Nov. 15, 2007

SAN MARCOS - Texas State University baseball coach Ty Harrington released the names of the 2008 recruiting class that will join the Bobcat baseball roster next season. Wednesday marked the NCAA early signing day for prep team and junior college student-athletes who are committing to a university athletic program.

Overall, the eleven athletes joining Bobcat nation are part of one of the largest recruiting classes Harrington has brought on the field. "This may be one of the largest, most athletic groups of young men we have had in years. Our baseball program will continue to grow with the players that we have signed. This is one of the most exciting times in the history of this program," stated Harrington.

The `Cats have secured five junior college athletes and six prep team standouts that will contribute to the versatility all over the field. Harrington has added five right-handed pitchers, one left-handed hurler, two outfielders and infielders and one catcher to the charts. "We've loaded our team with some very accomplished young people, and very successful baseball players," Harrington said.

Garret Carruth, Lewisville, Texas right-hander, leaves Paris Junior College where he competed under the guidance of coach Deron Clark. The 220 pound pitcher stands six feet five inches tall and Harrington believes his stature will play a vital role when opponents spot him on the mound. "His physical, emotional, and competitive nature will be a tremendous edition to the pitching staff next year...he's very aggressive and strong and owns a good curve ball," Harrington explained. Garret is the son of Larry and Dawn Carruth and has three older siblings, Brttani, 25, Micah, 23, and Elissa, 18. He plans to pursue a degree in health and physical education at Texas State.

Miles Mulkey, Denton, Texas native, will join the Bobcats after competing in Class 4A baseball at Denton High School. The four-year letterman earned starting roles at both pitcher and short stop under the guidance of Marty Green. Mulkey was a member of the 2006 Bronco squad that took home the State Quarterfinalist title. "Miles is a young, physically accomplished pitcher that will impact our staff. He has tremendous game presence. The potential he brings in is definitely an upside and we are excited he will be joining our team," stated Harrington. Mulkey recorded a career best 10-4 record his junior season in addition to a perfect 4-0 playoff performance. He ended the year boasting a 1.12 ERA and led the DFW area in strikeouts with 132, averaging 10.92 per game. His performance earned him 1st-Team All District and All-Area (DRC) honors. He is the son of Richard and Jane Mulkey and has one sister, Lauren, 21.

Taylor Janak will join the pitching ranks at Texas State as an additional right-handed hurler. He leaves Blinn Junior College where he threw for head coach Harvey McIntyre. Harrington describes Janak as a "very competitive pitcher who commands three pitches for strikes. He has an incredible competitive spirit about him and enjoys competing from the mound." Prior to attending Blinn, Janek worked under the tutelage of Eddie Gonzalez at Columbus High School.

Another addition on the mound for the Bobcats is Highland Village native Mitchell Pitts. Under the guidance of Frank Chumbley at Marcus High School, Pitts earned three letters in 5A competition. Harrington comments," Mitchell commands three pitches in the zone and for a young player that is a big ingredient to his current and future success." He is the son of Katie and Courtney Pitts and has three siblings - Weston, 13, Corey, 13, and Gena, 11.

The lone left-handed pitcher joining the Texas State 2008 squad is Bryant Rutledge from Frisco High School. "He fulfills the need for an additional left-handed pitcher to our staff. He's crafty and he really understands the art of pitching for such a young athlete," explained Harrington. Under the guidance of Scott Cook, Rutledge posted a 1.19 ERA, averaging 1.15 strikeouts per inning in 9-4A baseball. Rutledge signed with Texas State after being recruited by the University of Houston and conference foes UTSA and Stephen F. Austin. He is the son of Greg and Jane Rutlege and has one sister, Karley, 14.

Matt Steiner rounds out the Texas State pitching additions joining the squad from Morton Ranch High School. Under the wings of Jim Janczak and summer select coach Mike Rutledge, Steiner brings depth to the pitching staff. Coach Harrington remarks," Matt is an exceptionally accomplished right-handed pitcher that will bring a immense physical presence to the team. His physical skills have great potential and we are excited to work with him."

Jordan Kopycinski will join the Bobcat lineup from Navarro Junior College where he started two years behind the plate for head coach Whoa Dill. While there, Kopycinski drove in 20 RBI's and batted .379 as a freshman on the team. He rounded out his career as a Bulldog snagging the Cal Ripken All-Star award for his defensive and offensive performance. The catcher was a 36th round draft pick in 2006 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. "Jordan is a great catch and throw guy that makes us very solid behind the plate. He solidifies the future of our catching situation with Gerry graduating. He adds stability with Ben (Theriot) behind the plate," said Harrington. Prior to competing at Navarro, Kopycinski earned three letters under the tutelage of coach Ken Schulte at St. Thomas High School. While there, he helped the Eagle squad to a 2004 State Championship title. He took back-to-back All-State honors in 2005 and 2006. The Houston product is the son of Joey and Donna Kopycinski and has one sister Taylor, 17 and a brother Hunter, 14.

Rory Myers will see time in the Bobcat outfield after a two-year starting performance at Keller Central High School. "The left-handed hitting brings tremendous athleticism and skill to our program. He brings great toughness as a baseball player and will be a tough guy to throw to at the plate," noted Harrington on the left-handed Myers.

Keith Prestridge will join the `Cats after giving two years to Jeff Livin at Angelina Junior College. "Keith will bring great speed and strength to our program," Harrington explains. "He has successfully played at a high level of baseball and we are thrilled he's joining our team." Prestridge competed in the Junior College All-Star game this fall.

Kyle Livingstone is another Whoa Dill product joining the Texas State baseball team. Before hitting the field in Corsicana, Livingstone saw time on the Kansas State roster where he posted his first collegiate hit against Ohio State and academically, earned a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll. Livingstone attended Arlington Heights High School where he earned two letters from coach Tommy Elliott at the short stop position. "Kyle is a versatile defensive player that understands the game of baseball and has incredible offensive skills to compliment them." Harrington adds. In his senior season he led 4A competition stroking seven home runs, posting 20 doubles, 51 hits and batted .543 which earned him All-State recognition. Kyle is the son of Keith and Julie Livingstone and has two brothers, Nathan, 17 and Jonathan, 11. The Fort Worth native plans to major in business at Texas State.

Rounding out the list of 2008 signees is Kyle Kubitza, who will join the ranks as a Bobcat after spending four years at Colleyville Heritage High School competing under the guidance of coach Alan McDougal. Harrington states, "Kyle is an extremely athletic man, with raw talent both offensively and defensively. He's tall and that will be a sensational offensive force during his career at Texas State." His performance at first base earned him a spot on the 2nd-Team All-District squad. Kubitza is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as a Youth Group leader and a student helper for the Colleyville Youth Baseball League. He is the son of Dan and Terry Kubitza and has five siblings: Tammy 39, Nicole 37, Dan 31, Candy 29, and Austin 16.

"Overall, this class has definitely answered our fall goals in terms of recruiting," Harrington expressed. "Our program will definitely continue to grow."

2008 Texas State Signing Class

Garret Carruth --- Paris Junior College

Taylor Janak --- Blinn College

Jordan Kopycinski --- Navarro Junior College

Kyle Kubitza --- Colleyville Heritage High School

Kyle Livingstone --- Navarro Junior College

Miles Mulkey --- Denton High School

Rory Myers --- Keller Central High School

Mitchell Pitts --- Flower Mound Marcus High School

Keith Prestridge --- Angelina Junior College

Bryant Rutledge --- Frisco High School

Matt Steiner --- Morton Ranch High School