Cooper signs to play baseball at Tabor
Justin Cooper, Overbrook, has signed a letter of intent to participate in the Tabor College men's baseball program during the 2005-06 season, according to head coach John Sparks.
"Justin brings many positive attributes to our program," said Sparks. "He is a hard worker with good speed and the potential to be a solid defensive player on this level."
Cooper, a preseason All-State selection, is a 5-6, 165-pound middle infielder from Santa Fe Trail High School. Defensively, Cooper started at second base the past two years.
This past season, Cooper hit .363 with 30 runs scored, 22 RBIs and 23 stolen bases, assisting Santa Fe to its second consecutive third-place finish at the 4A state baseball tournament.
"We are very pleased Justin has chosen Tabor College," said Sparks.
Additional Tabor baseball signees announced
Tabor College head baseball coach John Sparks announces the signings of two California junior college transfers and a Texas high-school graduate for the 2005-06 season.
Alex Vergara, a 5-11, 220-pound catcher/first baseman from Ohlone Junior College, hit .332 for the Crusaders while playing a number of roles as catcher, first baseman and designated hitter. Ohlone finished third in the California State Junior College playoffs his freshman year.
"We are very pleased that Alex has committed to Tabor," said Sparks. "He is an energetic young man with a great deal of offensive potential at this level that can help us defensively at a variety of positions."
J.D. Poplin, a Vacaville, Calif., native, comes to Tabor after contributing to the Santa Rosa Junior College and Solano Junior College programs.
"J.D. is very fundamental defensively and can play either short stop or second base," said Sparks. "He will also help us add some pop in our lineup offensively."
The 5-8, 175-pound middle infielder hit .394 while playing shortstop at Santa Rosa his freshman year. After transferring to Solano his sophomore year, Poplin hit .275 with 12 doubles and two home runs.
Hailing from Marfa, Texas, is Martin Morales, a shortstop/pitcher who played a major role in Marfa's ascent to this year's district championship. Morals hit .511 with five homeruns and recorded a number of key victories on the mound. Morales was named District MVP for his accomplishments.
Sparks said, "Morales is a player we feel has high potential to excel at the college level. We feel as though his offensive ability, coupled with his arm strength, could make him an impact player for our team this spring."
