NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion University head baseball coach Tony Guzzo announced the signing of five recruits to letters of intent for the 2002 baseball season. Two are considered the top recruits in the state of Virginia. Four are pitchers and one is an infielder.
Pitcher Justin Verlander (Goochland, Va.), pitcher/ utility Dana Arrowood (Dale City, Va.), pitcher James Burok (Archbald, Pa.), infielder Mike Croley, ( Melbourne, Fla.) and lefthanded pitcher Corey Willey (Chesapeake, Md.) signed in the early period.
"I am really pleased about this recruiting class, " said Guzzo who guided the Monarchs to their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994. " Not only because of their ability and athleticism, but also because they are outstanding students and first class young men. I think all five will be immediate impact players. My only concern is holding on to them after the major league draft next June, because all five could be drafted. Assistant coach Terry Rooney did an outstanding putting this class together."
Both Justin Verlander (6-4, 190) and James Burok (6-4, 200) are regarded as two of the top high school pitchers in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Guzzo on Verlander and Burok - "Both throw over 90 miles per hour and have outstanding off-speed pitches to compliment their fastballs." Verlander is from Goochland High School, while Burok is from Valley View High School.
Dana Arrowood (6-4, 190) Guzzo on Arrowood - is one of the most versatile players to come to our program. He is a 6.7 runner and throws in the upper 80's on the mound. Arrowood is a standout at Hylton High School
Corey Willey (6-1,175) Guzzo on Willey - Corey fulfills our need for an experienced lefthanded pitcher." He throws in the upper 80's and has a good breaking ball to compliment his fastball." Willey will come to Old Dominion from Chesapeake Community College in Maryland where he is an All Conference performer.
Mike Croley is an All-Conference performer at Brevard Community College in Florida. He led his league in home runs with ten. Guzzo on Croley."Mike is the total package, fielding, hitting, power and should step in next year at second base and hit in the middle of the lineup."
Last month's issue of COLLEGIATE BASEBALL paper ranked the Monarchs incoming class for the 2001 season which begins in February a top 30 class.