91卯創利

The 1997 Bulldogs

Jason Tate

Senior 5'9" 163 --Murfreesboro, Tennessee--Riverdale High School
Named to the 1996 Academic All-American team...only two other baseball players at 91卯創利 have earned this honor...a returning starter who has played his entire collegiate career for the Bulldogs...hopes to improve on an outstanding junior season...third leading hitter with a .342 batting average in 1996...led the team in times reaching base...a two-time TCAC Scholar Athlete...prepped at Riverdale High School where he earned several honors.

Jason Sparkman

Senior 5'10" 165--Antioch, Tennessee--Overton High School
Best defeensive player on the Bulldog squad...has the ability to play any infield position...may even see some action behind the plate in order for 91卯創利 to take advantage of an outstanding arm...earned the Best Defensive Award in 1995 for the Bulldogs...a TCAC Scholar Athlete...prepped at Overton High School in Nashville where he was named All-District and All-City.

Genus Miller

Senior 6'5" 215--Russellville, Alabama--University of North Alabama
A returning starter who should be one of the NAIA's best pitchers in 1997...has great stuff combined with excellent presence on the mound...must overcome streaks of wildness to reach potential...was second on the team last season in strikeouts...transferred from the University of North Alabama...prepped at Russellville High School in Alabama where he earned numerous honors including Most Valuable Player, All-Area, All-State, and All-County.

Joey Hopper

Senior 6'2" 215--Batesville, Mississippi--South Panola High School
A senior pitcher who has several quality outings...showed improved consistency in fall workouts...should provide some quality depth to the pitching staff...prepped at South Panola High School in Mississippi where he was honored with the T.B. Woodruff Sportsmanship Award...earned All-Conference and All-District honors.

Brady Thompson

Senior 5'11" 170--Paducah, Kentucky--Shawnee Community College
A returning starter for the Bulldogs...will be counted on to provide outstanding defense in the outfield...did not make a fielding error last season...an excellent bunter and baserunner...will be an offensive catalyst...tied for the lead in stolen bases last season with 13...spent two seasons at Shawnee where he hit almost .500 with an incredible on- base percentage.

Brandon Myhand

Junior 5'9" 170--Paducah, Kentucky--Reidland High School
Junior catcher who has been a key part of the Bulldog offense for two seasons...must take over catching duties and attempt to keep intact the 91卯創利 string of eight consecutive all-conference catchers...performed admirably last year when filling in for T.J. Wilder...hit over .300 for the Dogs in 1996...prepped at Reidland High School in Kentucky where he was two-time All-State and named Mr. Offense three times.

Ed Grammer

Junior 6'4" 185--Ripley, Tennessee--Ripley High School
Junior righthander who has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to put together a full season of consistent outings...has the ability to be a big winner...was fourth on the team in strikeouts in 1996...prepped at Ripley High School where he was named All-District, All-State, and District MVP, and two All-Tournament teams.

Stephen Howard

Junior 6'1" 185--Houghton, New York--Houghton College
Lefthander struggling to overcome shoulder problems...must stay healthy to get the amount of work needed to make necessary improvements...prepped at Fillmore High School in New York before attending Greenville College.

Johnny Katrosh

Junior 5'11" 175--Bolivar, Missouri--Southwest Missouri Community College
Transfers to 91卯創利 from Southwest Baptist...his best assests are experience and tenaciousness...will be used at both middle infield positions...may be called on to help as a designated hitter...prepped at Bolivar High School in Missouri where he was all- conference in football and baseball.

Brian Pace

Junior 6'1" 200--Russellville, Alabama--Northwest Shoals Community College
A transfer from Northwest Shoals Community College where he led the team in homeruns...is a probable starter at third base...will be counted on to provide power in the emiddle of the Bulldog lineup...prepped at Russellville High School in Alabama where he led the team in RBI's and was named Most Valuable Player.

Michael Hopper

Junior 6'1" 180--Walnut, Mississippi--Northeast Mississippi Community College
An oustanding left-hander transferring from Northeast Mississippi Community College...was named All-State and held the lowest ERA on the team...looked impressive during fall workouts...expected to add consistency to the Dogs pitchingg staff...prepped at Walnut High School in Mississippi where he was named All-District and All-County.

