14 Baseball Student Athletes Head to Universities

New Mexico Junior College announced that 14 NMJC baseball student-athletes from Spring 2017 semester were accepted at four-year universities.

The 14 Thunderbirds are: Brian Archibald, pitcher, signed with Southern Arkansas University; Drew Austin, catcher, signed with Lubbock Christian University; Jesse Becton, outfielder, signed with Eastern New Mexico University; Alvaro Castillo, pitcher, signed with New Mexico State University; Braeden Holub, pitcher, signed with Southeastern University in Florida; Gavin Johnson, catcher, signed with Sam Houston State University; Wyatt Kelley, pitcher, signed with New Mexico State University; Larry Leitha, pitcher and outfielder, signed with University of New Mexico; Sean Maher, pitcher, signed with Cameron University; Luke Manuel, pitcher, will attend Eastern New Mexico University in spring; Adrian Pinedo, outfielder, signed with New Mexico State University; Alex Pinedo, pitcher, signed with New Mexico State University; Eddy Vasquez, infielder, signed with Lubbock Christian University; and Chase Whetsel, outfielder, signed with Lamar University in Beaumont.

“To have 14 players be accepted at universities is a huge accomplishment, as these student-athletes not only have to play well, but also achieve academic success,” says head baseball coach Jimmy Durham. “This is impressive that only one sophomore baseball player did not move on to a four-year university.”

In addition, Adrian Pinedo and Gavin Johnson were both accepted as third team Academic All-Americans for their academic achievements at NMJC.

 “We are very proud of our student-athletes,” states Deron Clark, NMJC Athletic Director. “This accomplishment shows the dedication of our coaches to be sure the students are successful both athletically and academically, so they can continue their education.”