Varney, an infielder from New Albany, Ohio, batted .373 as a senior at New Albany High School as he compiled seven doubles, two home runs, 10 stolen bases, 22 runs scored, and 22 RBI. For his efforts, he was named to the Ohio Capital Conference Second Team.

"Alan has an uncanny likeness to former Cougar Tim Martini,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale, who has posted a 602-289 record in 18 seasons at the helm of the Cougars. "He comes to the program as a second baseman with a little versatility. His speed and quickness at this point are his strengths. He has played on a really strong New Albany team that has had a lot of success the past few years.”

In addition to playing baseball at New Albany High School, Varney has played for three years for the North Columbus Bruins summer team and was the team and league Most Valuable Player in 2005.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Varney of his college choice. "My main reason for attending was the baseball program that Coach Veale has put together. I think that I will have a great time playing for him. I like everything about this baseball program - the players, coaches, etc. I also love the campus and everything MVNU had to offer academically.”

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.