Decker, a pitcher/infielder from Jeffersonville, Ohio, posted a 4-1 record with a 2.21 ERA and one save as a senior at Miami Trace High School. In 32.2 innings of work, he struck out 56 batters and issued just 17 walks for an incredible average of 15.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He also batted .429 with 12 doubles, two triples, one home run, 20 runs scored, 14 RBI, and 17 stolen bases in 22 games. He was named to the South Central Ohio League First Team and the All-District First Team.

“Jerrob is a solid right-handed pitcher,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale, who has posted a 641-310 record in 19 seasons at the helm of the Cougars. “He has good velocity and pitches to both sides of the plate. We really liked the late break on his breaking pitch when we went to see him throw. He is another pitcher who has excelled as an infielder which shows some good athletic ability. His command of the fastball will dictate his development on the mound. If he shows command early, he could be a real help early in his career.”

In addition to playing baseball at Miami Trace, Decker was a member of the basketball team. He was also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a scholar-athlete award recipient.

“There were several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Decker of his college choice. “They have a very good baseball program and Coach Veale is a successful and proven coach.”

MVNU is an NAIA school that competes in the American Mideast Conference. The Cougars posted a 39-21 overall record in 2008 and captured the program’s sixth National Christian College Athletic Association national title. The team also advanced to the NAIA Region IX Tournament championship game for the ninth straight year. 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. Seven other former players have signed free agent contracts to play professional baseball.