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The Mount Vernon Nazarene College baseball program has signed a pair of former Olentangy High School stars to join the Cougars for the 2002 season.
Tim Martini, an infielder/outfielder from Galena, Ohio, posted a team-high .425 batting average as a senior at Olentangy. In 25 games, he recorded six doubles, two triples, one home run, seven stolen bases, 12 runs batted in, and 28 runs scored. For his efforts, he was named to the Ohio Capital Conference First Team, the All-District First Team, and the Dispatch-Agonis Club All-Star Second Team.
"Tim is a solid all-around player," said MVNC head coach Keith Veale. "He has played some middle infield and some outfield. He runs pretty well, and he can hopefully hit in the top of our batting order before his career is finished. He is coming off a super senior season."
In addition to playing baseball at Olentangy, Martini has played for the Delaware Post 115 American Legion team. He has also earned the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.
"I chose to attend MVNC for several reasons," said Martini of his college choice. "I like the campus and the atmosphere there. I also like what the school has to offer academically and athletically."
Matt Myers, a left-handed batting outfielder from Powell, Ohio, batted .333 as a senior at Olentangy. In 24 games, he compiled five doubles, two triples, 18 runs scored, and 18 runs batted in. He also stole five bases.
"Matt has had a fine high school career," said Veale. "He is a player that we can plug into our outfield equation. Hitting from the left side adds a nice dimension to our offense."
Like Martini, Myers is a member of the Delaware Post 115 team this summer. He has also received Scholar-Athlete awards for his excellence in the classroom and on the playing field. He is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and received the Service Club Merit Award.
"Several things caused me to chose MVNC," said Myers. "The Christian environment and academic reputation were factors. The baseball program has been very successful as well. I also liked the kind, outgoing students that I met."
"Tim and Matt have been involved with good high school and summer programs (Delaware Legion team)," Veale added. "That will surely aid their transition to the college game."
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.
