"We are very excited about this class because we have finally won some battles with other schools for the top high school players on the West Coast," Harrel said. "We will lose three arms to graduation this spring and were able to fill those spots and add some depth as well on the mound. Our position player needs were very specific and we took care of those immediate needs as well. Casey Powell, our recruiting coordinator, does a great job, along with Dave Wainhouse, our pitching coach, on identifying who 'really fits' into our Seattle University family. It is a great class to add to a young program and we can use this class to add other top recruits down the road."
Jake Chutney (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) is a 5'11" left-handed pitcher who has been a two-time all-league selection at Trabuco Hills High School. In 11 starts during the 2010 season, he earned three complete games along with a 3.15 earned run average and struck out 50 batters in 66 2/3 innings.
"Jake can really pitch. He is able to keep guys honest with his fastball and has enough command to be deceptive. He has four pitches that he can throw for strikes and can keep hitters off-balance. Jake is a real competitor with a tremendous work ethic," said Harrel.
Kyle Doyle (Covington, Wash.) posted a 3-0 record with two saves and a 2.45 earned run average last season at Kentwood High School. The 6'3" left-handed pitcher was the MVP of the 2010 Safeco High School Classic and earned All-SPSL North honors with his performance.
"Kyle has a tremendous upside with his body and arm action. He is very competitive in the trenches and showed no fear when facing advanced hitters," Harrel said. "As Kyle gets stronger, I believe he has a chance to pitch beyond college. He has a quick, loose arm with good movement that will help us right away."
Grant Gunning (Snohomish, Wash.) attends King's High School, but plays for the varsity team at Snohomish High School. The 6'4" right-handed pitcher won the team MVP award as well as the Pitcher's Award last season, and he earned honorable mention All-WESCO North recognition.
"Grant's upside is incredible. The ball comes out of his hand very easy and his ability to throw secondary pitches allows for him to contend as a rotation guy. He has pitched for only a couple of years, so the best is yet to come," said Harrel.
Grant Newton (Bend, Ore.) is a 5'11" catcher and third baseman at Bend Senior High School. After earning second team all-league honors in his sophomore season, he hit .467 with 12 extra-base hits, 30 runs scored, and 35 runs batted in during the 2010 season, picking up first team all-state and all-league honors along the way.
"Grant can really hit and may be the most developed hitter we have recruited from high school. With time, strength, and dedication, Grant can be one of the best hitters our university has ever seen. He will work at both corners and behind the plate until he settles into his proper spot. Grant has a quiet personality with a strong work ethic," Harrel said.
Andrew Olson (Enumclaw, Wash.) is a 6'0" left-handed pitcher from Enumclaw High School who is about to begin his second season at Tacoma Community College. In 2010 for the Titans, Olson posted an 8-2 record with a 2.54 earned run average, striking out 54 batters in 56 2/3 innings of work.
"Andrew is a weekend-type pitcher that can really add to our rotation right away," Harrel remarked. "He does a great job mixing pitches and is very competitive in the strike zone. He likes to throw to both sides of the plate and controls the running game. He can be an immediate impact guy for us."
Brian Olson (Black Diamond, Wash.) has been a two-time all-league performer as the catcher for the Tahoma High School varsity team. He hit .486 with a .588 on-base percentage in the 2009 season and .406 with a .513 on-base percentage in the 2010 campaign. A two-time winner of the SPSL Scholar-Athlete Award, he has been selected twice for the Northwest Championship Tournament as well as for the 2010 Mariner Cup Game at Safeco Field.
"Brian gives us a totally different dynamic behind the plate. He can truly shut down the running game just by his arm strength and defensive abilities. He will be a great leader for us on and off the field," said Harrel. "Brian is a perfect example of what Seattle University is all about. He is great in the classroom, involved with the community, and a pure human being."
Mason Stidham (Eagle, Idaho) is a 6'7" right-handed pitcher currently playing on the varsity team at Eagle High School. He posted a team-low 1.81 earned run average during the 2010 season, plus he hit .345 while playing the outfield and first base positions. Stidham was selected to play for the Chicago Cubs prospect team as well as the Mountainwest Scout team that competed in the 16U USA championship.
"Mason has a huge upside. He came highly recommended from some professional scouts and fits our values at Seattle U. He has the ability to really make strides when he just concentrates on pitching. At 6'7", the angle and tilt he will be able to create at release should prove to be very tough on hitters," said Harrel.
The Seattle University baseball team will begin its second season of competition since its reinstatement in February, with the full 2011 schedule to be released within the next week.