“Once again Andrew Slater has done a great job as our recruiting coordinator identifying and recruting this group of young men and their families, and the addition of Matt Myers as our pitching coach has helped us land some top-notch arms in this class,” said Finwood, who is now in his third season at WKU. “I can’t say enough about what their work ethic means to this program. We really addressed our needs in landing three quality high school pitchers, and continue our concentration on signing young men that can play the middle of the field.”
Those two position needs were filled with the signing of shortstop Logan Robbins and catcher Casey Dykes. Robbins will finish his prep career at Apollo High School in Owensboro. This past summer he was a part of the prestigious Area Code Games in California — a six-day event held each year that serves as a showcase for professional and college scouts.
“Logan is a multidimensional player who can really run and hit,” said Finwood. “He is one of the fastest kids we have signed here, and will compete right away for a spot in the lineup as a freshman. He really developed himself into a big-time prospect this summer with his involvement in the Area Code Games.”
Dykes is no stranger to winning as he has helped lead Franklin (Tenn.) High School to three straight Class AAA state championships. Following his junior season, he was selected to participate in the Perfect Game USA National Showcase, and is ranked as one of the top 15 catchers in the country. A member of the 2007 Tennessee Junior All-Star team, Dykes has compiled a .331 batting average and has driven in 98 runs so far in his high school career.
“Casey is an outstanding young catcher,” said Finwood. “He is athletic enough to play a number of other spots on the field, and also has the potential to be a very productive hitter.”
A trio of right-handed arms round out the signing class, with Craig Stem, Isaac Vaughan and Tyler Gilliland poised to join a stable of talented young pitchers already on the Hilltopper roster.
Stem was a 2007 all-district honoree at Donelson Christian Academy in Nashville, Tenn. Stem has also pitched in the summers for the Brentwood Bulldogs, where he was a teammate with current Hilltopper starter Matt Ridings.
“Craig is a big, tall right hander who we have seen throw in the upper eighties with a power breaking ball,” Finwood said. “We are really excited about his future. He should develop into a good professional prospect while at WKU.”
Vaughan — a native of Henderson, Ky., — earned both top pitcher and hitter honors last season at Henderson County High School. An honorable mention all-state selection, he compiled a 6-2 record while playing for former Hilltopper pitcher Nathan Isenberg. Vaughan posted a 1.30 ERA last season, striking out 66 batters and walking just 17 in 54 innings of work.
“Isaac is another big, powerful pitcher who we have seen dominant at the high school level,” added Finwood. “He is a tremendous competitor who we think can be a special pitcher here.”
Gilliland enters his senior season at Christian County High School in Hopkinsville, Ky. after earning all-district honors twice in his career. He was also a Kentucky All-Star and has earned academic all-state honors during his prep career. Gilliland posted a 6-2 record and a 2.49 ERA for the Colonels last season, and finished 9-2 with a 0.79 ERA as a sophomore.
“Tyler has been a little bit of a late bloomer from a prospect standpoint,” said Finwood. “His velocity has really jumped in the last year and he has great toughness. Tyler can really run and throw, and may be a dual-position player at the collegiate level.”
The Hilltoppers are coming off a 25-30 campaign in 2007, and will open the ‘08 season Feb. 22-24 with a three-game series against Bowling Green State at Nick Denes Field.