Brian Short

Junior 6'0" 180--Calvert City, Kentucky--Shawnee Community College
A blue chipper transfering from Shawnee Community College where he was placed on the All-Region and All-Tournament teams in 1995...a switch hitter who is expected to start at second base as well as see some time on the mound as a closer...prepped at Reidland High School in Kentucky where he earned All-State honors in baseball as well as All-Region and All-District honors in basketball.

Jason Garner

Junior 5'10" 180-- Jackson, Tennessee- -Jackson Central Merry High School
Crafty lefthander off the Jackson State World Series team in 1996...has a great curveball...extremely tough onlefthanded hitters...may not see a lot of innings but will used in key situations...prepped locally at Jackson Central Merry High School.

Jarred Alsbrook

Junior 6'5" 180--Munford, Tennessee---University of Memphis
A solid performer at Jackson State Community College for two years...contending for a spot in the regular rotation...will also be used in relief situations...prepped at Munford High School before attending Jackson State.

Jeff Rowland

Junior 6'1" 210--Camden, Tennessee-Volunteer State Community College
Junior first baseman from Volunteer State Community College...played on the 1995 Junior College World Series team...will be counted on to provide punch in the middle of th elineup...while at Volunteer State was named All-Conference and All-region...prepped at Camden High School where he earned numerous honors in baseball, football, and basketball including All-District and All-State.

John Koffman

Sophomore 6'0" 170--Dyersburg, Tennessee--Dyersburg High School
A returning starter...possibly one of the top defenisve shortstops in the TranSouth Conference...came on strong as a hitter last season ending with a .323 batting average...tied for the lead in stolen bases last season with 13...TCAC Scholar Athlete last season ans should repeat again this year...candidate for Academic All-American honors...prepped at Dyersburg High School where he earned numerous academic and athletic honors including All-District, Regional All-Tournament, and MVP his senior season.

Jonathon Smart

Sophomore 6'0" 185--Columbus, Georgia--Columbus High School
Returning righthanded picther who was extremely effective in limited action last season...will be used this season as a spot starter an short relief...prepped at Columbus High, the AAA State Champions for three consecutive years...earned such honors as Most Valuable Player, Coach's Award, and All-City.

Eric Olexa

Freshman 6'0" 180--91卯創利 City, Tennessee--91卯創利 City High School
A hard worker who continues to improve in every phase of the game...will contribute as a utility player until a permanent position can be determined...came to 91卯創利 last season after graduating from 91卯創利 City High School where he was named a TSSAA Student Athlete.

John Melton

Freshman 6'1" 195--Ashland City, Tennessee--Clarksville Academy
Comes to 91卯創利 from Clarksville Academy...an excellent catching prospect...possesses an exceptional throwing arm and the ability to hit for power...should see significant playing time for a freshman...earned numerous honors while at Clarksville Academy including All-Area, Most Valuable Player, All-District, and All-Tournament.

Nathan Sawyer

Freshman 6'0" 180--Millington, Tennessee--Millington Central High School
A medical redshirt after an injury plagued his freshman season...solid all-around performer...will contend this season for the job at second base as well as provide depth in the outfield...prepped at Millington Central High School where he earned several honors including All-District, All-Metro, and All-State...was a finalist for the Best of the Preps All-Metro Player of the Year Award.

Kai Frederick

Freshman 5'10" 160--Ripley, Tennessee--Ripley High School
Expected to contribute immediately as a freshman...not afraid to pitch in pressure situations...a possible two-way player later in his collegiate career...prepped at Ripley High School where he was two-time All-District...was named to the District All- Tournament Team and received the offensive Most Valuable Player Award.

Dow Davidson

Freshman 6'2" 185--Jackson, Tennessee--University School of Jackson
Freshman infielder from USJ...swings a potent bat...may serve as a possible designated hitter...will need to improve throwing to compete for a regular position...prepped locally at University School of Jackson where he earned All-State honors in football and All-District honors in baseball.

