The Mount Vernon Nazarene College baseball program has signed a former Ontario High School standout to join the Cougars for the 2002 season.
Eli Johnson, an outfielder from Ontario, Ohio, posted a .506 batting average in 25 games as a senior. He was selected to the North Central Conference Team, the Northwest District First Team, and the Region 9 District All-Star Team after compiling seven doubles, one triple, eight home runs, 26 runs scored, and 33 runs batted in.
"Eli is a solid, athletic outfielder," said MVNC head coach Keith Veale. "He has an excellent frame to work with. He has above average running speed, a good arm, and some pop in his bat. We would love to see him develop into a middle of the order kind of hitter for us."
In addition to playing baseball, Johnson received a Scholar-Athlete Award in 2000-2001 for his efforts both on the field and in the classroom.
"I chose to attend MVNC for several reasons," said Johnson of his college choice. "Most of all, MVNC has a great baseball program and a positive atmosphere in which to pursue a college degree."
MVNC posted a 35-16 overall record in 2001 as the program notched its eighth straight 20-win season. The Cougars also advanced to the championship game of the NAIA Region IX Tournament for the third straight year and the semifinals of the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament.
