Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 | 9:41 a.m.
Adam Candee covers high school sports for the Sun. Reach him at (702) 259-4085 or by e-mail at [email protected].
What wasn't for CCSN baseball coach Tim Chambers to like?
A picturesque Wednesday afternoon at gorgeous Coyote Field, flanked by 13 of his newest local signees, set to a backdrop of his current squad practicing for a season that starts in two weeks all looked good for Chambers.
"This is kind of a big deal for us," Chambers said.
The Coyotes announced their new class for the 2004 season Wednesday, the first day of the junior college signing period. Some may still be drafted or go elsewhere, but for now, the group includes: Mike Dunn, LHP, Cimarron; Josh Wheeler, OF, Centennial; Kyle Price, INF, Green Valley; Jordan Parraz, OF, Green Valley; Paul Schmidt, LHP, Cimarron; Ty Selby, INF, Sierra Vista; Jared Ferdinand, C, Silverado; Chris Siewert, INF, Bishop Gorman; Doug "Spud" Low, C, Foothill; Chris Brown, C/P, Bishop Gorman; Mike Seerup, INF, Sierra Vista, Mark Radcliffe, P/OF, Western; and Ryan Castellanos, INF, Silverado.
Siewert pretty well summed up the feelings of most of the signees who hope to play Division I or professional ball.
"It's a great opportunity," Siewert said. "Hopefully I can showcase my skills."
In just more than three years, 29 CCSN players have earned Division I scholarships. Chambers' pride comes from both that and that the program has remained true to its mission of being intensely local.
"It makes it easy to stay local when you get the best kids," Chambers said.
By going the junior college route, players leave themselves the option of leaving school after either one or two years if they are drafted into the pro ranks.
The two biggest names remaining in the talent pool are Desert Pines RB Cornell Johnson and Foothill WR Nate Wederquist, and the two players are reportedly in different situations.
Sources say Johnson may struggle to get qualifying test scores for Division I, and that could be slowing his decision process. If the Sun Offensive Player of the Year does qualify, his list is down to UCLA, Oklahoma, and Miami, with the Bruins thought to be his first choice.
For Wederquist, the waiting game continues. The widely held belief is that the first team All-State wideout will eventually end up at UNLV, where his father, Craig, is the defensive line coach.
However, that may not be a slam dunk, as Foothill coach Ray Fenton said recruiters from Arizona and Houston have contacted him as well. In any case, the lack of widespread heat on Wederquist is frankly shocking for a player with the obvious size and skill to compete in Division I.
Las Vegas coach Kris Cinkovich reports that Colorado State, Northern Arizona, and -- who else? -- Oregon State are after massive OL Daniel Crews. Foothill LB Niko Saipale will head to Northern Arizona for a recruiting visit this weekend.
The award's criteria includes on-court accomplishment, academic achievement and character. Todd, a middle blocker bound for Washington State, led Green Valley to the 4A State Tournament. She also plays basketball and carries a 3.0 grade point average.
This is Todd's second consecutive Gatorade award.
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