Announcement
Here are the former Mustangs who have taken their game to the next level:
Jacob Slaten (2017) -- RHP/2B - Jacob, a steady force in the middle of the Mustang infield and also as a dominant starting pitcher, will join his brother and Mustang teammate Michael at Bendectine University (NAIA) in Atchison, Kansas for the 2018 season.
Andrew Astalos (2013) - LHP/CF - Andrew joined Varsity as a junior and provided stellar OF defense, speed on the bases, a power bat, and a power arm for two seasons. While also anchoring the Mustangs starting pitching rotation, Andrew was among the team leaders in slugging percentage and batting average. In 2016, Andrew made his collegiate debut as a redshirt freshman LHP for the Fort Hays State University (NCAA Div. II) Tigers in Hays, Kansas.
In 2017, Andrew pitched for Lamar Community College (NJCAA) in Lamar, Colorado. In 9 appearances, he was 1-1, with a 6.75 ERA. Andrew struck out 11 batters in 6.2 innings, a remarkable 14.75 K's per 9 inning.
Ben Chambers (2011) - P/1B - Ben was a three-time Pitcher of the Year and an HWSA All-American. He anchored the infield at first base and consistently led the team in appearances, saves, and ERA. Ben was awarded an academic scholarship to attend Covenant College (NCAA Div III) in Lookout Mountain, GA. In his freshman season with the Scots, Ben batted .306, with 7 2B, 2 3B, and 13 RBI. On the mound, he threw 4 scoreless innings.
In 2013, coming off a serious hand hand injury, Ben saw limited action for the Scots.
Andrew Ellwanger (2012) - RHP/IB - Andrew played for the Mustangs JH before being pressed into Varsity duty as a pitcher as an 8th-grader in the 2008 Homeschool World Series Regional Tournament. He appeared in two games, throwing a complete-game gem over the Little Rock, Ark. Flames. Andrew finished his high-school baseball career with Magnolia West High School, where he was a stellar contributor to both the basketball, tennis, and baseball teams. Andrew became a two-sport collegiate athlete (basketball and baseball) at Rockhurst University (NCAA Division II) in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2015, as a sophomore for the Hawks, Andrew posted a 1-4 record on the mound, with a 3.06 ERA in 32.1 innings; he struck out 14 and walked only 5 batters.
In 2016, Andrew made 13 appearances for the Hawks, starting 8 games with 2 CGs. He was 4-3 with a 5.63 ERA. In 56 innings of work, Andrew walked only 6 batters.
In 2017, Andrew finished his career at Rockhurst with an excellent senior campaign. Again a dual-sport athlete, Andrew started 10 games for the Hawks, going 6-5 with a 4.19 ERA. His 62.1 IP were third on the team; in typical fashion, he walked only 11 batters all season.
John Fox (2011) - C/P/OF - John was a recipient of the MtB Spirit Award. An outstanding defensive backstop throughout his career, as a senior, John led the Mustangs most prolific offense in history in slugging, RBI's and OPS while batting .387. John made the roster as a freshman at LeTourneau University (NCAA Div III) in Longview, Texas.
Luke Ludwig (2016) - 1B/RHP - Luke established himself as a force on the mound for the Mustangs over three seasons, while he also became a stellar 1B in the process. Luke was named Pitcher of the Year twice for the Mustangs. Luke took his game to Letourneau University (D-III) in Longview, Texas where he is pitching for the Yellow Jackets in 2017.
In 2017, Luke worked his way into the Yellow Jackets starting rotation, going 1-2 with a 7.14 ERA in 45 IP. He led the team in appearances with 15.
Lance Martin (2014) - IF/P - Lance was a two-time HWSA All-American and the Pitcher of the Year for the Mustangs in 2013. A steady presence, he was a Team Captain, lead off hitter and played all over the diamond and IF with a consistency that was key to the Mustangs success in 2014. Lance decided to attend Schreiner University (D-III) in Kerrville, TX. In 2015, he appeared in 5 games for the Mountaineers, collecting his first college hit on 2/7/15 against Sul Ross State. Lance also earned Academic Honor Roll Honors in 2015. In 2016, a highlight for Lance and the Mountaineers was his walk-off single in extra innigns on Senior Day. Lance also earned Academic Merit List for both the Fall and Spring.
