JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 22, 2004) - East Tennessee State head baseball coach Tony Skole announced Monday that that four student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Buccaneers beginning in the 2006 season.

            Justin Aughey (Davie, Fla.) and Ryan Howe (Spartanburg, S.C.) will be coming to ETSU from Lake-Sumter Community College in Leesburg, Fla. Two players have come to East Tennessee State from Lake-Sumter recently, senior outfielder Richie Billings (Leesburg, Fla.) and sophomore pitcher McCay Green (Orlando, Fla.).

            Aughey is a catcher while Howe is a left-handed pitcher. Howe played with current Buccaneer junior pitcher Steven Calicutt (Spartanburg, S.C.) at Dorman High School in Spartanburg, S.C.

            "Justin was a pleasant surprise in our recruiting efforts this fall," said Skole. "He is considered one of the best junior college catchers in the state of Florida. He is a very hard nosed, aggressive player and plays the game with a tremendous amount of passion. Justin will fit nicely into our program and should make an immediate impact. It will be enjoyable to coach Justin and even more fun to watch him play."

            "We are very fortunate that Ryan chose ETSU as the place where he will continue his education and baseball career," commented Skole. "He was being recruited by many Division I programs and we are glad he decided to come to Johnson City. Ryan will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff. This spring he will be one of the top left-handed pitchers amongst all the junior colleges in Florida. He has a great arm and will be a very seasoned and experienced pitcher when he steps on campus next August."

            Outfielder Jacob Fabry (Chattanooga, Tenn.) of Red Bank High School and left-handed pitcher Michael Dillow (Kingsport, Tenn.) from Daniel Boone High School have also signed to play for East Tennessee State.

            "Jacob is going to be an exciting player for our fans to watch," said Skole. "He is an outstanding student-athlete, a high school quarterback, and has a ton of potential to be an impact player in college baseball. He is an outstanding competitor and tremendous young man.  He is one of the fastest high school baseball players in the entire state of Tennessee. Jacob will follow right in line with the many talented outfielders we have had at ETSU in recent years."

            "Michael is the top senior left-handed pitcher in Northeast Tennessee," commented Skole. "It is always a priority to sign the best players in our area and we believe we have done that with Michael. He has a great frame and a ton of potential. Michael bleeds "Blue and Gold" and he will be a great addition to our baseball family."

            East Tennessee State opens their 2005 campaign with a three-game series against Niagara on Feb. 18-20 from Cardinal Park in Johnson City, Tenn.

            "I am very excited about the future of this group of Buccaneers," said Skole. "Coach Goulet, Coach McClarrinon and our players are to be commended for their hard work in attracting such quality ball players and young men. These four young men are all outstanding young people who come from outstanding families. This group will be a nice compliment to the young talent we already have in our program. We have set very high goals for ETSU Baseball and I believe this group will help make a difference in accomplishing those goals."