St. Francis Baseball Sweeps #20 Judson

The University of St. Francis baseball team disagreed with the #20 ranking of Judson University as the Fighting Saints sweep Judson in a two game set 3-0 and
5-4 yesterday.

In game one St. Francis freshman Adam Panayotovich threw his second shutout in a week going seven innings and allowing only three hits in a 3-0 victory.  Outfielder David Kuhne went 2-3 with an rbi and DH Steve Cservenyak went 1-3 with the other two rbi's.

It took eight innings in game two but Tim Reichert's single drove in Brad Porter for the game winner.  Corey Schultz pitched the final two innings to pick up the win for St. Francis.

Taylor Eikenberry Named as Top 50 Prospects for NAIA Baseball

Left handed pitcher Talor Eikenberry has been named as one of the top 50 prospects in NAIA baseball for the 2012 preseason by Perfect Game USA in their 2012 NAIA preview.

Eikenberry is currently at Union College in Kentucky and transferred from Iowa Western Community College.  Taylor is from Rock Falls Illinois.

Eikenberry originally committed to Baylor out of High School but wound up having Tommy John surgery and wound up at Iowa Western Community College.  After his sophomore year at Western, Taylor committed to NC State but wound up at Union College, an NAIA school in Kentucky.

NAIA Baseball Pre-Season Players to Watch from Illinois

The NAIA Pre-season All-Americans and players to watch list from Illinois was chosen by the NAIA All-American Selection Committee.

Pre-Season All-Americans from Illinois:
RHP - Corey Shultz, University of St. Francis, Kankakee High School, lives in Kankakee IL.  The junior closer led the team with 9 victories (all in relief) a 2.59 ERA and 5 saves last season.

Players to Watch for 2011:
Relief Pitcher - Chad Steinborn, Olivet Nazarene University, Pekin Community High School, lives in Pekin IL

1B - Shelby Anderson, Lindenwood University, Quincy High School, lives in Quincy IL

1B - Chris Hammett, Olivet Nazarene University, lives in Indianapolis IN

OF - Jeremy Camacho, Bellvue University, McHenry County College, Jacobs High School, lives in Lake in the Hills IL

Judson University Baseball Picked to Win 2011 CCAC

The Judson University Eagles are picked to win the 2011 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference from NAIA conference polls.

Judson won 39 games last season, which was the most in Eagle history.

CCAC NAIA Preseason Poll:

1. Judson University
2. University of St. Francis
3. Robert Morris University
4. Saint Xavier University
5. Olivet Nazarene University
6. Trinity International University

Kevin Tenney From Trinity International Illinois Named NAIA Baseball Player of the Week

Kevin Tenney from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois has been named as the NAIA National Baseball Player of the Week for the week ending April 25th, 2010.

Tenney, a junior first baseman from San Diego, Calif., hit .813 (13-for-16) with six home runs in four wins last week for Trinity International. He pounded opposing pitchers to the tune of eight extra base-hits (six homers, two doubles) and a slugging percentage of 2.063. He drove in 16 runs and scored nine times. In the 20-10 win over North Central (Minn.), a NCAA Division III school, Tenney went 5-for-5 with two homers, six RBIs, three runs scored and one double. He also had a two-home run day, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBIs against Trinity Christian (Ill.) on April 20.


In national statistics, Tenney ranks 10th in RBIs (62) and 37th in total bases (113). He has helped the Trojans win nine of their last 11 games and improve to 28-16 on the season.

Heath Groves Picks up First Win For Judson Baseball

Baseball in Illinois News

Judson 8 Clark 5

Heath Groves went 5.2 innings for the win and Ed Draper finished off the Crusaders in the final 1.1 innings for the save. Groves had one strikeout and gave up eight hits, five runs, and three earned runs. 

Judson Baseball Drops First Two of 2010 Season

Baseball in Illinois News

It was not what the Judson University baseball team pictured for opening up the 2010 season as they dropped a double-header to Clarke College, 10-0 and 2-0. This is the first time for Judson to play indoors and in the month of February, ever, in the history of the program.