In 2017, Lance returned to the mound, throwing 3 innings for the Mountaineers. He had 2 K's and 0 BBs. A stellar student, Lance continued to impress in the classroom, earning a spot on the President's List and the SCAC Honor Roll.
Kevin Rushing (2012) - IF - Kevin made the smooth transition to 3B and was a big part of the Mustangs' success in 2010-11, Kevin was a mainstay in the Mustangs infield and in the middle of the lineup. He twice earned Defensive Player of the Year. In 2011, he hit .373 with 30 RBIs while leading the team in 2B (11) . Kevin saw limited action as a freshman while playing for LeTourneau University (NCAA Div III) in Longview, Texas.
Reagan Rutledge (2011) - switch-hitting CF/SS/P - Reagan was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, a recipient of the MtB Spirit Award, and a two-time HWSA All-American. He also set team records with 8 HRs and 36 SB (in 37 attempts) in 2011. Reagan was awarded a partial baseball scholarship to attend Belhaven University (NAIA) in Jackson, MS. In his freshman season, Reagan hit .250 in limited action. Then, while making the transition to a full-time LH hitter, Reagan led all regulars on his 2012 summer college team (the Westchase Express Cougars) in hitting with a .359 average.
In 2013, Reagan had a breakout year at Belhaven in the tough Southern States Athletic Conference. He was one of only three (3) players on the 33-man roster to play in all 58 games for the Blazers. He started all but one game and ended the season as the Blazers' regular CF. Reagan hit .295, good for 4th on the team. He led the team in runs scored (56), as well. Reagan also broke the Belhaven single-season record for stolen bases and finished tied for the school record with teammate Dominick Francia; both had 42 steals. Reagan stole 42 bases in 44 attempts, even though he battled a bad groin for much of the season. Reagan also earned a spot on the 2013 SSAC All-Academic Team. At the conclusion of fall baseball workouts, Reagan was named to the SSAC Fall All-Star Baseball Team along with four other Blazers.
Building on the previous season, Reagan was again the Blazers' CF in 2014 and took over the leadoff spot in the order, as well. One of only three players to play in all 63 games for the Blazers, Reagan started each game, as well. Completing his second season of playing in every game, he played all but one defensive inning, as well. For the second straight season, he led the Blazers in OF assists. Reagan hit .278 on the season and led the team in AB's (237), Runs (60), and Triples (5). In spite of hitting in the leadoff spot for most of the year, Reagan also had 30 RBI's, good for third on the team. He was also third in slugging (.367) and fourth in OBP (.396) out of Blazer regulars.
After his 6.3 60-yard-dash time at Belhaven's pro day in the fall of 2013, Reagan established himself as one of the fastest college baseball players in the nation. Indeed, on the bases in 2014, Reagan shattered the Belhaven single-season stolen-base record with 64 steals in 69 attempts. He also led the entire nation (NAIA), as well, with 17 more SBs than his nearest competitor. In the process, Reagan became the career stolen-base record holder at Belhaven, with 106 in only two seasons of play. Reagan accomplished the foregoing on a very good Belhaven club (42-21) that finished 3rd in the perennially-tough Southern States Athletic Conference and came within one game of advancing to the NAIA World Series. The Blazers finished the season ranked #18 nationally in the NAIA.
In 2015, Reagan again played in every game (57) for the Blazers, starting 54; he played in every game for the Blazers over three seasons. He compiled a .290 average in '15 again out of the lead-off spot, hit 4 HRs, had 21 RBIs, while leading the team in triples (7), runs scored (61), and SB (53 in 56 attempts, which was also second in the nation). Was second among Blazer regulars with a .900 OPS. He earned Second-Team All Conference Honors. The Blazers finished 33-24 and again qualified for the very tough SSAC tournament. Along the way, the Blazers posted a number of impressive victories over ranked opponents and were undefeated (5-0) vs. NCAA competition.