Sean Stewart

Freshman 6'2" 180--Titusville, Florida--Titusville High School
Freshman righthander from Titusville, Florida...with an oustanding fall performance, he worked his way into the regular rotation...a sinker-slider type pitcher with exceptional command of pitches...one of the best freshman signees at 91卯創利 in recent years...earned several honors at Titusville High School including two-time Most Valuable Player and numerous academic recognitions.

Kevin Overcash

Freshman 6'0" 185-- Collierville, Tennessee- -Collierville High School
Freshman outfielder who has speed to burn...drafted out of high school by the Yankees...will start in centerfield for the Bulldogs and be given the opportunity to be the leadoff hitter for 91卯創利...was only thrown out once in his entire high school career...hit .420 and had a perfect 38 stolen base record his senior year...two-time All-District and All-Metro.

Charles Byrum

Freshman 6'2" 200-- Brownsville, Tennessee- -Brownsville High School
Freshman catcher from Brownsville contending for a backup role...best asset is a lefthanded bat with some power...a key to the winning team in the fall World Series...prepped at Haywood County High School where he led the team in hitting, RBI's, doubles, and on-base percentage...was named All-District.

Jared Kizer

Freshman 6'2" 190-- Lexington, Tennessee- -Lexington High School
A gifted player trying to overcome knee injuries suffered in high school...will be a huge asset to the Bulldogs if he can regain his former speed...prepped at Lexington High School where he was voted Most Athletic and Most Versatile...graduated with a 3.92 GPA.

Red-Shirt Players

Jeremy Miller

Freshman 6'0" 170-- Nashville, Tennessee- -Overton High School

Eric Culpepper

Freshman 5'10" 180-- Jackson, Tennessee- -Trinity Christian Academy

Robin McCaig

Freshman 5'9" 150--Dyer, Tennessee--Gibson County High School

Bryan Jerry

Freshman 5'7" 145--Brighton, Tennessee--Munford High School

Aaron Hardee

Freshman 6'2" 175--Bartlett, Tennessee--Bolton High School

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOCAL POINT STUDIO

Comments and suggestions concerning this site should be forwarded to:

jpowell@buster.uu.edu

Last updated on February 6, 1997.

