Gress, a first baseman/outfielder from Fresno, Ohio, batted .367 as a senior at Ridgewood High School with seven doubles, nine home runs, 26 runs scored, and 39 RBI. He was named to the Eastern District Second Team and selected to play in the Eastern District All-Star Game as a senior, and he earned Inter Valley Conference Second Team and Eastern District Honorable Mention status as a junior.

“Ryan is a strong left-handed hitting first baseman,” said MVNU coach Keith Veale, who has posted a 676-331 record in 20 seasons at the helm of the Cougars. “He has really come on this summer playing for the Coshocton Legion program. He is primarily a first baseman, but he is working on creating some versatility in the outfield. He has some home run potential with his size and strength. He has a likeable personality and enjoys playing the game.”

In addition to playing baseball at Ridgewood, Gress played for the Coshocton Cherokees Legion team. He was a three-year letterwinner in football, basketball, and baseball at Ridgewood and served as a captain during his senior year. He was also the president of Student Council as a senior.

“There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Gress of his college choice. “It is a Christian university with a great baseball program that is close to home.”

MVNU is an NAIA school that competes in the American Mideast Conference. The Cougars posted a 35-21 overall record in 2009 and advanced to the semifinals of the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament. The team also qualified for the NAIA playoffs for the 19th time in the past 20 seasons. 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.