Barrow Inks with the Gators; Two Others Sign With NCAA Schools
November 16, 2012
SF ATHLETICS
Gainesville, FL – Santa Fe baseball player Dylan Barrow led a group of three SF athletes that signed yesterday with NCAA schools on the first day of the early signing period. Baseball player Blake Berger and women's basketball player Paulina Zaveckaite also signed with NCAA Division I institutions. The early signing period runs through November 21.
Barrow, a sophomore pitcher, inked a scholarship with the University of Florida Gators where current SF coach Johnny Wiggs pitched from 1988 to 1989, earning All-SEC honors. Barrow saw limited innings for the Saints as a freshman but exploded during the fall striking out 33 in 22 innings with a 2.05 ERA while consistently touching 92-94 on the radar gun.
The Gators are coached by Kevin O'Sullivan and have been one of the top programs in the country since his arrival six years ago. In 2012 UF finished 47-20 and made their third straight trip to the College World Series.
"Dylan had an excellent fall and has a good chance at being a high draft pick next summer," said Wiggs. "He has great velocity and made huge strides over the last year as a pitcher."
Women's basketball standout Paulina Zaveckaite is already putting together a stellar sophomore season at Santa Fe and made the decision to sign early with the University of North Florida over many offers from out of state and the University of South Florida.
A local Gainesville standout, she led The Rock School to a State Championship before signing with USC-Upstate out of high school where she played the 2011-12 season.
Zaveckaite is currently fourth in the country in rebounding, averaging an amazing 14.2 per contest to go along with nine points per game for the 3-3 Saints.
UNF is led by 21 year head coach Mary Tappmeyer and finished the 2011-12 season with a 13-17 record overall and a program best fourth place finish in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
"We are excited for Paulina to continue her career at UNF," said coach Chanda Stebbins . "She transferred to us from the Atlantic Sun Conference and I know she is comfortable playing in that league. Paulina is a very strong student and is excited about her opportunities to pursue a nursing degree at UNF. North Florida is a great place for Paulina."
Sophomore catcher Blake Berger inked his LOI with Florida Gulf Coast University. Berger recently wrapped up a very successful fall hitting .333 with three doubles, two triples and 10 RBI. As a freshman he hit .235 with 10 RBI and 10 runs scored in 68 at bats.
FGCU is led by three time Atlantic Sun "Coach of the Year" Dave Tollett. In 10 seasons at the helm, Tollet has accumulated an impressive 304-137 record. In 2012 the Eagles were 26-31 overall and 15-12 in A-Sun play. Current Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale played for FGCU from 2008-2010, earning National Pitcher of the Year honors in 2010.
"Blake is a great leader for our team and will make a great addition to Coach Tollett's squad," said Wiggs. "He is a polished "catch and throw" catcher and handles our pitching staff very well."
For complete schedules and more information on Saints Athletics, please visit santafesaints.com. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.
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