	Jason Tate Senior 5'9" 163 --Murfreesboro, Tennessee--Riverdale High School Named to the 1996 Academic All-American team...only two other baseball players at 91卯創利 have earned this honor...a returning starter who has played his entire collegiate career for the Bulldogs...hopes to improve on an outstanding junior season...third leading hitter with a .342 batting average in 1996...led the team in times reaching base...a two-time TCAC Scholar Athlete...prepped at Riverdale High School where he earned several honors.
	Jason Sparkman Senior 5'10" 165--Antioch, Tennessee--Overton High School Best defeensive player on the Bulldog squad...has the ability to play any infield position...may even see some action behind the plate in order for 91卯創利 to take advantage of an outstanding arm...earned the Best Defensive Award in 1995 for the Bulldogs...a TCAC Scholar Athlete...prepped at Overton High School in Nashville where he was named All-District and All-City.
	Genus Miller Senior 6'5" 215--Russellville, Alabama--University of North Alabama A returning starter who should be one of the NAIA's best pitchers in 1997...has great stuff combined with excellent presence on the mound...must overcome streaks of wildness to reach potential...was second on the team last season in strikeouts...transferred from the University of North Alabama...prepped at Russellville High School in Alabama where he earned numerous honors including Most Valuable Player, All-Area, All-State, and All-County.
	Joey Hopper Senior 6'2" 215--Batesville, Mississippi--South Panola High School A senior pitcher who has several quality outings...showed improved consistency in fall workouts...should provide some quality depth to the pitching staff...prepped at South Panola High School in Mississippi where he was honored with the T.B. Woodruff Sportsmanship Award...earned All-Conference and All-District honors.
	Brady Thompson Senior 5'11" 170--Paducah, Kentucky--Shawnee Community College A returning starter for the Bulldogs...will be counted on to provide outstanding defense in the outfield...did not make a fielding error last season...an excellent bunter and baserunner...will be an offensive catalyst...tied for the lead in stolen bases last season with 13...spent two seasons at Shawnee where he hit almost .500 with an incredible on- base percentage.
	Brandon Myhand Junior 5'9" 170--Paducah, Kentucky--Reidland High School Junior catcher who has been a key part of the Bulldog offense for two seasons...must take over catching duties and attempt to keep intact the 91卯創利 string of eight consecutive all-conference catchers...performed admirably last year when filling in for T.J. Wilder...hit over .300 for the Dogs in 1996...prepped at Reidland High School in Kentucky where he was two-time All-State and named Mr. Offense three times.
	Ed Grammer Junior 6'4" 185--Ripley, Tennessee--Ripley High School Junior righthander who has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to put together a full season of consistent outings...has the ability to be a big winner...was fourth on the team in strikeouts in 1996...prepped at Ripley High School where he was named All-District, All-State, and District MVP, and two All-Tournament teams.
	Stephen Howard Junior 6'1" 185--Houghton, New York--Houghton College Lefthander struggling to overcome shoulder problems...must stay healthy to get the amount of work needed to make necessary improvements...prepped at Fillmore High School in New York before attending Greenville College.
	Johnny Katrosh Junior 5'11" 175--Bolivar, Missouri--Southwest Missouri Community College Transfers to 91卯創利 from Southwest Baptist...his best assests are experience and tenaciousness...will be used at both middle infield positions...may be called on to help as a designated hitter...prepped at Bolivar High School in Missouri where he was all- conference in football and baseball.
	Brian Pace Junior 6'1" 200--Russellville, Alabama--Northwest Shoals Community College A transfer from Northwest Shoals Community College where he led the team in homeruns...is a probable starter at third base...will be counted on to provide power in the emiddle of the Bulldog lineup...prepped at Russellville High School in Alabama where he led the team in RBI's and was named Most Valuable Player.
	Michael Hopper Junior 6'1" 180--Walnut, Mississippi--Northeast Mississippi Community College An oustanding left-hander transferring from Northeast Mississippi Community College...was named All-State and held the lowest ERA on the team...looked impressive during fall workouts...expected to add consistency to the Dogs pitchingg staff...prepped at Walnut High School in Mississippi where he was named All-District and All-County.
	Brian Short Junior 6'0" 180--Calvert City, Kentucky--Shawnee Community College A blue chipper transfering from Shawnee Community College where he was placed on the All-Region and All-Tournament teams in 1995...a switch hitter who is expected to start at second base as well as see some time on the mound as a closer...prepped at Reidland High School in Kentucky where he earned All-State honors in baseball as well as All-Region and All-District honors in basketball.
	Jason Garner Junior 5'10" 180-- Jackson, Tennessee- -Jackson Central Merry High School Crafty lefthander off the Jackson State World Series team in 1996...has a great curveball...extremely tough onlefthanded hitters...may not see a lot of innings but will used in key situations...prepped locally at Jackson Central Merry High School.
