Lake Orion Baseball Coach Andy Schramek said it’s hard to win a state championship without some very talented players.
Apparently, some college coaches agree.
Dragon seniors Jeff Chattaway, Josh Deeg and Connor Mielock all signed national letters of intent last week at Lake Orion High School.
‘They’re all excellent players that are doing really well in school,? Schramek said. ‘They’re good people and that’s important in this process. We’re really proud of them all. This is what happens when talent meets hard work.?
Chattaway (the LOHS 1st baseman) will head to Spring Arbor University, Mielock (pitcher/outfielder) to Oakland University and Deeg (pitcher/outfielder) to Xavier University.
All three were instrumental in Lake Orion’s playoff run and their decision to sign in the early period could speak to their desire at another run come this spring.
The 6?6 Chattaway, who hit four home runs and knocked in 27 runs last year, played in a showcase at Spring Arbor, which left a lasting impression.
‘It was a good atmosphere out there,? said Chattaway, who also considered Michigan, Minnesota and Hope College.
‘I have a chance to start as a freshman and make an immediate impact,? he said. ‘That’s kind of what won me over.?
Along with Mielock, Oxford’s Kyle Teague and Russell Luxton have both committed to OU (and were present at the signing ceremony), as has Troy Athens? Matt Lamothe.
‘It means a lot to me because I’m going to have close friends as soon as I get there,? Mielock said of having the others decide on Oakland, too.
Indiana and Saginaw Valley were other options, but Mielock, who won eight games while sporting a 2.07 ERA last year, said the coaching staff at Oakland made the difference.
‘They came and watched me in fall ball and throughout the spring for high school,? he noted, in addition to a camp that he attended on their campus.
Deeg, who was Lake Orion’s workhorse on the mound, pitching over 65 innings, including a complete game in the 4-3 championship win against Farmington, will play his college ball in the Atlantic 10.
‘It’s a top-of-the-line school, baseball-wise,? Deeg said of Xavier. ‘I’ll be able to pitch right away and play in the field down the road.?
Deeg said he thought about waiting until spring to decide, but Xavier stood out.
‘It definitely helps getting it out of the way, but it was a good fit,? he said. ‘Now we don’t have to worry about impressing colleges and all of that stuff.?