Jaquez signs with Wolf Pack

University of Nevada coach Gary Powers said Wednesday that the 18-year-old Jaquez, who was drafted by the Detroit Tigers following his senior year at Loyalton (Calif.) High School, will join the Wolf Pack next year after signing a National Letter of Intent two weeks ago.

"I think he's a real competitive young man," Powers said of Jaquez, who leads WNCC with .314 batting average. "He has a big upside. We're excited to have him in our program."

Jaquez ranks second in slugging percentage (.365) and has driven in 18 runs (tied for third) for WNCC, which has compiled an overall record of 33-15 in its inaugural season, including a 27-9 mark in the Scenic West Athletic Conference.

The first-place Wildcats will host a pair of doubleheaders this weekend against second-place College of Southern Idaho, beginning Friday at 1 p.m. If WNCC can win the four-game series, it will host the SWAC Tournament May 10-13 at the newly constructed John L. Harvey Field.

"He's a pretty special player, very talented," said WNCC coach D.J. Whittemore of Jaquez, whose progress is being followed by the Tigers. "He's our leading hitter and possibly the best defensive player we have. He's very talented."

Whittemore said he had a little advice for Jaquez for when he makes his move north to Reno.

"He's someone whose practice habits have to continue to improve in order to play for Coach Powers," Whittemore said. "Powers didn't get to where he is without demanding a lot from his players."

Whittemore said Jaquez would prefer to concentrate on the remaining season before commenting on becoming the first Wildcat to move on to the next level, but Powers said he's had his eye on the 5-foot-11, 230-pound slugger since last year.

"We began recruiting him since last summer, when we lost a couple of kids to the draft," Powers said. "He'd already committed to WNCC and he honored that commitment, which we respected. We told him we'd track his development and try to recruit him if need be. That situation played out. We're counting on him to play (next season). That's why we recruited him."

The sixth-place Wolf Pack (17-23 overall) are struggling this year and are 5-9 in Western Athletic Conference play, with only nine league games remaining to secure a spot in the WAC Tournament. The top six teams will qualify for the tournament, which begins May 25 in Fresno at Beiden Field.

A move to Division I ball would also mean a return to aluminum bats for Jaquez, who has done his damage this year with wood. As a senior at Loyalton, Jaquez won the California Triple Crown, leading the state with a .692 batting average, 17 home runs and 54 RBI.

Note: Little League players who wear their jersey or cap will receive admission to Friday's doubleheader or Saturday's doubleheader for just $1.