	Jarred Alsbrook Junior 6'5" 180--Munford, Tennessee---University of Memphis A solid performer at Jackson State Community College for two years...contending for a spot in the regular rotation...will also be used in relief situations...prepped at Munford High School before attending Jackson State.
	Jeff Rowland Junior 6'1" 210--Camden, Tennessee-Volunteer State Community College Junior first baseman from Volunteer State Community College...played on the 1995 Junior College World Series team...will be counted on to provide punch in the middle of th elineup...while at Volunteer State was named All-Conference and All-region...prepped at Camden High School where he earned numerous honors in baseball, football, and basketball including All-District and All-State.
	John Koffman Sophomore 6'0" 170--Dyersburg, Tennessee--Dyersburg High School A returning starter...possibly one of the top defenisve shortstops in the TranSouth Conference...came on strong as a hitter last season ending with a .323 batting average...tied for the lead in stolen bases last season with 13...TCAC Scholar Athlete last season ans should repeat again this year...candidate for Academic All-American honors...prepped at Dyersburg High School where he earned numerous academic and athletic honors including All-District, Regional All-Tournament, and MVP his senior season.
	Jonathon Smart Sophomore 6'0" 185--Columbus, Georgia--Columbus High School Returning righthanded picther who was extremely effective in limited action last season...will be used this season as a spot starter an short relief...prepped at Columbus High, the AAA State Champions for three consecutive years...earned such honors as Most Valuable Player, Coach's Award, and All-City.
	Eric Olexa Freshman 6'0" 180--91卯創利 City, Tennessee--91卯創利 City High School A hard worker who continues to improve in every phase of the game...will contribute as a utility player until a permanent position can be determined...came to 91卯創利 last season after graduating from 91卯創利 City High School where he was named a TSSAA Student Athlete.
	John Melton Freshman 6'1" 195--Ashland City, Tennessee--Clarksville Academy Comes to 91卯創利 from Clarksville Academy...an excellent catching prospect...possesses an exceptional throwing arm and the ability to hit for power...should see significant playing time for a freshman...earned numerous honors while at Clarksville Academy including All-Area, Most Valuable Player, All-District, and All-Tournament.
	Nathan Sawyer Freshman 6'0" 180--Millington, Tennessee--Millington Central High School A medical redshirt after an injury plagued his freshman season...solid all-around performer...will contend this season for the job at second base as well as provide depth in the outfield...prepped at Millington Central High School where he earned several honors including All-District, All-Metro, and All-State...was a finalist for the Best of the Preps All-Metro Player of the Year Award.
	Kai Frederick Freshman 5'10" 160--Ripley, Tennessee--Ripley High School Expected to contribute immediately as a freshman...not afraid to pitch in pressure situations...a possible two-way player later in his collegiate career...prepped at Ripley High School where he was two-time All-District...was named to the District All- Tournament Team and received the offensive Most Valuable Player Award.
	Dow Davidson Freshman 6'2" 185--Jackson, Tennessee--University School of Jackson Freshman infielder from USJ...swings a potent bat...may serve as a possible designated hitter...will need to improve throwing to compete for a regular position...prepped locally at University School of Jackson where he earned All-State honors in football and All-District honors in baseball.
	Sean Stewart Freshman 6'2" 180--Titusville, Florida--Titusville High School Freshman righthander from Titusville, Florida...with an oustanding fall performance, he worked his way into the regular rotation...a sinker-slider type pitcher with exceptional command of pitches...one of the best freshman signees at 91卯創利 in recent years...earned several honors at Titusville High School including two-time Most Valuable Player and numerous academic recognitions.
	Kevin Overcash Freshman 6'0" 185-- Collierville, Tennessee- -Collierville High School Freshman outfielder who has speed to burn...drafted out of high school by the Yankees...will start in centerfield for the Bulldogs and be given the opportunity to be the leadoff hitter for 91卯創利...was only thrown out once in his entire high school career...hit .420 and had a perfect 38 stolen base record his senior year...two-time All-District and All-Metro.
	Charles Byrum Freshman 6'2" 200-- Brownsville, Tennessee- -Brownsville High School Freshman catcher from Brownsville contending for a backup role...best asset is a lefthanded bat with some power...a key to the winning team in the fall World Series...prepped at Haywood County High School where he led the team in hitting, RBI's, doubles, and on-base percentage...was named All-District.
	Jared Kizer Freshman 6'2" 190-- Lexington, Tennessee- -Lexington High School A gifted player trying to overcome knee injuries suffered in high school...will be a huge asset to the Bulldogs if he can regain his former speed...prepped at Lexington High School where he was voted Most Athletic and Most Versatile...graduated with a 3.92 GPA.
Red-Shirt Players
	Jeremy Miller Freshman 6'0" 170-- Nashville, Tennessee- -Overton High School
	Eric Culpepper Freshman 5'10" 180-- Jackson, Tennessee- -Trinity Christian Academy
	Robin McCaig Freshman 5'9" 150--Dyer, Tennessee--Gibson County High School
	Bryan Jerry Freshman 5'7" 145--Brighton, Tennessee--Munford High School
	Aaron Hardee Freshman 6'2" 175--Bartlett, Tennessee--Bolton High School