Baseball Quick Facts 10

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1 Baseball Quick Facts 10 General Information Location..... Petersburg, VA Founded.....March 6, 1882 Enrollment....5,700 Nickname.Trojans Colors.. Orange and Blue Conference...Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Affiliation.....NCAA Div. II President..Dr. Keith T. Miller Interim Dir. of Athletics... Deborah Mallory Athletic Dept. Phone...(804) Facility..... Whaley Colbert Field Capacity 200 Dimensions (right, left) (center) Coaching Staff Head Coach..... Merrill Morgan Alma Mater.. Virginia Commonwealth 86 Record at Virginia State (Years) (8) Assistant Coaches. Andre Hawkes (9th year) Marcus Morgan (4th year) Baseball Office Phone. (804) Team Information 2011 Season Record CIAA Record/Finish /4th Position Players Returning/Lost 12/10 Newcomers Program History First Year of Program CIAA Championships. 23 (Last in 09) Coach Morgan.. 4 ( 04, 07, 08, 09) Last NCAA Tournament /Result... 07/L (0-2) Sports Information Sports Information Director.. Jason Pompey Office Phone Office Fax. (804) Cell... (646) jpompey@vsu.edu Mailing Address Fourth Avenue Petersburg, VA Website. Facebook Virginia State University Athletics Returners (12) Player Pos. Cl. Ht. Hometown (Previous School) Travis Coleman OF Jr Nottoway, VA (Nottoway HS) Brandon Cooper P So. 6-0 Richmond, VA (Meadowbrook HS) Maso Cotton P So. 6-1 Vauxhall, NJ (Parsippany Hills HS) Cameron Cox OF Sr. 5-9 Baltimore, MD (Overlea HS) James Goodwin IF So. 5-8 Chicago, IL (Morgan Park HS) Demetrius Roach C So. 6-1 Chicago, IL (Morgan Park HS) Keenan Smith IF So. 6-0 Chicago, IL (Morgan Park HS) Rico Soloman P So. 5-8 Atlanta, GA (Westlake HS) Howard Spencer OF Sr. 6-0 Chester, VA (Thomas Dale HS) Rodell Stewart Franklin Stowe C Jr Winston-Salem, NC Michael Whiten IF Sr. 6-1 Baton Rouge, LA Newcomers (13) P/IF So Dinwiddie, VA (Dinwiddie HS) Player Pos. Cl. Ht. Hometown (Previous School) Nicholas Christopher P/IF Fr. 6-1 Dinwiddie, VA (Dinwiddie HS) Tyler Coleman IF Fr Chesterfield, VA (Matoaca HS) Kelvin Davis IF Fr. 5-9 South Boston, VA (Halifax County HS) Michael Edwards OF So. 6-4 Chicago, IL (Alcon State University) Percy Evans IF Jr. 6-1 Cary, NC (Barton College) David Johnson OF Fr. 6-0 Chesterfield, VA (Meadowbrook HS) Joshua Markins P/IF Fr. 6-0 Colonial Heights, VA (Colonial Heights HS) John McCarty C Jr Colonial Heights, VA (Barton College) Nicholas Persad P Fr. 6-1 Central Islip, NY (Central Islip Senior HS) Colin Reeves P/IF Fr. 6-0 Colonial Heights, VA (Colonial Heights HS) Kendall Singleton IF Fr. 6-2 Chicago, IL (Morgan Park HS) William Tapp P/OF Fr. 6-1 Dinwiddie, VA (Dinwiddie HS) Vernon Vaughan P/OF Fr. 6-2 Chester, VA (L.C. Bird HS) Top Returning Position Players (4) Player Pos Yr Statistics Howard Spencer OF Sr..315, 1 HR, 52B, 36 RBI, 24 SB Cameron Cox OF Sr..305, 0 HR, 42B, 15 RBI, 23 SB Michael Whiten IF Sr..272, 0 HR, 32B, 23 RBI, 14 SB Keenan Smith IF So..262, 0 HR, 32B, 18 RBI, 7 SB Top Returning Pitchers (2) Player R/L Yr Statistics Rico Solomon RHP So. 5-4, 6.23 ERA, 56.1 IP, 33 K Brandon Cooper RHP So. 4-6, 8.67 ERA, 54.0 IP, 29 K Top Lost Position Players (3) Player Pos Yr Statistics Shannon Rush IF Grad.391, 2 HR, 82B, 45 RBI, 3 SB Darryl Stringfield IF Grad.364, 1HR, 122B, 33 RBI, 9 SB Josh Cox IF Jr..351, 1 HR, 142B, 40 RBI, 6 SB Top Lost Pitchers (2) Player R/L Yr Statistics Darryl Stringfield RHP Grad 5-5, 2.97 ERA, 66.2 IP, 66 K Caleb Lee RHP Jr. 1-2, 6.69 ERA, 36.1 IP, 30 K

