After their inaugural championship season, it was only a matter of time before Western Nevada Community College baseball players began receiving offers from some Division I schools. That time is now.
Two players, Tyson Jaquez and Aaron Henry, will play next season at the University of Nevada, and another, Jerahmie Libke, is being recruited by two Division I schools.
"One of the goals of every junior college program is to see that the sophomores are moving on and signing with four-year schools," Wildcats coach D.J. Whittemore said. "We're happy with the direction our program and players are going."
Jaquez was WNCC's starting third baseman, and was one of two freshmen named to the 2006 Scenic West Athletic Conference All-Region First Team. He ended the year with a .316 batting average, 54 hits, 25 runs scored, 20 RBI, and 63 total bases.
"A freshman signing with a D-1 school doesn't happen very often," Whittemore said. "It's a great honor for Tyson to sign with such a high-caliber program."
Henry, a sophomore who missed the last six games of the season with a broken finger, was a starting outfielder for the Wildcats. He finished with a .268 batting average, 29 hits, 20 runs scored, 11 RBI, 37 total bases, and 18 steals in 21 attempts.
"The coaching staff is really happy for Aaron," Whittemore added. "Playing for the Wolf Pack has been his dream since high school and now he gets to fulfill it."
Libke, a sophomore, is leaning toward signing with Southern Utah University. He was the starting shortstop for the Wildcats, ending the season with 23 hits, 16 runs scored, 14 RBI, and 26 total bases. Libke is being recruited on the Division I level for his outstanding defensive skills.
"We're glad to see Jerahmie's hard work about to pay off," Whittemore said. "Wherever he goes, he'll make the program better."