The Mount Vernon Nazarene College baseball program has signed a former Lucas High School standout to join the Cougars for the 2002 season.
Brent Zimmerman, an outfielder from Lucas, Ohio, batted .513 as a senior during the 2001 season. In 24 games, he recorded a school-record 41 hits in 80 at bats with seven doubles, eight home runs, and 20 stolen bases. He also hit two home runs in the same inning in one game. He was a two-time All-Conference First Team selection, and he was named to the All-District First Team as a senior.
"Brent is a significant recruit for us due to our immediate and future needs in the outfield," said MVNC head coach Keith Veale, who lost all three starting outfielders from this past season to graduation. "We were really looking for someone to potentially patrol centerfield for us with good running speed. Brent has the ability to steal some bases for us, and I believe that he will have a solid all-around career. In addition, I received nothing but glowing reports on his character and contributions to the teams that he has played for."
In addition to playing baseball, Zimmerman was a two-time All-Conference First Team selection in football. He was also involved in National Honor Society in both his junior and senior years.
"I chose to attend MVNC for several reasons," said Zimmerman of his college choice. "They have the field of education that I want to study. Also, I would like to excel in baseball, and MVNC has a great program."
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.