Clarke 10, Judson 0
Clarke started off strong in the first and second innings combining for four runs. They added three more in the fourth and three in the seventh to make it 10-0. There was a no-hitter through the fourth inning before Zach Williams broke it up.

Freshman John Amann went 2-of-4 in his first start at second base for Judson. Matt McHenry had the other hit for Judson.

Nick Krisman took the loss going five innings and giving up seven runs, five earned, with three strikeouts. Joe Huenecke finished the final two innings with three hits, three earned runs, and three runs scored.


Clarke 2, Judson 0
Game two had the same feel as game one only it took until the seventh inning for Clarke to score. Clarke put up two runs in the top of the 7th for the win. Mitch Smith went the distance for the loss giving up two earned runs on four hits with two strikeouts.

Giovani Cantwell and Matt McHenry had the hits. Cantwell's was the first double of the season. Judson had a chance to score in the fifth inning with a runner on third and one out but could not bring him home.

Judson will be looking for their first run and win of the season on Tuesday, February 16th, at 5:00 p.m. in double-header game vs. Clarke.

McKendree University Opens Baseball Season February 12

McKendree University in LeBanon Illinois will open the baseball season February 12, 2010 in McKenzie Tennessee against Bethel University.  McKendree is coming off of a 37-21-2 record in 2009 and is looking to repeat as conference champions in 2010.

John Fightmaster Signs with Olivet Nazarene Baseball

Baseball in Illinois News

The Tigers have landed their second recruit of the 2010 class, John Fightmaster (Bourbonnais, Illinois). The right-handed local standout has decided to continue his education and baseball career at Olivet Nazarene University after finishing with a very strong junior year at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School.


Last year as a junior, Fightmaster went 4-0 with 4 saves in 14 games for Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. Head Coach Kevin Arthur said, “John is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached, if not the hardest. He is a great kid and ballplayer”. Throwing 29 2/3 innings, John struck out 44 batters while only walking 7 and finished the season with a 2.12 ERA.

"We are glad John chose to stay close to home and play in front of the Bradley-Bourbonnnais community for four more years. We are anxious to watch him lead the Boilers to another post-season appearance in 2010," said Head Coach Todd Reid in regards to Fightmaster.

Judson University Baseball Opener February 12th

The Judson Unversity Eagles from Elgin Illinois will open the 2010 baseball season February 12th in Wilmore Kentucky against Asbury College.  Judson is coming off of a 30 win season and finished thrid in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2009.

Former McKendree Bearcat Brian Dinkelman Gets Non-Roster Invitation

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Former McKendree University baseball star Brian Dinkelman was one of 14 players to receive a non-roster invitation to attend spring training with the Minnesota Twins.

Dinkelman, who was the 2006 NAIA Player of the Year, earned the invitation after hitting .296 with eight home runs and 65 runs batted in playing for the New Britain Rock Cats, a Double-A affiliate for the Twins. Dinkelman was tied for seventh in the Eastern League in batting average, and was second in doubles with 38. He also ranked among league leaders in on-base percentage (.383), hits (136), total bases (202) and slugging percentage (.440).

An eighth-round pick of the Twins in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft, Dinkelman has been an All-Star in each of his three full seasons in the minor leagues. Last season, he was a mid-season and post-season All-Star selection for the Rock Cats. Dinkelman played at second base and in the outfield for New Britain.

At McKendree, Dinkelman set five NAIA career records, including hits (373), doubles (96), runs scored (303), total bases (670) and assists (679). Dinkelman was a three-time NAIA All-America selection, earning first-team honors in 2004 and 2006 and second-team accolades in 2005. He was a four-team All-Conference honoree as was named the American Midwest Conference Player of the Year in each of his final three seasons with the Bearcats. Dinkelman still holds or shares 24 McKendree team records.

Robert Morris Eagles ink MVCC hurler Michael Oleshko!

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Chicago, Illinois - Robert Morris Baseball Coach Mike Kashirsky took another step forward in the 2011 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference arms race with the signing of righthander Michael Oleshko from Moraine Valley Community College (Illinois) on January 5, 2009.


