Nov. 20, 2007

DAYTON, OH - The Wright State baseball team and head coach Rob Cooper have announced the signing of six student-athletes for the 2008-09 school year. Casey Henn, Jake Hibberd, Travis LaMar, Tristan Moore, Tyler Newhart and Zach Tanner have all signed National Letters of Intent to compete at Wright State during the 2009 season.

"Our recruiting coordinator Greg Lovelady has done a great job with our recruiting class," said head coach Rob Cooper. "Our top priority was to sign a group of tough-minded, competitive kids and the six players that have committed are true examples of players who are dedicated to being the complete student-athlete."

Casey Henn will enter WSU after completing his senior season at Colerain High School in Cincinnati. The right-handed pitcher appeared in four games last season for the Cardinals and posted a 3.37 ERA. In eight innings of work, Henn struck out ten batters and posted on save. He helped CHS to a 13-12 record last season and also played on the 2004 Division I State Football Championship team.

"Casey is a very competitive pitcher on the mound," head coach Rob Cooper said. "He has great command of the strike zone that will allow him to control games and we feel that he can be an impact in our rotation as a freshman."

Joining WSU from Miamisburg High School is infielder Jake Hibberd. Entering his senior season, Hibberd has been selected to the All-League team in each of the past two seasons. As a junior, he garnered All-District from the Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association and posted a .385 batting average with 27 RBI's. Last season, he helped Miamisburg to a 17-12 record and a second place finish in the GWOC South Division.

"Jake is another outstanding player from a great local program at Miamisburg High School," coach Cooper said. "A true baseball player, Jake has a solid swing and is a tough minded competitor."

"Our top priority was to sign a group of tough-minded, competitive kids and the six players that have committed are true examples of players who are dedicated to being the complete student-athlete." Head Coach Rob Cooper

Joining WSU next season from Olney Central College will be Travis LaMar a right-handed pitcher. LaMar was 3-3 last season for the Blue Knights and posted a 3.93 ERA in 56 innings of work. He helped OCC to a 41-13 record last season and the Blue Knights finished third in the Region 24 Tournament. LaMar attended Harrison High School in Evansville, IN where he was an All-Conference and All-State Performer during his senior season.

"Travis has his best baseball ahead of him," said Cooper. "He has the abilities to be a top of the rotation starter and can contribute right away for our team."

Tristan Moore will join WSU after finishing up at New Albany (OH) High School. The infielder/pitcher will come to WSU after garnering All-League First Team honors as a junior and helping NAHS to the Ohio Capital Conference crown. During his junior season, Moore posted a .420 batting average and led the team in home runs and stole bases. Moore was also named All-Central District in the state of Ohio and helped the Columbus Warhawks to the Buckeye Elite Championship this summer.

"Tristan is one of the most athletic players we have recruited at Wright State," coach Cooper said. "His athleticism and ability to play multiple positions will give him the opportunity to make an impact during his freshman season."

Also heading to Wright State will be Tyler Newhart from West Branch High School in Alliance, OH. The right-handed pitcher was a two-time All-Northeastern Buckeye Conference selection and was named All-District as a junior. Newhart helped the Warriors to a school record 21 wins last season and a trip to the Districts in the OHSAA State playoffs.

"Competitor is one way to describe Tyler," coach Cooper said. "He is a player that we feel has a high ceiling and he wants to get better as a player. Tyler will be a player that has a chance to help our pitching staff during his freshman season."

The sixth recruit that signed to attend WSU was Zach Tanner of Yorktown (IN) High School. The infielder was named the YHS Offensive Player of the Year and was selected to the All-Hoosier Heritage Conference First Team. Garnered Honorable Mention All-State honors last season and batted .450 with 49 RBI's and 29 extra base hits. Tanner helped YHS to an appearance in the Indiana State Final Four and a 25-7 record during his junior season.

"Zach is another very athletic infielder that plays the game with great passion,"said coach Cooper. "He has a competitive edge that will enable him to have a great career. He is a student of the game and constantly wants to become a better player."

The 2008 edition of the Raiders will open the season with a three-game series at Arkansas starting on Friday, Feb. 22.

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