Ohio States Signs Nine New Buckeyes for 2017 Season – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 12, 2015
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball program has signed nine new recruits for the 2017 season, head coach Greg Beals announced Thursday. Five signees are Ohioans, while three are from Texas and one from Indiana; the 2016 recruiting class brings in skills at eight of the nine positions on the field, including six talented pitchers.
“Along with versatility of the position players, the strength and depth of our pitching staff is the key to this recruiting class,” Beals said. “The needs of the program have successfully been met with this group and we believe they have the ability to make an immediate impact. The thing I especially like is that they are winners, coming from winning programs and are used to winning. Finally and most importantly, this is a group of high character young men.”
The 2016 signing class includes: Dominc Canzone (OF, Hudson, Ohio), Reece Calvert (RHP, Plano, Texas), Dustin Jourdan (RHP, Austin, Texas), Collin Lollar (RHP, Columbus, Ind.), Gavin Lyon (RHP, Westerville, Ohio), Michael McDonough (LHP, Columbiana, Ohio), Noah McGowan (INF/OF, Magnolia, Texas), Jake Vance (Massillon, Ohio) and Noah West (INF, Westerville, Ohio).
“The tireless work on the recruiting trail is really starting to pay off thanks to the efforts of our entire staff, including academic advisor Shaun Swearingen, strength coach Dean Hansen, and in particular our recruiting coordinator Chris Holick.”
Dominc Canzone – OF – L/R – 6-1, 175
Hudson, Ohio – Walsh Jesuit HS
Canzone was a Louisville Slugger High School All-American … batted .520 with 35 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple, two home runs and 28 RBI with a .667 slugging percentage and .559 on-base percentage for Walsh Jesuit … also swiped seven bases … went 5-1 with a 2.14 ERA, collecting 25 strikeouts in 32.2 innings pitched … son of David Canzone and Amy Miklos … plays high school baseball for head coach Chris Kazmar … plays summer ball for Lake Erie Baseball and coach Ryan Berry … would like to major in business.
“The Ohio State University will provide me with the opportunity to improve my game and reach my potential,” Canzone said. “It is an elite school and one of the best academic universities rich in tradition. Securing a degree from Ohio State will be a stepping stone to creating lifelong friendships with my teammates. It will also provide more opportunities for my future on and off the field.”
Coach Beals on Canzone: “Dominic is a very versatile and athletic player, possessing the size, speed and arm strength to play in the outfield, at first base and to pitch. But it was his ability to hit that really caught our eye.”
Reece Calvert – RHP – 6-6-, 210
Plano, Texas – Plano East HS – McLennan CC
Calvert was a 2015 JUCO All-Star selection … member of the Highlander squad that finished fourth in the conference and claimed the Region V championship … NJCAA All-Academic Team … earned a 9-4 pitching record with 5.45 ERA and 60 strikeouts, while named all-district under high school coach Travis Collins … son of Rodney and Ruth Calvert … would like to major in physical education.
“I really enjoyed the whole atmosphere at Ohio State and I wanted to come to a good baseball program that was the right fit for me,” Calvert said. “I’m very excited to get the opportunity to join a fantastic program and to be part of such a great tradition. I’m looking forward to help Ohio State build a championship team.”
Coach Beals on Calvert: “Reece is a prototype power pitcher. He has confidence in his fastball which is in the lower 90s right now. Reece’s long, lean frame projects to fill out which will add even more to his top end velocity.”
Dustin Jourdan – RHP – 6-0, 170
Austin, Texas – James Bowie HS – McLennan CC
Jourdan was also a member of the Highlander squad that finished fourth in the conference and claimed the Region V championship … first-team All-district … earned a 6-2 mark with four saves and 26 strikeouts at McLennan … recorded a .382 batting average and 7-1 record on the mound with a 2.40 ERA under high school coach Sam Degelia … son of David Jourdan and Cheryl Lively … played summer ball for coach Zach Horton.
