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Posted: Jul 24, 2014

Nine Owls Set to Move on to Four-Years

Citrus College had nine baseball players accept offers to continue their playing careers at four-year institutions recently.
Citrus College had nine baseball players accept offers to continue their playing careers at four-year institutions recently.

Glendora, CA -- The Citrus College Baseball program is pleased to announce that nine sophomores have accepted offers to continue their careers on the diamond at four-year universities starting in the Fall of 2014. Since the 2007 season, the Owls have now moved on 67 players to the next level.

Michael Bradley kicks off the signings as he has accepted a scholarship offer to NCAA DI University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. During his sophomore campaign Bradley batted .318 with 18 RBI's an 11 runs scored for the Owls.

"Arkansas Pine Bluff gave me the best opportunity to play at a high level. The fact that it is a Division I school, was extremely appealing to me," Bradley said. "Citrus has played a big role in my baseball career these past two seasons. Out of high school I wasn't ready. These two years, really helped me mature and become a better player and student."

Seven of the nine matriculating Owls will be donning uniforms at the NCAA DII level in 2015. Jonathon Reynoso (West Texas A&M University), Brandon Castaneda (Colorado State University-Pueblo), Joseph De Fazio (California State University, East Bay), Matthew Reynoso (California Polytechnic University, Pomona), Nathan Virgen (California State University, Monterrey Bay), Jayson De La Pena (California State University, San Bernardino), and Dani Schlarmann II (California State University, San Bernardino) will all be moving on.

Jonny Reynoso was arguably Citrus' top offensive threat in 2014, earning 1st team All-WSC South honors after hitting .310 with a team leading 30 RBI's.

"I liked the environment of the campus at West Texas. The coaching staff is really excited about winning, and it's a great area filled with great people. It's a great opportunity for me to keep playing," Reynoso said. "When I came to Citrus, I was raw. I've had a lot of time to grow as a player, and it's been a great stepping stone for me. It's made me the player that I am now, a more complete player."

Castaneda meanwhile returned to the field in 2014 for Citrus, after sitting out the 2013 season. Castaneda appeared in 21 games, hitting .263 with 11 runs scored and three stolen bases.

"Pueblo offered me a good scholarship, and an opportunity to play. It's a chance for me to get a fresh start in a new state, and I'm looking forward to that," Castaneda said. "I didn't know what to expect when I came to college. Citrus provided me with the chance to learn what it takes. I've been through everything possible here, and now I know what to expect. It's helped prepare me on and off the field."

De Fazio saw limited action for Citrus in 2014, appearing in just eight games. De Fazio had a pair of hits in 15 at bats, driving in two, and scoring two.

"East Bay is close to where I'm originally from. It will be convenient for me, and it's going to be a good opportunity," De Fazio said. "Citrus encouraged me to work hard and to come to the field every day to with a good mindset. They wanted me to get better every day on and off the field."

Matthew Reynoso patrolled the outfield for Citrus in 35 games this past year, posting a .248 batting average. Reynoso drew a team best 22 walks, scored 24 runs, and drove in 20 more. Reynoso also swiped 14 bags, the second best mark for the Owls in 2014.

"I wanted to stay local, and Cal Poly is a great school with a good program," Reynoso said. "Citrus has helped develop my skills, and prepared me for the next level."

Virgen was a 2nd team All-WSC South selection in 2014 for Citrus. He batted .350, drawing 16 walks, and led the team with 16 stolen bases. De La Pena made a successful transition from the field in 2013 to the bullpen in 2014, serving as Citrus' closer throughout the season. De La Pena was an All-WSC Honorable Mention selection this past year, posting a 0.79 ERA, four saves, and a 9.53 K per 9. Sharlmann also came out of the pen for the Owls this last year, posting a 3.24 ERA and 8.10 K per 9.

Rounding out the 2014 matriculating class is Victor Garcia, who will be headed to Lindsey Wilson College of the NAIA. Garcia was 1-1 for Citrus on the hill this year, posting a 6.86 K per 9.

"Lindsey Wilson gave me a great opportunity to continue my schooling and playing with a scholarship. They're a top NAIA school, and I think it's a place that can help propel me in a positive direction and into my future," Garcia said. "Citrus has played a large role for me the last two years. Coming here they had great expectations for us to move on to the next level, and they helped us do that. They defined our roles on the team and they helped develop us and move us on. They talked the talk."

"Our focus in the Citrus College Baseball program continues to be to develop our student-athletes on and off the field, so that they are prepared for the four-year level when the time comes," said Citrus College Head Baseball Coach Steve Gomez. "These nine individuals have worked hard to get to this point, and we are excited to follow their careers as they continue on in this next phase of their lives."