Posted: May 09, 2013

Three Owls Commit

From left to right. Blake James, Warren Fishback, and William Ouellette have all committed to local NCAA DII institutions to continue their playing and educational careers next year.

Glendora, CA -- Three Citrus College Baseball players have committed to four-year institutions and verbally accepted scholarship offers to continue their playing careers next year. Sophomores Blake James (Azusa Pacific), Warren Fishback (Cal State San Bernardino), and William Ouellette (Cal State San Bernardino) will be competing at local NCAA DII schools in the Spring of 2014.

James was a unanimous 1st team All-WSC South selection in 2013, batting a team high .392, with a team high 12 doubles, and a team high 23 runs scored. James also drove in 22 RBI's, the second highest total on the team. James led the team in total extra base hits with 14, and posted a .964 fielding percentage helping turn 14 double plays on the year.

"I chose APU because it's close to home, and after meeting with the coaches, along with my family, it just felt like a great fit for me. It was what I was looking for baseball wise, academic wise, and spirituality wise," James said. "Citrus has allowed me to mature as a whole individual. It's allowed me to grow not only as a baseball player, but as a student as well. It's been a positive environment for me."

Fishback, who transferred to Citrus from Westmont College after his freshman campaign, was a 2nd team All-WSC South selection this past season. Fishback was second on the team in batting average (.383) and led the team in on-base percentage (.511). Fishback scored 20 runs for the Owls, and drove in 12 more. He stole three bases, and posted a .966 fielding percentage while playing 32 games for the Owls at third base.

"It's a great atmosphere over there [Cal State San Bernardino]. They play really hard, and they're in a strong conference. I know they are in it to win," Fishback said. "Citrus has helped me get back to game speed. It's allowed me an opportunity to get back out on the field, get the reps in I needed, and get back into the game again."

Ouellette will also be joining Fishback at Cal State San Bernardino. Ouellette was one of just two Owls who started consistently as a freshman and a sophomore. Ouellette appeared in 32 games for Citrus, all at short stop, where he scored 20 runs, drove in 10 RBI's, and led the team with 15 walks. Ouellette also stole a team high six bases on the year.

"It's [Cal State San Bernardino] close to home, and they're a good school, that plays in a good conference. It was important to me that my family and friends be able to come out and watch me play," Ouellette said. "I wasn't nearly as ready for the collegiate level when I left high school as I am now leaving Citrus. It's helped speed the game up for me and prepared me for the four-year level."

"Blake, Will, and Warren continue on the Citrus College Baseball tradition of moving our athletes onto four year schools," said Citrus College Head Baseball Coach Steve Gomez. "All three are good students and good athletes. We know they will continue to have success at the next level in all aspects of their collegiate careers."