Baseball Head Coach 11 MERRILL MORGAN HEAD COACH NINTH SEASON Merrill Morgan enters his ninth season as the head

During that time, he has compiled over 150 wins and has guided VSU to four Central Intercollegiate Athletic

In 2010, Coach Morgan had his first Trojan student-athlete selected in the MLB Draft, outfielder John Bivens was

Morgan previously worked as an assistant coach at Virginia State under Herbert Wheat.

In his tenure as head coach, he has been named the CIAA Baseball Coach of the Year three times (in 2004, 2006 and

In 2007 he also became the first VSU baseball coach in history to lead his team into the NCAA Tournament, and the

2 Baseball Head Coach 11 MERRILL MORGAN HEAD COACH NINTH SEASON Merrill Morgan enters his ninth season as the head baseball coach at Virginia State University. During that time, he has compiled over 150 wins and has guided VSU to four Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships, including three consecutive championships in 2007, 2008, and In 2010, Coach Morgan had his first Trojan student-athlete selected in the MLB Draft, outfielder John Bivens was selected in the 12th round to the Milwaukee Brewers. Morgan previously worked as an assistant coach at Virginia State under Herbert Wheat. Morgan became the VSU head coach in 2004 and won the CIAA title in his first season. In his tenure as head coach, he has been named the CIAA Baseball Coach of the Year three times (in 2004, 2006 and 2007). In 2007 he also became the first VSU baseball coach in history to lead his team into the NCAA Tournament, and the Trojans turned the first and (so far) only triple play in the history of the NCAA Tournament. Morgan started his collegiate career as a player for Mount Olive College, where he earned All-Conference Honors in After transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University, Morgan majored in Health and Physical Education and graduated in In 1985 he batted.308 for the Rams. A Dinwiddie, VA, native, Morgan and his wife Angela have two sons, Marcus (26) and Merrill, Jr. (23).

FACILITIES Baseball Season Outlook 12 5 The 2012 Virginia State University s baseball team will exhibit young local talent

Several of the top area players from Dinwiddie and Colonial Heights will be seen in Trojan uniforms this season.

Virginia State replaces last season s team leaders in both pitching and batting with the addition of several freshmen and

Head coach Merrill Morgan, has added pitching depth to a team that ranked fourth in CIAA conference pitching with 6.

The Trojans are expected to have solid pitching depth with the addition of their young talent.

RHP Nick Christopher was the 2011 Central District Player of the Year and is projected to be one of Coach Morgan s most

Returner RHP Rico Solomon (sophomore/atlanta, GA) will be a solid fixture in the Trojan rotation.

