Eddie Smith, Ray McFerren, Zack Helm, Ryan Decker, Ari Yoder, and Mike Laughlin have helped to lead MVNU to a 132-70 record (.653 winning percentage) over the past four seasons as MVNU has won one conference title and finished fifth at the NAIA World Series in 2004. The team is currently 33-12 overall this season and has qualified for the NAIA Region IX Tournament next week.

Smith, an outfielder from Johnstown, Ohio, has played in 93 games over the past two years after transferring to MVNU from Columbus State Community College. The former Northridge High School standout has posted a .348 batting average with 18 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs, 74 runs scored, and 95 RBI while playing in all but one game. Last season, Smith was named to the American Mideast Conference South Division First Team, the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region Team, the NAIA Region IX Team, and the NAIA and NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American Teams. This season, Smith is batting .344 with eight doubles, one triple, five home runs, 36 runs scored, and 45 RBI.

"Eddie has made solid contributions to our team during his two years here,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale. "He is a streaky hitter who has the ability to carry our offense when he is swinging it well. Eddie is a dependable defender in centerfield. He has a keen understanding of the game and is poised for a strong finish to his career.”

McFerren, a catcher from New Concord, Ohio, has played in 88 games over the past four years and posted a .261 career batting average. The former John Glenn High School product has recorded five doubles, two home runs, 11 runs scored, and 36 RBI. After missing all but eight games last year due to having elbow surgery, McFerren has bounced back to play in 29 games while compiling a .197 batting average with one home run, four runs scored, and 14 RBI.

"Ray is a quiet leader behind the plate,” said Veale. "He is an excellent receiver who plays the game with energy. It’s been great having him back with us for his senior season after missing most of his junior year with elbow surgery. His presence back on the field helps our team. He is a highly-respected captain who is always concerned for his teammates.”

Helm, an infielder/designated hitter from Centerville, Ohio, has played in 140 games over the past four years and posted a .335 career batting average. The former Dayton Christian High School graduate has registered 24 doubles, four triples, four home runs, 93 RBI, and 104 runs scored during his career. Helm was named to the AMC South Division Honorable Mention list as a sophomore, and he will be a two-time NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete as he carries a 3.929 grade point average. This season, Helm is batting .413 with 10 doubles, one triple, two home runs, 40 RBI, and 40 runs scored.

"Zack has been a solid contributor during his four-year career,” said Veale. "He has hit at the top of our order the past couple of years and has provided a consistent on-base threat. Zack is having a great senior season with the bat. He is always ready and willing to make contributions to the team.”

Decker, a right-hander pitcher from Dover, Pennsylvania, has pitched in 36 games during his four-year career. The former Dover High School product has posted a 12-9 career record with a 5.73 ERA and two shutouts. In 157 innings of work, Decker has registered 105 strikeouts. This season, he has posted a 6-2 record with a 3.76 ERA and one shutout. He also threw a no-hitter against Cedarville University, and he has 33 strikeouts in 55 innings of work. Decker will join Helm as a two-time NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete as he has a 3.980 grade point average.

"Ryan has been a model student-athlete excelling in the classroom as well as on the field,” said Veale. "He represents our program positively in everything he is involved in. I am proud of Ryan’s progress through his four years here. His senior season has been his most consistent and productive. He is a two-year captain, which gives testament to his leadership abilities and the respect his teammates have given him.”

Yoder, a first baseman/catcher from Sugarcreek, Ohio, has appeared in 147 games during his four-year career and posted a .327 batting average. The former Garway High School standout has recorded 15 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 76 runs scored, and 85 RBI. He also ranks fifth in school history with 734 putouts. Yoder was named to the AMC South Division Second Team and the NCCAA East Region Honorable Mention list as a junior. This season, he is batting .324 with five doubles, three triples, two home runs, 25 runs scored, and 28 RBI.

"Ari is a battler,” said Veale. "He loves to compete and is at his best when the situation is challenging. He is a fearless hitter as evidenced by his hit by pitch count. Ari has adapted to his first base position the past two years, and he has become a very solid defensive first baseman. He has an exceptional awareness out on the field. His ability to play through all situations that occur during a game is exceptional. He has been a motivated student-athlete who will be missed.”

Laughlin, a right-handed pitcher from Mogadore, Ohio, has put together a solid four-year career on the mound for MVNU. The former Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy star has posted a 23-9 record with a 3.46 ERA, six shutouts, and one save. In 229 innings of work, he has struck out 237 batters. Laughlin, who ranks fourth in school history in shutouts, sixth in strikeouts, eighth in innings pitched, and ninth in wins, was named to the AMC South Division First Team, the NCCAA East Region Team, and the NCCAA All-American Team as a sophomore. He also threw a no-hitter against Cedarville that season. This year, Laughlin has posted a 5-2 record with a 2.26 ERA, one shutout, and 50 strikeouts in 55.2 innings.

"Mike has come off of an injury-shortened junior season to return to form in his senior year,” said Veale. "His ability to dominate the other team’s offense always gives us a great chance to win the games he starts. Mike has adapted to our pitching philosophy and has taken pride in his preparation for game day. He leads by example and has thrown a number of games throughout his career that put him right with the elite pitchers in our program’s history.”

Following Thursday’s game, the Cougars will turn their attention to the six-team double-elimination NAIA Region IX Tournament that will start next Tuesday most likely in Columbus with Ohio Dominican University serving as the host.