“I chose Ohio State because it’s a place where I will be surrounded by good people and a great coaching staff,” Jourdan said. “I am very excited and blessed to have the opportunity to continue my baseball career at such a prestigious university.”
Coach Beals on Jourdan: “Dustin is a fast-twitch, athletic pitcher who has command of three pitches. He made huge strides over the past two years and look to continue that trend. Dustin’s competiveness will serve him well as a Buckeye.”
Collin Lollar – RHP -6-1, 190
Columbus, Ind. – Columbus North HS
Collin was All-county, All-conference and All-sectional during his junior year at Columbus North under coach Ben McDaniel … 6-1 record with a 1.06 ERA, 72 strikeouts in 37.2 innings pitched, while batting .409 with three home runs, 32 RBI and .461 on-base percentage … son of Joe and Susan Lollar … played summer ball for the Indiana Outlaws under coach Jay Hundley … would like to major in business.
“I was looking for a school with good academics, a strong baseball program with a welcoming coaching staff,” Lollar said. “I found all of this at The Ohio State University. I’m very excited to continue my baseball career as an Ohio State Buckeye. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the love and support from my family.”
Coach Beals on Lollar: “Collin possesses strike out stuff with a quick arm and sharp breaking ball. Collin shows abilities for future development which we are excited to be a part of.”
Gavin Lyon – RHP – 5-11 -175
Westerville, Ohio – Westerville Central HS
Gavin was OCC Cardinal Player of the Year, first team All-district, All-metro and All-state honoree … posted a 9-0 record with a 0.49 ERA, 111 strikeouts, 22 walks in 57.1 innings pitched under coach Jeff Keifer … played summer ball for Ohio Elite under coach Chris Valentine … son of Randy and Joni Lyon … would like to attend law school.
“I chose Ohio State because it provides endless academic opportunities close to home along with a great baseball program that has great coaches, players and a competitive atmosphere that I cannot wait to be a part of,” Lyon said. “I am very excited to become a part of such a rich tradition and winning atmosphere and to my part to contribute to the team.”
Coach Beals on Lyon: “Gavin possesses traditional power stuff, a 90 mph fastball and a classic 12-6 breaking ball. A great student, athlete and competitor, Gavin is quarterback for his high school football team which is still in the playoffs. We are excited to see his growth as a baseball player once he starts concentrating on one sport.”
Michael McDonough – LHP – 6-0, 175
Columbiana, Ohio – Crestview Local HS
Michael is a two-time, first team ITCL (2014-2015), first-team All Northeast Ohio (2015), PBR Preseason first-team Division III All-State (2015), PBR Preseason third-team All-State (2014) and Perfect Game underclass high school honorable mention (2015) … holds school records for strikeouts in a game (19), strikeouts in a season (92) and career strikeouts (217) under high school coach Dan Hill … 5-2 record with a 1.58 ERA, 78 strikeouts, two saves in 44.1 innings pitched in 2015 … 5-2 record with a 1.89 ERA, 92 strikeouts, two saves in 44.2 innings pitched in 2014 … ranked No. 8 in PBR coverage for Ohio and No. 11 in Perfect Game for Ohio … Top 500 in Perfect Game for Class of 2016 … son of Mike and Monica McDonough … played summer ball for Astro Falcons under coach Andy Timko … would like to major in sport industry.
“I built strong relationships with the coaches during my recruiting process,” McDonough said. “The program is on the rise and that made the decision even easier. Words can’t describe my excitement on becoming a Buckeye. I can’t wait to be a part of such a great program with great coaches and players.”
Coach Beals on McDonough: “Michael will bring strength to the left-handed side of our pitching. Along with being a fierce competitor, his ability to use his fastball on both sides of the plate and spin a breaking ball put him on the top of our list.”
