The Mount Vernon Nazarene
University baseball team has added an
important recruit to the team’s roster for
the 2010 season with the addition of Greg
Travis, who has decided to further his
education and continue his baseball career
at MVNU.
Travis,
a catcher from Canton, Ohio, batted .293
with two doubles, six runs scored, and 12
RBI in 23 games as a senior at Canton South
High School. He earned varsity letters as
both a junior and a senior on the team.
"Greg fills a need for some catching
depth that we desperately need,” said MVNU
coach Keith Veale, who has posted a 676-331
record in 20 seasons at the helm of the
Cougars. "He has nice size behind the plate
and provides a good target to throw to. The
critical piece for catchers at the college
level is the ability to control the running
game. We believe Greg has the potential to
do that. With a little work on technique and
strength, he will be an asset behind the
plate. His arm strength is good and he
enjoys playing the game. He is excited to
come to MVNU and we are glad he has chosen
to do so.”
In addition to playing baseball for
Canton South High School, Travis was a
member of the Canton South EE team in 2006
and 2007 that won a divisional championship
and was district runner-up. He was a member
of the regional and divisional championship
Canton South Men’s Club team in 2008, and he
played on the American Legion Post 166 team
in 2009 that won the district championship
and finished third in the state tournament
and also third in both the Beast of the East
Tournament and the Indiana Bulls Tournament.
He threw out 18 runners while catching this
summer.
"There are several reasons why I chose
MVNU,” said Travis of his college choice. "I
wanted to attend a university that would
allow me to be in an environment that would
keep a strong impact of God in my life
during all of my college years. When I went
on my campus visits, MVNU is the only place
where I felt truly comfortable.”
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.