Wildcats News
Thu, Feb 18, 2010 - [Baseball]
JACKSON, Tenn. - The 2010 TranSouth Conference Preseason Baseball Poll has been released. The poll, as voted by the coaches, tabs Cumberland (Tenn.) University as the favorite to win the league. Cumberland received five first place votes, with Union (Tenn.) University coming in second with three first place votes.
 
On Tuesday, the NAIA also released their preseason rankings. Four TranSouth teams were listed among the nation's best. Cumberland is No. 19, while Union, Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University are all receiving votes in the national rankings.

The complete NAIA preseason rankings can be found at www.naia.org.
 
Finishing off the TranSouth preseason poll is Trevecca Nazarene No. 3, Freed-Hardeman No. 4, Martin Methodist (Tenn.) College and Lyon (Ark.) College are tied at No. 5, Bethel (Tenn.) University is No. 7 and Mid-Continent (Ky.) University is No. 8.
 
In 2009, Cumberland won the TranSouth regular season title, while Union claimed the tournament championship. Both Union and Cumberland advanced to the NAIA National Tournament opening round with both teams posting 1-2 records.
 

2010 TranSouth Baseball Preseason Poll (as voted by the coaches)

No. School POINTS (1st Place Votes)

1. Cumberland University 59 (5)

2. Union University 56 (3)

3. Trevecca Nazarene 53

4. Freed-Hardeman 32

5. Martin Methodist 28

5. Lyon College 28

7. Bethel University 19

8. Mid-Continent 13

BETHEL UNIVERSITY WILDCATS

McKENZIE, Tenn. - Rusty Thompson (58-42) enters his 3rd season at the helm for the Bethel University Baseball program. The 2009 season, had its ups and downs in which 15 of the Wildcats losses were by two runs or less. Injuries to the pitching staff kept Bethel unstable as a unit. The Wildcat coaching staff worked hard on the recruiting trail adding much needed depth on the mound and in the field. The keys to the season will be consistency and staying healthy on the mound and at the plate. By doing so and continuing to work hard each day the coaching staff feels Bethel will compete for a title in the always tough TranSouth.
 

Top Returnees

Johnathan Deberry OF SR .357,43 R,50 H,10 2B,18-19 SBA,6HR,29 RBI- 2nd Team All Tran South

Colby Fitzpatrick RHP R-JR 2009 Redshirt

Courtney Hardaway IF SR .331, 34 R, 42 H, 7 2B, 33 BB, 6 HR, 30 RBI

Billy Keck C/RHP SO .289, 11 R, 24 H, 2 HR, 14 RBI (2-2, 25 INN, 20 K)

Craig Massey IF R-SO 2009 Redshirt (2008-.382, 42 R, 60 H, 3 3B, 5 HR, 44 RBI)-1st Team Tran South

Jake Ramsey IF JR .337, 23 R, 33 H, 18 BB, 3 HR, 28 RBI
 
Key Losses
 

Andrew Maddox 3B .401, 30 R, 63 H, 10 2B, 9 HR, 50 RBI- First Team All Tran South

Johnathon Keck LHP/1B .326, 26 R, 47 H, 11, HR, 39 RBI (5-4, 81 K, 55.2 INN) -42nd Rd/Kansas City

Heath Sharp OF .381, 34 R, 53 H, 18 BB, 7 HR, 35 RBI
 

Top Newcomers

Turner Cripps LHP SO Goodpasture High School (Lambuth University)

Hunter DeBerry OF JR Hardin County High School (Columbia State C.C)

Rusty Edwards RHP JR Smyrna High School (Dyersburg St C.C)

Derek Hinson RHP JR Dyer County High School (Dyersburg State C.C)

Bryson Horner UT FR Dyersburg High School

Nick Purcell RHP JR Bartlett High School (Southwest TN C.C)

Tyler Roberson C/IF FR Dyer County High School

Jordan Smith RHP JR White House High School (Volunteer St C.C)

Shea Thomas IF FR Dyer County High School

Joey Wilder RHP FR Dyersburg High School