Baseball
Vikings Win in 11 Innings
The Viking baseball team traveled to Warner, Oklahoma over the weekend for a 3-game series that had to be adjusted due to inclement weather. The Vikings were scheduled to play a doubleheader, but instead were only able to play a single game. The Vikings won the game 7-6 in 11 innings. Matt Brown (Vianney HS) led the offense with 3 RBI’s and Chandler Wolf (Russellville HS) threw 3 innings out of the bullpen to earn the win. The Vikings are back in action this Saturday & Sunday as they travel to Eastern Oklahoma State for a 3-game series. For scores and updates on the Vikings, follow @jeffcobaseball on Twitter.
Caleb Hicks makes commitment to Murray State University
Freshman infielder Caleb Hicks recently committed to Murray State University. Hicks is expected to be the Vikings 3rd freshman in the last year to sign with an NCAA Division-I school. Last season, both Justin Paulsen and Patrick Schnieders signed with Missouri State University and University of Evansville after their freshman year with the Vikings. The Vikings open up the 2015 season February 13th in Meridian, Mississippi.
Brady Womacks makes commitment to Oral Roberts University
Current Viking pitcher Brady Womacks (Herculaneum, MO) committed to continue his baseball career at Oral Roberts University. Womacks become the 13th Viking pitcher in the last three years to commit to a Division-I school.
September 29, 2014
Matt Stites finishes his rookie season with Arizona Diamondbacks
Former Jefferson College Viking pitcher Matt Stites (Festus, MO) finished off a successful rookie season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Stites became the 7th former Viking to make his MLB debut when he pitched in relief for the Diamondbacks on June 19th. Stites finished the season with a 5.73 ERA in 33 innings pitched along with 26 strikeouts. The former Festus High School and Festus Post 253 star pitched for the Vikings in 2009-2010 before continuing his career at the University of Missouri. Stites was the Region XVI Player of the Year and was an NJCAA All-American in 2010.
September 9, 2014
Former Viking finding success in professional baseball
Former Viking pitcher Justin Sprenger (Washington, MO) is currently finishing of his second full season of professional baseball and it has been a successful one. Sprenger, who pitched for the Vikings in 2010 & 2011, is currently playing in the post season for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Texas Rangers affiliate) of the Advanced-A Carolina League. Over his last 10 appearances, Sprenger has a 0.98 ERA in 18 inning pitched along with 18 strikeouts.
Tyler Thomson added to coaching staff
Another former Viking has been added to the Viking coaching staff, Tyler Thompson has been added to assist with the Viking pitching staff. Thompson pitched for the Vikings in 2011 & 2012 before transferring to Missouri State University. Thompson won 21 games in his “JeffCo” career and helped lead the Viking to back to back JUCO World Series appearances and a school record with 53 wins in 2012. Thompson signed a professional contract with the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League this past June.
August 28, 2014
Former Viking Drew Stanton added to coaching staff
Drew Stanton was hired as the new assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator for the Vikings. Prior to taking the position at Jefferson College, Stanton was an assistant coach at Arkansas Tech University. Stanton finished his playing career with the Vikings in 2011 and went on to play at Arkansas Tech. During playing career with the Vikings, Stanton was voted team Most Valuable Player for the 2011 JUCO World Series team. Stanton will be working with the Vikings hitters and catchers primarily.
Alumni News
Former Viking Jake Luce is having a successful professional season with the Wichita Wingnuts of the Independent American Association. Jake is currently the second leading hitter on the Wingnuts with a .345 batting average. Jake played for the Vikings in 2009 & 2010 before continuing his college career at Elon University.
Fred Ford was recently promoted from Single-A Lexington Legends of South Atlantic League to Advanced-A Wilmington Blue Rocks. Fred is currently in his 3rd season of professional baseball. He was a 7th Round draft pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2012.