The son of Mike and Kathy Oleshko of Manteno, Illinois, Mike was a stand-out baseball player at Bremen High School in Midlothian, IL, for Coach Mike Cline. He moved on to Moraine Valley Community College where he compiled a 7-4 won-loss record with 3.60 earned run average as a sophomore.

"Mike has taken the last year off from school to work," said Coach Kashirsky, who was Oleshko's coach while he helmed the MVCC program. "He was our #2 starter and we think he'll return to form in the 2011."

The newest Eagle will pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Graphic Design at the University's Orland Park location.

2010 Pre-Season NAIA Baseball Conference Rankings

The 2010 Pre-Season conference favorites McKendree University in Lebanon Illinois along with Saint Xavier University in Chicago Illinois have been picked to win their respective conferences according to the NAIA pre-season baseball poll. 

Predicted finish for each conference is listed below:

American Midwest Conference

1. McKendree University (Ill.) (15-4-1 / 37-21-2)
2. Park University (Mo.) (15-5 / 34-12)
3. William Woods University (Mo.) (13-7 / 34-15)
4. Missouri Baptist University (10-7-1 / 24-20-1)
5. Hannibal-LaGrange College (Mo.) (9-9 / 21-27)
6. Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.) (6-12 / 22-22)
7. Williams Baptist College (Ark.) (2-16 / 10-37)


Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference

1. Saint Xavier University (Ill.) (25-5 / 41-15)
2. University of St. Francis (Ill.) (19-11 / 33-18)
3. Judson University (Ill.) (20-10 / 30-22)
4. Purdue University-North Central (Ind.) (21-9 / 31-24)
5. Robert Morris University (Ill.) (14-16 / 34-19)
6. Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) (17-13 / 29-20)
7. Illinois Institute of Technology (18-12 / 24-23)
8. Trinity International University (Ill.) (10-20 / 18-28)
9. Trinity Christian College (Ill.) (7-23 / 12-30)
10. Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.) (9-21 / 10-37)
11. Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.) (5-25 / 9-46)

JJC hurler Patrick Murray added to RMU Nine for 2011 season!

Chicago, IL - Robert Morris University Coach Mike Kashirsky continues to reap the fertile fields of the outstanding baseball program at Joliet Junior College (IL) for recruits, signing right-handed pitcher Patrick Murray to a letter of intent for the 2010-2011 season.


The son of Michael and Judy Murray of Shorewood, IL, Patrick was a member of JJC Coach Wayne King, Jr.'s 2009 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III World Series team. Pat went 8 2/3 innings for the win in the NJCAA regional championship game, catapulting the Wolves into the World Series where they finished fourth. The newest Eagle was 5-1 for JJC as a freshman, including a win in the NJCAA World Series.

Pat was a standout at Joliet West High School for Coach Terry Piazza. He also played basketball for the Steelmen during his prep career.

"Pat has a chance to be a #1 pitcher for us," says Coach Kashirsky. "He has developed a great deal over his final year in high school and his first season in junior college. We got a prime-time pitcher today."

Don Beebe to Speak at Judson

Judson University News: "Former NFL Player Don Beebe to Speak at Judson"

ELGIN, Illinois. - Former NFL football player Don Beebe will be speaking at Judson University on Saturday, January 16th in a fundraiser for the athletics department. Beebe will be speaking in the Lindner Fitness Center at 6:00 p.m. with the cost of the event $20 per ticket. For more information, contact Judson University baseball coach Rich Benjamin at rbenjamin@judsonu.edu or 847.628.1579.


The event will start at 6:00 p.m. with registration followed by an auction at 6:30 p.m. followed by Beebe speaking at 7:00 p.m. Beebe will be available after he speaks for interviews and autographs.

Texas hurler joins Robert Morris Baseball Eagles for 2010-2011!

Texas hurler Jonathon Goodson joins Eagle Nine for 2010-2011! - RMU: "Texas hurler Jonathon Goodson joins Eagle Nine for 2010-2011!"

