News

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team has added another player to its roster for the 2004 season with the addition of Stephen Edwards.

Edwards, a native of Grove City, Ohio, has decided to further his education and continue his baseball career with the Cougars. As a member of the Grove City High School baseball team, he was named to the Ohio Capital Conference First Team, the All-District Second Team, and the All-Ohio Second Team. For the past two seasons, Edwards has attended Columbus State Community College and played baseball there as he was a two-time All-Conference and All-Region selection. An outfielder/infielder, Edwards posted a .403 batting average this season with 73 hits in 54 games. He also had 17 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 53 runs scored, 31 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.

"Adding Stephen to our club next year is a great fit for our needs," said MVNU head coach Keith Veale. "He has some versatility and is another player that brings quickness to our lineup. Most likely, he will compete in the outfield, but he can play a couple of infield positions as well. Stephen has been an active part of a successful program at Columbus State the past two years. It's an added bonus to bring in someone with collegiate experience who has been used to winning."

In addition to excelling on the baseball field, Edwards has been involved in Youth to Youth - a group that helps keep kids off drugs and alcohol. He has also been involved in Peer Mediation.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU," said Edwards. "It is a great placement for my intended major. It will also further extend my involvement in collegiate athletics."

MVNU finished the season with a 27-19 overall record and won the American Mideast Conference North Division title. The Cougars also advanced to the championship game of the NAIA Region IX Tournament for the fourth straight year before finishing as the region runner-up.