Kirkwood News
Baseball - Mon, Jan 24, 2011

Head coach John Lewis and his coaching staff have received commitments from eight student athletes this past week.

These players have committed to play for the Eagles for the 2012 season. Of the eight committed, seven hail from the state of Iowa and one from the state of Illinois. "This group of early commitments is a very special group," says Coach Lewis. "We will lose some quality players to graduation and I feel these early commitments can come in and make a big impact."

Below is an overview of the future eagles:
 

Andrew Utterback OF/RHP Sigourney, IA Sigourney HS

Andrew hails from Sigourney, IA, and is an outstanding athlete who plays the outfield, infield and pitches for his high school team. As a junior, Andrew was a first team all-state outfielder who led all classes in the state of Iowa in homeruns with 19. On the hill, he was 7-4 with a .159 ERA and recorded 121 strikeouts in 70 innings of work. Andrew is a four sport athlete participating in football, basketball and track in addition to baseball.  He was recently named to the Louisville Slugger high school pre-season All-American team for his senior season.  

Coach Lewis on Andrew:

"Andrew is the type of kid who will do whatever we ask of him. Andrew does everything on the field for his high school team. He is extremely athletic and is very coachable, which is a big reason why we recruited him. We are excited for Andrew to get to campus and help us compete in 2012."
 

Andrew Utterback- Sigourney

 
 
Dalton Parrott OF West Des Moines, IA Dowling Catholic HS

Dalton, a native of West Des Moines, IA, is an outfielder who shows tremendous athleticism. Dalton led his high school team in hitting with a .476 batting average with seven homeruns as a junior, leading his team to a state tournament appearance. He was a first team all-conference, all-district and all-state outfielder as a junior. Dalton also plays football and runs track. He helped lead his football team to the class 4A championship this year as their running back.

Coach Lewis on Dalton:

"We are extremely excited Dalton has decided to roam the outfield here at Kirkwood the next two years. He is extremely athletic and can play all 3 outfield positions. He has the ability to hit for a high average and is very good on the bases. We expect big things out of Dalton the next couple of years."
 

Dalton Parrott- Dowling

   

Anthony Bakeris RHP Davenport, IA Davenport Central HS

Tony hails from Davenport, IA, and is the younger brother of current Eagle pitcher Nick Bakeris. Tony is a tall right-handed pitcher who showcases an upper 80 mph fastball. As a junior, Tony was a first team all conference and all-district player. He finished his junior campaign with a 6-1 record and a 3.34 ERA. Tony also plays for his high school football team.

Coach Lewis on Tony:

"Tony has a solid frame with a lot of upsize. He comes from a good family and has a very good work ethic. Tony has a passion for the game and we expect Tony to compete right away for us here at Kirkwood."
 

Vincent Crivaro RHP West Des Moines, IA Dowling Catholic HS

Vinnie is from West Des Moines, IA, and is a teammate of future eagle Dalton Parrott. He is a right handed pitcher who finished his junior year undefeated with a 7-0 record and a 2.88 ERA. He was an all-conference and all-district performer his junior year.

Coach Lewis on Vinnie:

"Vinnie is the type of pitcher every coach wants on their staff. He isn't overpowering but understands how to pitch effectively. Vinnie is very competitive and will only get better the next two years."
 
 

 

Michael Rooney OF Cedar Rapids, IA Jefferson HS

Michael won't travel far to college hailing from Cedar Rapids, IA. He was high school teammates with current Eagle pitchers Matt Beer and Ben Rettenmeir. He plays centerfield for his high school team and is their leadoff hitter. As a junior, Michael was an all-conference and all-district player hitting .350 with 4 homeruns.

Coach Lewis on Michael:

"Michael is an extremely gifted baseball player and has a knack for the game. I have had outstanding Jefferson baseball players in the past and Michael will fall into that same category. Michael is a good teammate and we expect him to come in and compete right away."
 

Micharl Rooney- Jefferson

 

Ben Larison IF Robins, IA Linn-Mar HS

Ben comes from Robins, IA, and attended Linn-Mar high school. During his junior year, Ben hit .383 swiping 10 bags while playing SS. Ben earned all-conference honors following his junior season.

Coach Lewis on Ben:

"Ben is a left-handed hitting infielder who will transition over to second base when he gets here. For a smaller guy, Ben shows some good pop off the bat. We lose both of our current second basemen so we are hoping Ben can make an impact right away."
 

Ben Larison- Linn-Mar

     

Collin Belk RHP Davenport, IA Davenport North HS

Collin comes from Davenport, IA, and attends North High School. Collin is a right-handed pitcher with a 6'-1" frame who throws in the low to mid 80's. Both of Collin's older brothers, Jason and Kevin, pitched for Coach Lewis at Kirkwood.

Coach Lewis on Collin:

"Collin comes from a good baseball family. He is a bright kid with a nice future ahead of him. Both of Collins brothers had a good work ethic and we know Collin will follow their lead."
 

Collin Belk