom Glavine, was the keynote speaker at the 2005 meeting. Former Major Leaguer Paul Assenmacher was a keynote speaker in 2004, and current minor leaguer, Jemel Spearman, spoke at the 2003 meeting. Jemel is currently in the Chicago Cubs organization graduate, and former Titan pitcher Eric Maust, spoke at the 2007 meeting. Eric spoke to the players about balancing academics with being involved in a sport. Eric played football for Notre Dame in the fall, and at the same time, was involved in fall baseball for the Irish baseball team. Eric juggled both sports along with a challenging academic load, and earned a 3.6 GPA his first semester. In 2008, Captain Jeff Struecker, an Army Ranger Chaplain, shared his personal relationship with God to the Titan baseball team. Captain Struecker, eventual winner of the Army s Best Ranger competition, was one of the elite U.S. soldiers sent into Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993 as part of a U.N. peacekeeping operation. Captain Struecker will recounted his moments in the military where God met him and delivered peace in the midst of certain death. The goal of the annual 1st Pitch Meeting is to assist the student-athletes at Blessed Trinity, to become well rounded young men. In 2007, the Titans traveled to San Diego, California to play in the 57th Annual Lions Tournament. The team celebrated Mass at the Mission Basilica de Alcala, the 1st Catholic mission on the west coast. Sophomores Matt Crisafi and Bruce Johnson commented that celebrating Mass at the Basilica was the highlight of the trip. In addition to attending Mass in San Diego, the team did a tour of Petco Park, the USS Midway, and attended a San Diego State game at Tony Gwynn stadium (see pictures below). Father Peek BT School Chaplain Tom Glavine speaks to team in 2005 Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass Cathedral de San Juan, Puerto Rico 2004

31 Titans in the community Titans Watch Padres workout prior to opening day Titans celebrate Mass at the Mission San Diego de Alcala 2007 Blessed Trinity baseball is a family. We like to do everything together. When you go through a season you are going to experience ups and downs but you do it together. Team chemistry is critical to success on or off a field. Going to Petco, touring the USS Midway, and going to the San Diego State game are all team building experiences, but at the heart and soul of the trip was celebrating Mass together at the Basilica. In the fall of 2007, the baseball team began a new academic progress monitoring program where returning players were put on 4 teams. Each player can earn points for his team by maintaining an 80 or above average, turning in all homework assignments, and not being absent or tardy to classes. Seniors act as team captains and check in with Coach Harwell each 2 weeks to monitor academic progress. In addition, teams earn points for community service. With colleges going to an APR system, the goal is that the Titan baseball players are well prepared once they graduate from Blessed Trinity as student-athletes and contributing members to their community. Petco Park Home of the Padres Mission San Diego Basilica De Alcala Benton Yaun dances for the crowd at Tony Gwynn Stadium at San Diego State v. New Mexico game

32 Baseball facts State Champions: 2006 Region Champions: 2003, 2004 State Quarterfinals: 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011 State Sweet 16: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 State Playoffs: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,2008 Baseball Team has been represented by a Salutatorian, National Merit Scholar, National Honor Society Inductees 50% of Alumni are playing or have played in college representing the SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big East, Southern Conference, Atlantic Sun, and Sun Belt Conferences to name a few. 5 alumni players either drafted or playing in minor leagues representing the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and Cincinnati Reds. 5 Team Georgia selections Baseball Program awarded Angels in Outfield plaque for participation in North Metro Miracle League Celebrated Mass on spring break trips at the Cathedral de San Juan in Puerto Rico, Mission Basilica de Alcala in San Diego, California, and Holy Family Catholic Church on Hilton Titans Head on Island, the deck of South the USS Carolina Midway San Diego 2007

33 academics Student-Teacher Ratio is 12:1 Average Class Size is 19 Curriculum is fully college preparatory, and 28 credits to graduate. These credits include a minimum of 22 in the core areas of theology, English, social studies, mathematics, science, and foreign languages. 20 Advanced Placement courses 22 varsity sports that have won 13 state championships in 7 years. 68-acre campus For the summer of 2007 six students were selected to participate in the prestigious Governors Honors Program, the most of any private school in the state. The last 4 classes ( )had 10 National Merit Scholars, 29 Commended Scholars, and 2 Hispanic Scholars. The Class of 2007 were accepted to 239 different colleges throughout the United States and received scholarship offers in excess of $5.5 million (an average of $25,000 per graduate) College Placement: Blessed Trinity graduates have been accepted to the finest universities in the United States, including Boston College, Cornell, Davidson, Duke, Emory, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Tulane, Vanderbilt, Villanova, Virginia, Virginia Tech, United States Military, Naval, and Air Force Academies. 850 students enrolled in grades 9-12