Chicago, Illinois - In the dead of a Chicago winter, Robert Morris Baseball Coach Mike Kashirsky added a bit of Texas heat to his pitching rotation with the signing of righthander Jonathon Goodson of Forney, TX.


The son of Jon and Kelly Goodson, Jonathon posted a 3-1 record for the Forney High School Jackrabbits as a junior. Last summer he went 7-3 with a 3.00 earned run average for the Maddog Summer Travel team. He pitched 58 innings for Maddog Coach Steve Maddock (pictured with Jonathon [center] and Forney HS Athletic Director Kevin Rush [right]).

"Goody will be an impact freshman for us," said Coach Kashirsky. "He pitches in one of the strongest summer leagues in the country down in Texas and put up great numbers. I expect a great four years both on and off the diamond from him."

The newest Eagle will pursue a Bachelors of Business of Administration degree.

Oak Lawn stand-out Patrick Kustok signs with RMU for 2010! - RMU

Oak Lawn stand-out Patrick Kustok signs with RMU for 2010! - RMU: "Oak Lawn stand-out Patrick Kustok signs with RMU for 2010!

Chicago, Illinois - Robert Morris University Baseball Coach Mike Kashirsky continues to build his program's 2010 recruiting class, signing Oak Lawn Community High School middle infielder Patrick Kustok to a letter of intent on November 24, 2009"

The son of Don Kustok and Carol Szeremeta, Patrick helped OLCHS Head Coach Brian Clifton's Spartans to an Illinois High School Association Regional title in 2009. He was named the team's most valuable player and team captain as a junior.


"Pat comes from a very athletic family," said Coach Kashirsky (pictured above with his newest recruit), referring to his cousins Sarah and Zach, well known Chicagoland prep stars of recent vintage. "He has a big upside. He hit .360 as a junior and he has another season of high school and summer ball before he begins intercollegiate competition."

A member of the OLCHS National Honor Society, Pat will pursue a Bachelors of Applied Science degree in the University's School of Computer Studies.

2010 NAIA Baseball Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll Announced

November 17, 2009

Saint Xavier University in Chicago Illinois has been ranked #24 in the NAIA Baseball Coaches' Preaseason poll. 


McKendree University and the University of St. Francis received votes but did not make it into the preseason top 25.

The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the 25 conferences, independents and unaffiliated groups. The first regular season Top 25 poll will be announced on March 30, 2010.

Saint Xavier Lands Two NAIA Baseball Preseason All-Americans

Kansas City, Mo. – Saint Xavier University, the 2009 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) baseball champion, has landed two of its players on the 2010 NAIA Baseball Preseason All-America Team when the team was announced by the NAIA national office late Friday afternoon. Senior pitcher Jayson Koehn (Beecher, Illinois./Beecher), a 2009 NAIA All-America First Team selection and the 2009 CCAC Pitcher of the Year, and senior shortstop John O'Brien (Lake Zurich, Ill./Lake Zurich), a 2009 NAIA All-America Honorable Mention choice, were one of just four pairs of players from the same team named to the 17-member squad.

Koehn, a left-hander, finished in the top six in the nation in five pitching categories highlighted by his sparkling 1.00 earned run average (ERA), which led the NAIA. He also placed second in total earned runs allowed (8), fourth in total runs allowed (17), fifth in opponents’ batting average (.185) and sixth in hits allowed per 9 innings (6.00). Koehn finished what he started in nearly all of his games last spring going 9-1 in 12 starts with seven complete games, five of which were shutouts. In 72.0 innings pitched, he allowed just 48 hits and 15 walks.

O’Brien led the conference in runs batted in (RBI) with 72 in only 51 games. He batted .424 with 67 hits in 158 at bats and also registered a .709 slugging percentage with 17 doubles, five triples and six home runs to go along with 57 runs scored. An All-CCAC first team pick, O’Brien fielded at a .979 clip with only four errors in 192 chances.

Saint Xavier kicks off its 2010 campaign during the first week of March heading down to Florida for its annual Spring Break trip. The Cougars have not yet released their match-ups for the season-opening week.