Noah McGowan – INF/OF -R/R – 5-11, 205
Magnolia, Texas – Magnolia HS – McLennan CC
Noah is the third incoming Buckeye that was on the Highlander squad that finished fourth in conference, claimed the Region V championship … named an NJCAA All-Academic Team … recorded a batting average with 14 doubles and 37 RBI … All-state selection for high school coach Dale Westmoreland … freshman All-district honorable mention … first-team All-district as a sophomore … first-team All-district as a junior and senior … third-team All-State and was U.S. Army Scholar-Athlete of the Year … son of Natasha and D’Wayne McGowan … would like to major in business.
“I chose Ohio State because it is a great school with a great baseball program,” McGowan said. “This is the place where I know I will be able to succeed on and off the field while being surrounded by a great group of guys and fantastic coaches. I am excited to be a Buckeye and for the opportunity to come play in the Big Ten. I cannot wait to step onto campus and get the chance to make an impact on the team. I want to thank all my coaches and my family for always supporting me.”
Coach Beals on McGowan: “Noah is a very physical and versatile position player. We have seen him successfully play 2B, 3B, LF and RF. His instincts, arm strength and range will allow him to compete at all of those positions. Most importantly, we see a middle of our lineup bat.”
Jake Vance – RHP – 6-3, 180
Massillon, Ohio – Canton Central Catholic HS
Jake was a 2014 and 2015 Underclass All-American and All-Region honorable mention in Perfect Game … 2015 All-State Tournament Team, 2014 Futures Games All-Ohio team member … winning pitcher in the 2015 DIII state championship, regional championship and district semifinal … posted an overall record of 21-6 … 8-1 with a 1.34 ERA, 86 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched with one no-hitter in 2015 … 8-2 mark with 1.36 ERA, 75 strikeouts in 2014 … 5-3 with a 1.56 ERA in 2013 … pitched two years for the St. Louis Cardinals scout team in the fall of 2014 and 2015 … played high school baseball under coach Doug Miller … son of Jerrod and Debbie Vance … played summer ball with Midwest MOB under coach John Shepard … would like to major in business.
“I loved the school and the tradition,” Vance said. “Also the staff is filled with awesome coaches. I’m friends with all the incoming guys and some of the current players. I really wanted to play in my home state, so Ohio State was a perfect fit. My cousin, Nate Romans, who will be a sophomore at Ohio State next year, had a big influence on my decision to be a Buckeye. I can’t wait represent the state of Ohio next year in Columbus.”
Coach Beals on Vance: “Jake has the ability to be a big-time pitcher. He possesses a long, lean and very clean delivery from a ¾ arm slot. Jake has the ability to pitch with a full arsenal of pitches.”
Noah West – INF – R/R – 5-11, 170
Westerville, Ohio – Westerville Central HS
Noah was a first-team All-central district, first-team Ohio Capital Conference, Columbus Dispatch All-metro team, Scholar-Athlete … team captain at Westerville Central under coach Jeff Keifer … ranked No. 1 shortstop in Ohio by Prep Baseball Report … batted .400 with 43 runs scored, 39 hits, 14 doubles, one home run, 17 RBI, 21 walks, 16 stolen bases and .516 on-base percentage with .571 slugging percentage … son of Donald and Caren West … played summer ball with Ohio Elite under coach Chris Valentine … has played on the same baseball team with incoming Buckeye and high school teammate Gavin Lyon since age 8 … undecided in major, but interested in pharmacy.
“I chose The Ohio State University because it offers the complete package: great coaches, strong baseball program, top-notch facilities, excellent academics and a deep tradition of excellence,” West said. “As a kid, I had one goal growing up and that was one day to take the field at Bill Davis Stadium as a Buckeye. I am blessed to say with hard work and an incredible support system that my dream is almost a reality. I am very excited to continue to play baseball with my current high school teammate and longtime friend Gavin Lyon.”
Coach Beals on West: “Noah is a sure-handed middle infielder with the arm strength to play on the left side of the infield. He possess great instincts both defensively and on the base paths. These skills along with his ability to hit will allow him to compete very well at this level.”