3 FACILITIES Baseball Season Outlook 12 5 The 2012 Virginia State University s baseball team will exhibit young local talent from the nearby tri-city areas. Several of the top area players from Dinwiddie and Colonial Heights will be seen in Trojan uniforms this season. In 2011, the Trojans went in the CIAA conference with a first round elimination in the CIAA Baseball Championships. Virginia State replaces last season s team leaders in both pitching and batting with the addition of several freshmen and transfers. Overall the Trojans are looking forward to a successful season with the new additions. Head coach Merrill Morgan, has added pitching depth to a team that ranked fourth in CIAA conference pitching with 6.70 earned runs average in Morgan believes that this is his best recruiting class at Virginia State. The Trojans are expected to have solid pitching depth with the addition of their young talent. Nick Christopher (freshman/ Dinwiddie, VA) and William Tapp (freshman/ Dinwiddie, VA) will be featured on the mound for the Trojans this spring. Both earned honors to the All-Central Region team and All-Central District team playing at Dinwiddie High School. RHP Nick Christopher was the 2011 Central District Player of the Year and is projected to be one of Coach Morgan s most successful recruits ever. RHP William Tapp has a strong arm and is expected to be the closer for the Trojans. Returner RHP Rico Solomon (sophomore/atlanta, GA) will be a solid fixture in the Trojan rotation. As a freshman, Solomon started 7 games, struck out 33 batters, and surrendered no home runs all season. He was chosen as a right-handed-pitcher to the 2011 All-CIAA Rookie team. VSU adds a new look to their infield with several freshman expecting to see early playing time. Nick Christopher is expected to start at shortstop when he is not on the mound. Joshua Markins (freshman/colonial Heights, VA) and Kennan Smith (sophomore/ Chicago, IL) are both battling for a starting role at third base.

FACILITIES Baseball Season Outlook 13 5 Smith is a returner that had 22 hits with 18 RBI s

He is also very versatile and can be moved from third base to shortstop.

2012 season and the coaching staff expects him to have a good year at the plate for the

Newcomers to the Trojans, Percy Evans (sophomore/cary, NC) and Kendall Singleton (freshman/

Rush led the Trojans with a.391 batting average and 45 RBI s a season ago.

Howard Spencer (senior/ Chester, VA) and Cameron Cox (senior/baltimore, MD) combined for 76

Both are good at running down balls into gaps and bring a wealth of leadership and

Spencer led the Trojans with 24 stolen bases and finished second on the team with 36 RBI s.

Looking to be in the outfielders mix are Travis Coleman (junior/nottoway, VA), Vernon

Behind the plate for the Trojans, John McCarty (junior/ Colonial Heights, VA) will start

Coaches comment that both are great defensive catchers, but McCarty has the stronger arm out

Roach started in 30 games a season ago and posted a.

4 FACILITIES Baseball Season Outlook 13 5 Smith is a returner that had 22 hits with 18 RBI s in 2011 in 27 games started. He is also very versatile and can be moved from third base to shortstop. Tyler Coleman (freshman/chesterfield, VA) was the best fall season hitter approaching the 2012 season and the coaching staff expects him to have a good year at the plate for the Trojans. Kelvin Davis (freshman/ South Boston, VA) will also see the infield at second base. Newcomers to the Trojans, Percy Evans (sophomore/cary, NC) and Kendall Singleton (freshman/ Chicago, IL) will replace former Trojan slugger Shannon Rush at first base. Rush led the Trojans with a.391 batting average and 45 RBI s a season ago. A veteran group of speed and outstanding defense returns for the Trojans in the outfield. Howard Spencer (senior/ Chester, VA) and Cameron Cox (senior/baltimore, MD) combined for 76 starts a season ago. Both are good at running down balls into gaps and bring a wealth of leadership and experience to a young Trojan team. Spencer led the Trojans with 24 stolen bases and finished second on the team with 36 RBI s. Cox followed with a.305 batting average as the lead-off hitter. Looking to be in the outfielders mix are Travis Coleman (junior/nottoway, VA), Vernon Vaughan (freshman/ Chester, VA), and William Tapp. Behind the plate for the Trojans, John McCarty (junior/ Colonial Heights, VA) will start with Demetrius Roach (sophomore/ Chicago, IL) seeing a lot of time as well. Coaches comment that both are great defensive catchers, but McCarty has the stronger arm out of the two that will force runners to think twice when attempting to steal. Roach started in 30 games a season ago and posted a.226 batting average with 19 hits and 17 RBI s. He also threw out 10 runners attempting to steal to lead the Trojans. Coach Morgan views the 2012 schedule as being very competitive for his young team. The Trojans open their season at home on February 11th against Ohio Valley. Their first road action of the season will be held in Greer, SC at the Bluefield State Tournament on Feb. 24th. With a number of home conference games, Morgan believes this will help down the stretch as they enter the CIAA Baseball Tournament.

