Podolak, a left-handed pitcher/first baseman/outfielder from Pickerington, Ohio, posted a 6-2 record on the mound with a 3.92 earned run average as a senior at Pickerington North High School where he earned All-Conference honors as a junior and senior. Podolak also finished his career as the program’s leader in wins (14) and strikeouts (74) as well as setting season records in wins (8), strikeouts (42), and home runs (3). In addition to his pitching, he also batted .321 as a senior with five doubles, three home runs, 20 runs scored, and 26 RBI.

"Andy has had a really nice high school career,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale, who has posted a 602-289 record in 18 seasons at the helm of the Cougars. "He has pitched in a number of big games for Pickerington North. Throughout his high school and summer play, Andy has consistently given his team a chance to win. Getting another left-handed pitcher is a nice commodity to add balance to our pitching staff.”

In addition to playing baseball at Pickerington North and with the Ohio Rattlers and Pickerington Post 283 in the summer, Podolak has been named to the High Honor Roll and received the Academic Scholar Award. He is also a Seton Parrish Youth Organization member.

"There are several reason why I chose MVNU,” said Podolak of his college choice. "I was really excited for the opportunity to play for Coach Veale given the success of the baseball program. MVNU also offers my academic programs of interest in a small Christian campus setting.”

MVNU is an NAIA school that competes in the American Mideast Conference. The Cougars captured a share of the AMC South Division title in 2007 - the program’s 12th conference title - and advanced to the NAIA Region IX Tournament championship game for the eighth straight year as the team finished with a 38-16 overall mark. Over the years, MVNU has had 13 players drafted by Major League teams including Tim Belcher, who was the top pick overall in the 1983 draft. Six other former players have signed free agent contracts to play professional baseball.