Nov. 20, 2008

By Brett Maikowski, Student Assistant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Thursday, November 20, 2008)- Head Coach Mark Hogan has announced the signing of four recruits to join the Redhawks baseball program in the fall of 2009. Hogan, beginning his 15th season at Southeast, welcomes two high school players, Shae Simmons and Cole Bieser, and two junior college players, Michael Adamson and Jacob Wente, to the Redhawks program.

"We are extremely pleased and excited of the players we have signed in this early period," said Coach Hogan. "We expect them to come in and contribute to our success."

Shae Simmons, a 5'11 right-handed pitcher, comes to Southeast after being coached by Lace Amick at Scott City High School in Scott City, Mo. Simmons led his team to a 23-1 record and a 2A State Championship Game his junior year. On the mound last season, he went 7-0, including a 12 strikeout performance in the Championship game against Barstow en rout to a 13-3 victory. Simmons closed out last season with a 1.72 Earned Run Average, 83 strikeouts, and 1st team All-State honors.

"We're thrilled to get him. We're glad he was right here in our backyard," said Coach Hogan. "We think he has good upside."

Cole Bieser, a 5'9 outfielder, will join the Redhawks after playing under head coach Judd Naeger at Valle Catholic High School in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Last spring, Bieser batted .422 and stole 31 bases, earning him All-State honors. He is the son of former Southeast player, Steve Bieser, who finished his Redhawk career in 1989 and later played in 60 major league games for the Mets and Pirates in 1997 and 1998.

"We're thrilled to have a second-generation Bieser," said Hogan. "Cole is a chip off the old block. He should be a good offensive guy with speed."

Michael Adamson, a 6'0 left-handed pitcher and outfielder, transfers to SEMO after playing at John A. Logan College under head coach Jerry Halstead. Originally from Freeburg, Ill., Adamson was both a standout basketball and baseball player. His freshman year at the collegiate level, he pitched in 17 games for Middle Tennessee before transferring to JALC. He is a dual athlete who has the ability to play all three outfield positions along with pitching.

Jacob Wente, a 6'4 right-handed pitcher, hails from Rend Lake College after playing under head coach Tony Etnier. Wente, originally from Steeleville, Ill., played a big role in the success of Etnier's 2008 Region XXIV Championship team last season. He pitched a total of 65 innings, while only giving up 62 hits, 17 walks, and a .239 opponent batting average. Wente also struck out 47 batters.

"We feel real good about those two [Adamson and Wente]," said Hogan. "We've got more [recruiting] work to do in the spring, but this is a good start for us."