Oklahoma Baseball Newcomers Ranked Ninth Nationally

On the verge of beginning fall team workouts, the Oklahoma baseball team received word Monday that this year's class of newcomers was ranked as the ninth-best in the country as released by Collegiate Baseball. OU's talented class of 19 newcomers includes three Junior College All-Americans and four former high school All-State picks. Although unranked in the top 30 last year, the Sooners' rankings have steadily climbed over the years from 29th in 2000, 17th in 2001, 11th in 2002 to its current spot this year.

'This group has the potential to be one of our most talented groups in recent history and live up to that ranking,' commented head coach Larry Cochell after receiving the news. 'We have brought in a solid group of individuals that we are looking to create some healthy competition during fall practice and make a strong impact in the spring.'

Over the summer the Sooners landed three of the most heralded junior college talents in the country in Ryan Rohlinger (Clarendon College), Jeff Scuderi (Saddleback C.C.) and Ole Sheldon (Santa Rosa J.C.). Each of the transfers achieved Junior College All-American status last year and come to Norman as three of the most decorated individuals in the class.

Rohlinger, who will be competing for a middle infield job this fall, led the Western Junior College Athletic Conference with 20 home runs, 91 RBI and 169 total bases.

Also emerging as one of his conference's leading offensive players, Scuderi placed in the top five in seven offensive categories including doubles, triples, batting average and stolen bases.

Sheldon likewise finished near the top of his league in several categories en route to Bay Valley Conference West Player of the Year honors last season. The Roseburg, Ore., native finished first in batting average (.424), second in on base percentage (.500) and third in doubles (19).

Scuderi and Sheldon will vy for starting jobs in the outfield and infield, respectively.

The Sooners also scooped up some of the top high school talent in the state of Oklahoma and Texas to solidify its high ranking. Texans Charles Benoit (South Lake Carroll), Ryan Mottern (Palestine) and Josh Stinson (Port Neches-Grove) each enjoyed stand out prep careers. Benoit was named the 2002 Texas Player of the Year by the Texas Sports Writers Association, while Mottern was a three-time first team all-district pick and Stinson earned All-State honors and district MVP accolades in 2002.

Local talent Aaron Ivery garnered first team All-State accolades by the Daily Oklahoman as a senior after batting .400 with three home runs and 36 RBI. Ivey helped lead his Putnam City North team to two-straight regional championships and a conference championship last year.

The Sooners' fourth high school All-State talent, Bartlesville High School product Ryan Rogers, captured All-State recognition by the Oklahoma Coaches Association and Frontier Conference Pitcher of the Year honors last season. Rogers' career numbers include a 20-5 record and 114 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched during his three year stint on the mound.

Oklahoma was the third Big 12 Conference school to appear on the list of rankings. The Sooners trailed only Texas at No. 5 and Oklahoma State at No. 7. Baylor (No. 19) and Nebraska (t-30th) rounded out the rest of the conference's ranked recruiting classes.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Oklahoma Baseball Newcomers Ranked Ninth Nationally

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