Over the course of a remarkable career at Belhaven, Reagan became the all-time career leader in two categories: Stolen Bases (159, while being caught only 10 times in his college career), including the three highest single-season SB totals in school history; and 3B (15).
As of 2015, He was also among Belhaven's career leaders in Runs (3rd with 163); ABs (6th with 624); Walks (7th with 80); Hits (10th with 176); and HBP (10th with 22).
No one in college baseball stole more bases from 2013-2015 than Reagan.
On July 3, 2015, he made his professional debut with the Alpine Cowboys of the Pecos League. In the process, he became the first Mustang to play professionally, and apparently, the first homeschooler from Texas to do so. He collected his first professional hit on July 4, 2015 vs. the Roswell Invaders. Reagan took over as the Cowboys' regular CF and lead-off hitter down the stretch, playing stellar defense and helping his team win the Southern Division title. He hit .264 with 2 3B and 9 RBIs. He also stole 15 bases in 17 attempts, finishing second on the team in steals in a little over three weeks of action.
In 2016, Reagan returned for a second season with the Alpine Cowboys. He again established himself as the regular CF, playing stellar defense and hitting in the leadoff spot for much of the season. The Cowboys made the Pecos League playoffs, though they fell in the first round. Reagan hit .318, and he led the team with 255 ABs while playing in more games than any Cowboy (62); he scored 60 runs (2nd on the team), hit 9 2Bs (3rd on the team), and he had 4 HR and 41 RBIs. Reagan also stole a team-record 42 bases in 47 attempts. He also set the Cowboys' career mark for SB with 57 in 64 attempts. With 3 3B in 2016, Reagan also tied the team career triples mark.
In 2017, Reagan turned down a Frontier League contract and returned to the Pecos League with the Trinidad Triggers in Trinidad, CO. He appeared in 28 games for the Triggers, who made the playoffs with a 36-23 record; Reagan hit .224 in 58 ABs. He had 1 HR and 7 RBIs. As always, he was a force on the bases; he scored 21 runs and stole 11 bases in 12 attempts. As the regular season was winding down in White Sands, NM, Reagan took the mound to help his team preserve its pitching for the playoffs. He pitched one perfect inning against the Pupfish, with 2 Ks.
Wyatt Saltarelli (2014) - P/IF/OF - Wyatt was a 2013 HWSA All-American and Pitcher of the Year in 2014 for the Mustangs. A Team Captain, as well, Wyatt was a key team leader for the Mustangs for 4 years on the Varsity. He accepted a partial baseball scholarship to attend the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO, becoming the first pitcher-only for the Mustangs at the next level. In 2015 as a freshman, Wyatt appeared in 11 games for the Bobcats, starting five. He posted a 1-4 record, with 3.70 ERA (second best on the staff). In 24.1 IP, Wyatt walked only 7 batters and had 21 K's.
In 2016, Wyatt again made key contributions for the Bobcats on the mound. He posted a 3-1 record, with a 4.40 ERA in 9 appearances. He started five games for the the Bobcats, who finished 31-24, going 12-1 in conference play.
In 2017, Saltarelli became a key member of the Bobcats' rotation, starting 10 games and throwing 3 CGs. He had a 5-5 record, with a 4.28 ERA; Wyatt threw 61 innings in 12 appearances. He was also named an NAIA Scholar Athlete for maintaining better than a 3.5 GPA.
Michael Slaten (2016) - RHP/3B - Michael played three seasons for the Mustangs, and he set new records for HRs (12) and also batting average as a senior. Michael also grew into a dominant force on the mound, as well. A two-time Homeschool All-American, Michael received a baseball scholarship to play at Benedictine University (NAIA) in Atchison, Kansas.
In 2017, Michael quickly established himself as an integral part of the Ravens; the team had an excellent season, going 35-22. Michael hit a remarkable .380 with 14 HRs and 52 RBIs. He had an OBP of .502 and a SLG pct of .737. He led the team in SBs with 23 in 24 attempts, and was also named Conference player of the week for the week of March 20. Additionally, Michael also made key contributions on the mound for the Ravens. He was 5-1 with a 5.83 ERA. He started 11 games, completing two (one shutout). In 58.2 IP, Michael struck out 54 batters.