5 FACILITIES Baseball Roster 14 5 No. Name B/T Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown 1 Howard Spencer R/R OF SR Richmond, VA 2 Kelvin Davis R/R IF FR South Boston, VA 4 Rico Solomon R/R P SO Atlanta, GA 5 Vernon Vaughan R/R P/OF FR Chester, VA 6 John McCarty R/R C JR Colonial Heights, VA -- 7 Brandon Cooper R/R P SO Richmond, VA 8 Tyler Coleman R/R IF FR Chesterfield, VA 10 Keenan Smith R/R IF SO Chicago, IL 11 Joshua Markins R/R P/IF FR Colonial Heights, VA 12 William Tapp R/R P/OF FR Dinwiddie, VA Michael Whiten R/R IF SR Baton Rouge, LA 16 David Johnson L/L OF FR Chesterfield, VA 17 Nicholas Persad L/L P FR Central Islip, NY 19 Demetrius Roach R/R C SO Chicago, IL 20 Franklin Stowe R/R C JR Winston-Salem, NC 21 Cameron Cox L/R OF SR Baltimore, MD 22 Michael Edwards R/R OF SO Chicago, IL 23 Nicholas Christopher R/R P/IF FR Dinwiddie, VA 25 Travis Coleman R/R OF JR Blackstone, VA 26 Rodell Stewart R/R P/IF SO Dinwiddie, VA 27 Colin Reeves R/R P/IF FR Colonial Heights, VA 30 Percy Evans R/R IF SO Cary, NC 31 Maso Cotton R/R P SO Vauxhall, NJ 33 Kendall Singleton L/L IF FR Chicago, IL Head Coach: Merrill Morgan (9th Year) Associate Head Coach: Andre Hawkes (9th Year) Assistant Coach: Marcus Morgan (4th Year)

6 FACILITIES Baseball Squad Breakdown 15 Pitchers (10) No. Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown 4 Rico Solomon RHP R/R SO Atlanta, GA 5 Vernon Vaughan RHP R/R FR Chester, VA 7 Brandon Cooper RHP R/R SO Richmond, VA 11 Joshua Markins RHP R/R FR Colonial Heights, VA 12 William Tapp RHP R/R FR Dinwiddie, VA 17 Nicholas Persad LHP L/L FR Central Islip, NY 23 Nicholas Christopher RHP R/R FR Dinwiddie, VA 26 Rodell Stewart RHP R/R SO Dinwiddie, VA 27 Colin Reeves RHP R/R FR Colonial Heights, VA 31 Maso Cotton RHP R/R SO Vauxhall, NJ Catchers (3) 6 John McCarty C R/R JR Colonial Heights, VA 19 Demetrius Roach C R/R SO Chicago, IL 20 Franklin Stowe C R/R JR Winston-Salem, NC s (8) 2 Kelvin Davis 2B R/R FR South Boston, VA 8 Tyler Coleman 2B R/R FR Chesterfield, VA 10 Keenan Smith SS R/R SO Chicago, IL 11 Joshua Markins 3B R/R FR Colonial Heights, VA 14 Michael Whiten 3B R/R SR Baton Rouge, LA 22 Michael Edwards 1B R/R SO Chicago, IL 23 Nicholas Christopher SS R/R FR Dinwiddie, VA 30 Percy Evans 1B R/R SO Cary, NC 32 Kendall Singleton 1B L/L FR Chicago, IL Outfielders (6) 1 Howard Spencer CF R/R SR Richmond, VA 5 Vernon Vaughan RF R/R FR Chester, VA 12 William Tapp RF R/R FR Dinwiddie, VA 16 David Johnson CF L/L FR Chesterfield, VA 21 Cameron Cox LF L/R SR Baltimore, MD 25 Travis Coleman LF R/R JR Blackstone, VA

