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 Garret Shivley.

Shivley, a native of Gahanna, Ohio, has decided to further his education and continue his baseball career with the Cougars. As a senior at St. Francis DeSales High School, the second baseman/outfielder batted .373 with five doubles, two triples, two home runs, 17 runs batted in, 30 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. He also drew 20 walks in 27 games. For his efforts, Shivley was named to the All-Central Catholic League Team and the All-District First Team as both a junior and a senior.

"We are excited that Garret has chosen to play in our program," said MVNU head coach Keith Veale. "He comes to us highly recommended by his high school coach and with significant baseball experience. He has outstanding offensive potential and will improve significantly on defense when his arm gets back to full strength. He will add some baserunning abilities that we desperately lacked this season."

"I see Garret as a leader in our program," Veale added. "He is a confident young man with solid values and a heart to fit in well with our campus community."

In addition to excelling on the baseball field, Shivley is a member of National Honor Society and was a three-year member of Student Government. He was also involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Evangelism Team as well as being a Campus Missionary.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU," said Shivley of his college choice. "I want to play for a competitive baseball team while remaining in a good Christian environment. I am looking forward to worship three days a week and even more to beginning practice with the team."

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.