Sheldon Spurgin (2011) - RHP/3B - Sheldon joined the Mustangs for his senior season and became a key member of the team. He had an outstanding HWS with 8 hits and solid defense at 3B. The Mustangs also won two of his starts on the mound in Florida, and he singled to start the winning walk-off rally in the final game of 2011 vs. Augusta. Sheldon made the roster as a pitcher at Richland College (JuCo) in 2012 but was red-shirted for medical reasons.
Michael Wurster (2011) - OF/P/IF - "Sauce" hit .420 or above and led the Mustangs in hitting all four years that he played for our Varsity. He was a four-time Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time HWSA All-American. Michael was awarded a partial baseball scholarship to attend Belhaven University (NAIA) in Jackson, MS. Michael saw limited action as a freshman and began his second second season with the Blazers in 2013.
In 2013, with as good a curve ball as any pitcher on a deep staff, the Blazers moved Michael to the bullpen. Sauce was a consistent contributor for the Blazers on the mound in 2013, as he was 4th in appearances (25) with 3-0 record and 6.04 ERA. The Blazers finished 37-21, good for 4th in the very tough Southern States Athletic Conference. Michael also earned a spot on the SSAC 2013 All-Academic Team.
Michael moved back to the Blazer OF in 2014, where he was a valuable member of the team as a baserunner, as well. Michael played in 49 of the Blazers' 63 games, hitting .238. He also stole 9 bases. Belhaven had another fine season, finishing 42-21, third in the Southern States Athletic Conference. The Blazers, who ended the season with a #18 national ranking, fell to #3 Oklahoma Wesleyan, 8-7, in the NAIA Opening Round Final. Michael also earned a spot on the SSAC All-Academic Team again in 2014.
The consummate teammate, Michael was again called upon to pitch for Belhaven in 2015, and he responded with an outstanding senior campaign. He appeared in nearly half of hte Blazers' games (23 APP), and was a steady presence in the bullpen. He went 2-0, with a 3.86 ERA, good for second best on the team. In 21 innings pitched, he also had 14 K's and only 9 BBs.
Also of note, Sauce was the only Blazer named to the NAIA Academic All-American Team.
The Blazers finished 33-24, posting a number of wins over highly-ranked, quality opponents. competing in and qualifiying for the conference tournament in the perennially-tough SSAC.
Here are 10 things players need to know/do to play at the next level:
1. Work hard both off and on the field. Playing well is the key to being noticed but a good GPA and a strong SAT will open the door to college. Obtain a copy of NCAA Guide For College Bound Athletes. A free copy can be obtained by calling 1.800.638.3731. This will help you plot a course for the remainder of your high school years. Please note: Membership in the NCAA is NOT necessary for junior or two year colleges. GPA and SAT are very important in these schools. They do not want to invest in a player who can't make the grade. Some schools have asked perspective homeschooled students to obtain a GED and submit SAT scores before admittance.
2. Register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. As a Homeschooling parent, you will need to keep great records!
Use high school code "969999" as the high school code for any home school coursework.
This information is for those who have attended a home school or nontraditional school for either all or part of their high school career. In order to evaluate your certification status for purposes of NCAA athletics initial eligibility, please submit the following information to the Eligibility Center:
- Completed student release form.
- Fee payment.
- Standardized test score (ACT and/or SAT). Must be submitted directly from the testing agency. Note that test scores received on a transcript cannot be used by the Eligibility Center. A Student Score Report or scores taken directly from a Student Score Report cannot be accepted by the Eligibility Center for initial-eligibility purposes.
- Home school transcript that includes:
- Course titles;
- Course grades;
- Units of credit for courses;
- Grading scale ( if numeric grading is used, alpha/letter equivalent grades are needed); and
- Signature of the home school administrator (the parent or other person who organized, taught and evaluated the home school coursework).
- Transcript from any other high school, college and/or nontraditional program attended (mailed directly from the issuing institution).
- Proof of high school graduation, including specific graduation date (month/day/year).