Trojans on the Field 16 players listed numerically by position Breakdown By Class Senior (3) 1 Howard Spencer 14 Michael Whiten 21 Cameron Cox Juniors (3) 6 John McCarty 20 Franklin Stowe 25 Travis

7 Trojans on the Field 16 players listed numerically by position Breakdown By Class Senior (3) 1 Howard Spencer 14 Michael Whiten 21 Cameron Cox Juniors (3) 6 John McCarty 20 Franklin Stowe 25 Travis Coleman Left Field 21 Cameron Cox L/R SR 25 Travis Coleman R/R JR Shortstop 10 Keenan Smith R/R SO 23 Nicholas Christopher R/R FR Third Base 11 Joshua Markins R/R FR 14 Michael Whiten R/R SR Pitchers 4 Rico Solomon RHP R/R SO 5 Vernon Vaughan RHP R/R FR 7 Brandon Cooper RHP R/R SO 11 Joshua Markins RHP R/R FR 12 William Tapp RHP R/R FR 17 Nicholas Persad LHP L/L FR 23 Nicholas ChristopherRHP R/R FR 26 Rodell Stewart RHP R/R SO 27 Colin Reaves RHP R/R FR 31 Maso Cotton RHP R/R SO Center Field 1 Howard Spencer R/R SR 16 David Johnson L/L FR Right Field 5 Vernon Vaughan R/R FR 12 William Tapp R/R FR Second Base 2 Kelvin Davis R/R FR 8 Tyler Coleman R/R FR First Base 22 Michael Edwards R/R SO 30 Percy Evans R/R SO 32 Kendall Singleton R/R FR Catchers 6 John McCarty R/R JR 19 Demetrius Roach R/R SO 20 Franklin Stowe R/R JR Sophomores (8) 4 Rico Solomon 7 Brandon Cooper 10 Keenan Smith 19 Demetrius Roach 22 Michael Edwards 26 Rodell Stewart 30 Percy Evans 31 Maso Cotton Freshmen (10) 2 Kelvin Davis 5 Vernon Vaughan 8 Tyler Coleman 11 Joshua Markins 12 William Tapp 16 David Johnson 17 Nicholas Persad 23 Nicholas Christopher 27 Colin Reeves 32 Kendall Singleton Breakdown By Position Pitchers (10; 9 RHP, 1 LHP) 4 Rico Solomon, RHP 5 Vernon Vaughan, RHP 7 Brandon Cooper, RHP 11 Joshua Markins, RHP 12 William Tapp, RHP 17 Nicholas Persad, LHP 23 Nicholas Christopher, RHP 26 Rodell Steward RHP 27 Colin Reaves, RHP 31 Maso Cotton, RHP Outfield (6) 1 Howard Spencer 5 Vernon Vaughan 12 William Tapp 16 David Johnson 21 Cameron Cox 25 Travis Coleman Infield (9) 2 Kelvin Davis 8 Tyler Coleman 10 Keenan Smith 11 Joshua Markins 14 Michael Whiten 22 Michael Edwards 23 Nicholas Christopher 30 Percy Evans 32 Kendall Singleton Catcher (3) 6 John McCarty 19 Demetrius Roach 20 Franklin Stowe

8 FACILITIES Baseball Player Profiles 17 5 Howard Spencer Senior 6-0 Richmond, VA Outfielder Kelvin Davis Freshman 5-9 South Boston, VA Rico Solomon Sophomore 5-8 Atlanta, GA Pitcher Vernon Vaughan Freshman 6-2 Chester, VA Pitcher/Outfielder John McCarty Junior 5-11 Colonial Heights, VA Catcher Brandon Cooper Sophomore 6-0 Richmond, VA Pitcher Tyler Coleman Freshman 5-10 Chesterfield, VA Keenan Smith Sophomore 6-0 Chicago, IL Joshua Markins Freshman 6-0 Colonial Heights, VA Pitcher/ William Tapp Freshman 6-1 Dinwiddie, VA Pitcher/Outfielder Michael Whiten Senior 6-0 Baton Rouge, LA David Johnson Freshman 6-0 Richmond, VA Outfielder

