December 29, 2001

Paladins Ink Five Recruits During Fall Signing Period

Greenville, SC--Furman head baseball coach Ron Smith announced today the signing of five high school recruits to national letters-of-intent to play baseball for the Paladins in 2002-03.

The five players are Dan Washmuth of Sarasota, Fla., Steven Hildreth of Dalton, Ga., Matthew Betsill of Griffin, Ga., Ryan Hudson of Carmel, Ind., and local product Matthew Storey of Eastside High School.

"We're pleased with the players we have signed," stated Smith. "We addressed several needs including left-handed hitting and pitching, and we think that all of them have an opportunity to contribute to our program."

Washmuth, a student at Sarasota High School, is a 6-0, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. As a junior, he pitched a total of 63 2/3 innings, striking out 53 batters while only walking 13. During the season, he compiled an 8-4 record with a 2.58 ERA.

Hildreth attends Dalton High School and is a 6-3, 190-pound outfielder. As a junior, he batted .452 with 33 RBI and 7 home runs, leading his team to the 7AAAA regional championship.

Betsill, a home-schooled student, is a 6-5, 190-pound utility player. He is a switch hitter who has played for the nationally known East Cobb Astros organization.

The Paladins also signed two left-handed pitchers, Hudson and Storey. Hudson, who is 6-3 and 180 pounds, attends Carmel High School. Storey comes from Greenville, S.C. where the 6-3, 165-pound southpaw was named the team MVP during his junior season.

According to Smith,"Our coaching staff feels they are all excellent fits for Furman."

The Paladins begin the 2002 season on February 3 in a doubleheader against High Point. The first pitch is set for 12:00.