- Evidence that home schooling was conducted in accordance with state laws (a written statement from the home school administrator verifying compliance with state home school legislation). Please attach any supporting documentation.
- A statement of who taught and evaluated the coursework, awarded grades and issued credit.
- List of textbooks used throughout home schooling [course title, textbook title, publisher name and book level (if applicable)].
If your home school coursework was taken through an established nontraditional program (e.g., correspondence, internet, tutoring, etc.) that evaluated your coursework and issues transcripts, please have that program provide a copy of your transcript and provide contact information so the Eligibility Center can obtain further information, if necessary.
The Eligibility Center will evaluate home school coursework only after all required documents have been received. After the information listed above is received, the Eligibility Center may need to request additional information or clarification before completing an academic certification.
HOME SCHOOL EVALUATION ADDRESS:
NCAA Eligibility Center (ATTN: Home School Evaluation)
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202-6222
Phone: 877/ 262-1492 or 317/ 223-0700. Follow the prompts or request to be directed to the home school department.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Homeschool NCAA Checklist:
https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/pdf/home_school_checklist_example.pdf
NCAA Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/05e0f8004e0b8ac99cf8fc1ad6fc8b25/Frequently+Asked+Questions+About+Home+Schooling-Updated+2-11-09.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=05e0f8004e0b8ac99cf8fc1ad6fc8b25
Note: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has its own clearinghouse and eligibility registration. NAIA requirements are less onerous than the NCAA. Players interested in an NAIA program(s) check the website at: http://www.playnaia.org/.
3. Register for the SAT through College Board or ACT online. Upon registering for the SAT when adding colleges for score reports, add the NCAA Clearinghouse. It's code is 9999. The NCAA Guide for College Bound Athletes will help you determine the GPA and SAT scores needed for eligibility. Having an 1100 combined on the verbal and math will, in most cases, be rewarded with an academic scholarship.
4. Visit colleges before your senior year. Try to spend Sophomore & Junior year taking one day trips to colleges of interest. Contact your coach and ask him to call the college coach and set up an available date for you to meet. These visits usually consist of the College coach showing you around the campus, talking about what his expectations will be, and there will be a short try out. Try to observe your favorite school's teams in game situations.
5. Get on a Showcase team by your Junior year. Look for a team that will be playing where College coaches and big league scouts are present. Make the most of every minute on the field. Coaches and scouts may come to see one person but if you shine...they will take notice. This is a very important tool for acquiring invitations to different events and schools. This will open doors to more college opportunities and draft status.
6. In your Junior year try to decide whether a 2 year or 4 year school is best for your situation. Each has benefits and drawbacks. Begin to narrow down a list of the schools you want to visit or entertain a try out with.
7. Larger four year schools often have commitments from the "best" players by the end of their Junior year. "Best" players are often those in larger public school teams. Smaller four year or two year schools will be out looking and making offers the fall and spring of Senior year. Colleges will first contact your coach then the student. Colleges and scouts want to speak directly to perspectives. Some colleges will call and offer scholarships over the phone and request a visit with the athlete. Most will request a visit and tryout, then an offer will be made. Athlete, always be polite! Your courtesy or lack of will develop a likewise reputation.
8. Senior year, get a physical! College coaches will sometimes ask for the results of a Complete Physical performed within the past 5-6 months.
9. In the Senior year, visits are really invitations from college coaches. On a Senior year visit, the school can feed and place the athlete in a dorm or hotel. This cannot be done before the Senior year. Visits usually consist of a tour around the school and a tryout. Most visits are for the day others may be overnight.
10. Please know when a college offers a scholarship it is on a year by year basis and may not cover all your school expenses. Expenses can include: tuition, books, food, and housing. Ask if there are other scholarships or grants to help.
11. (Bonus) Remember ... Your baseball career and future are yours. So, take charge. Ask for help and support where needed, but ultimately, it is up to you. Sitting back and waiting for a college opportunity to happen is foolish. Try to find the best baseball experience that goes with the best academic/college experience for you. Then, go visit that school and make contact with the coaches there. Be bold. Be proactive.
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