9 FACILITIES Baseball Player Profiles 18 5 Nicholas Persad Freshman 6-1 Central Islip, NY Pitcher Demetrius Roach Sophomore 6-1 Chicago, IL Catcher Franklin Stowe Junior 5-10 Winston-Salem NC Catcher Cameron Cox Senior 5-9 Baltimore, MD Outfielder Michael Edwards Sophomore 6-4 Chicago, IL Pitcher/Outfielder Nicholas Christopher Freshman 6-1 Dinwiddie, VA Pitcher/ Travis Coleman Junior 5-10 Blackstone, VA Outfielder Rodell Stewart Sophomore 5-11 Dinwiddie, VA Pitcher/ Colin Reeves Freshman 6-0 Colonial Heights, VA Pitcher/ Percy Evans Sophomore 6-1 Cary, NC Maso Cotton Sophomore 6-1 Vauxhall, NJ Pitcher Kendall Singleton Freshman 6-2 Chicago, IL

10 FACILITIES Baseball Player Profiles 20 5 James Goodwin Sophomore 6-0 Chicago, IL Aaron Kinney Junior 6-3 Shaker Heights, OH Pitcher Evan Clay Freshman 6-3 Dinwiddie, VA Outfielder

11 FACILITIES Baseball Schedule 21 5 Date Opponent Location Time Feb. 11 Ohio Valley (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Feb. 12 Ohio Valley Ettrick, VA 12:00 p.m. Feb. 18 Alderson & Broaddus College (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Feb. 19 Alderson & Broaddus College Ettrick, VA 12:00 p.m. Feb. 24 Bluefield State Tournament vs. Salem International Greer, SC 4:00 p.m. - Feb. 25 Bluefield State Tournament vs. Bluefield State (DH) Greer, SC 4:00 p.m. Feb. 26 Bluefield State Tournament vs. Mansfield State Greer, SC 12:00 p.m. Mar. 3 Elizabeth City State University* (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Mar. 4 Elizabeth City State University* Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Mar. 10 Winston Salem State University* (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. -- Mar. 11 Winston Salem State University* Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Mar. 13 Mount Olive College Mount Olive, NC 3:00 p.m. Mar. 14 Kutztown University Ettrick, VA 3:00 p.m. Mar. 15 Christopher Newport University Ettrick, VA 3:00 p.m. Mar. 17 Chowan University* (DH) Murfreesboro, NC 1:00 p.m. -- Mar. 18 Chowan University* Murfreesboro, NC 1:00 p.m. Mar. 21 Washington Adventist University (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Mar. 24 Lincoln University* (DH) Lincoln, PA 1:00 p.m. Mar. 25 Lincoln University* Lincoln, PA 1:00 p.m. Mar. 27 Newport News Apprentice Newport News, VA 2:00 p.m. Mar. 29 Virginia University of Lynchburg (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Mar. 31 Saint Augustine College* (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Apr. 1 Saint Augustine College* Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Apr. 4 North Carolina Central University Durham, NC 6:00 p.m. Apr. 6 Salem International University* (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. -- Apr. 7 Salem International University Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Apr. 10 Newport News Apprentice Ettrick, VA 2:00 p.m. Apr. 11 Norfolk State University Norfolk, VA 4:00 p.m. Apr. 14 Shaw University* (DH) Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. Apr. 15 Shaw University* Ettrick, VA 1:00 p.m. -- Apr. 19 CIAA Baseball Tournament Ettrick, VA TBA Apr. 20 CIAA Baseball Tournament Ettrick, VA TBA Apr. 21 CIAA Baseball Tournament Ettrick, VA TBA *CIAA Conference Game

12 FACILITIES 2012 VSU Baseball Team Photo 5

A LOOK BACK AT A brief recap of the 2013 campaign follows.

A LOOK BACK AT A brief recap of the 2013 campaign follows. The Flames celebrate their 2013 Big South Championship. A week later, Liberty appeared in its first NCAA Regional Final at the Columbia, S.C. Regional. For the first time in the program s 40 years, the