34 Titan field Titan Field Titan Field prior to pre-game batting practice Titan Field got a facelift in the off season prior to the 2005 season. Sod was added from dugout to dugout in foul territory in the fall, and in the spring, the infield and mounds were redone. But the big news was the arrival of lights. A state of the art lighting system arrived on January 17, and installation was completed prior to opening day on March 2nd, when the Titans hosted Shiloh. Varsity game times during the week will be at 5:55 p.m., and Friday night games will start at 7:00 p.m. We are very blessed to have such supportive parents in this community, and an administration that backs us 100%.To do the things that they do for the kids here is incredible. This is a giant step for our program, said Coach Harlin. A 20' wall in centerfield was installed in the spring of 2002 to improve the backdrop for the hitters. We also have two batting cages complete with concrete and Astroturf along the right field line. We have added a hitting area adjacent to the batting cages which will provide our program with additional practice space. Our bleachers currently accommodate 500 spectators and we added an additional seating area behind home plate which provides a great view to enjoy the game. The spacious grounds around the field also enable fans to bring fold-out chairs to enjoy the game from many angles. To help our fans enjoy Titan Baseball, we are adding a picnic area by the concession stand complete with tables, grills, and beautiful landscaping. The picnic area provides a great location for fans to enjoy tailgating before the ballgame. Check out the schedule and get your family and friends to come out and enjoy a day at the ballpark! Fans enjoy a day at the park

35 Titan baseball camps Titan Summer Baseball Camps Titan baseball camps Goals: The goals of the Titan Baseball Camps are to provide an environment to learn and improve mechanics and fundamentals in specific baseball skills and offer the best quality instruction to ensure a positive baseball experience and prepare each player for their respective levels of competition. Facilities All camps will be held at Titan Field, home of the Blessed Trinity baseball teams.

36 coaches Coach Harlin Andy Harlin, Head Varsity Coach / Infielders This is Coach Harlin s 25th year coaching and teaching for the Archdiocese. He has won 14 Coach of the Year Awards in his career. Harlin was recently honored by the Georgia Dugout Club for 400 career wins. He was selected by the Dugout Club to serve as the Head Coach of the East Atlanta All-Star Team in He has won 4 GACA Region Coach of Year Awards, and GACA State Coach of the Year in He has been named Atlanta Journal Constitution Coach of the Year 3 times, once in Dekalb County in 2001 and twice in Fulton County, in 2003 and Harlin has taken teams to play baseball internationally, with St. Pius X going to Italy in 2001 and Blessed Trinity playing in Puerto Rico in He has had numerous players go on to play in college, and has had 10 former players drafted into pro baseball. Coach Harlin is the department chair for physical education and is also the head strength coach at Blessed Trinity. He is married to the former Jamie Radine of Lomita, California. Coach Wagner Coach Harwell Jamie Wagner, Assistant Varsity Coach / Pitching Coach /Catchers This is Coach Wagner s 12th year at BT. Coach Wagner was named the Georgia Dugout Club Assistant Coach of the Year in He was also named State Assistant Coach of the Year in Coach Wagner is originally from upstate New York where he was a bronze medal winner in baseball in the 1990 Empire State Olympic Games for Team Adirondack. He played college baseball for South Georgia College, and graduated from State University of West Georgia. He is a former player from the Major League Baseball sponsored NYCBL - New York Collegiate Baseball League where he was a catcher for the Schenectady Mohawks. Coach Wagner came to Blessed Trinity after 6 years of coaching for North Cobb High School's baseball program. Coach Wagner is the catching coach at BT and will assist with the hitters. Coach Wagner is also an assistant basketball coach at BT. Coach Wagner teaches in the physical education department at Blessed Trinity. Coach Wagner has also been instrumental in the success of the Titan Summer Baseball Camps, and serves as the camp coordinator. Jamie, his wife Joanna and their 3 children reside in Acworth, Georgia. Coach Harwell, Assistant Varsity Coach / Hitting Coach / Outfielders This is Coach Harwell's 8th year at BT. Prior to BT, Coach Harwell coached baseball at Salem High School. BT athletic director, Ricky Turner, was Coach Harwell's high school baseball coach at Salem. He will coach the hitters throughout the BT baseball program and also serve as the outfielders coach. Coach Harwell is the chairperson for the guidance department at BT. He has been instrumental in pioneering an academic progress program for student athletes at Blessed Trinity. Coach Harwell is a graduate of Berry College where he played baseball. Coach Harwell, his wife Amber, and their daughter reside in Woodstock.

37 Mission statement BT Baseball Mission Statement We want our young men to be better people because they played baseball for us at Blessed Trinity. We want to cover every aspect for each young man concerning his life, his academics, his faith, his athletics, and his future. Our product is our players, and our players need to know where we are going. We want to make clear to them, our program s values, goals, and game plan. 1. To create an atmosphere and environment for all players to learn and experience the importance of being part of a team, to trust one another, to have character, to build on their relationship with God, to understand hard work, to be devoted family members, to do what is right, and put team interests ahead of their own. Their involvement in our program will help them be more successful in life. 2. To provide academic support for each player to become a successful student and earn their diploma. 3. To help each player reach their full athletic potential and to have the opportunity to win a championship. 4. To help each player launch their college career so that when they leave Blessed Trinity, they can use all the resources (academic, spiritual, athletic) our institution has, to get the best opportunities in life. Our Mission Statement is our road map. We have a vision for our program, and more importantly, for the people within our walls.

38 the titans are coming spring 2014 a hero will rise a hero will rise