Graceland Adds Third-Base Prospect in Jared Whitten
June 15, 2007
Lamoni, IA- Replacing the steady play of a player like Tyler Moe won’t be easy but Graceland University head baseball coach Brady McKillip feels he’s found a solid addition to the Jackets with the signing of junior college transfer, Jared Whitten.
Whitten has signed a national letter of intent to further his education and play baseball at Graceland next spring after a stellar two-year career at Carl Albert State College. While playing for the Vikings, Whitten help lead the team to an impressive 33-20 record during the 2007 season while also earning second-team All-Conference honors.
An all-around athlete, Whitten finished fourth on the team in hitting with a .337 batting average while collecting 60 hits during the season. Of those hits, 15 were doubles while driving in 21 runs throughout the long season. In 53 games of action, Whitten also stole 17 bases which provides the Yellowjackets with yet another option on the base-paths.
Adding a player the caliber of Whitten is exactly what coach McKillip was hoping for in his offseason pursuit of quality players. “We are very excited to sign Jared. Third base was a big hole for us and he will fit in very well. He brings a lot of talent and experience from a quality JC program. He is used to playing everyday and producing when he is in the lineup which is exactly what we were looking for,” said the Jacket’s veteran skipper.
Whitten is a native of McAlester, Oklahoma where he played his high school days at McAlester High School. Participating in football and basketball in addition to baseball during his time at the prep ranks, Whitten is no stranger to pressure situations. While at MHS, Whitten spent time as a quarterback on the football field and a point guard on the hardwood as well his baseball duties.
A member of both the football and baseball 5A All-Star teams in Oklahoma, Whitten brings plenty of experience and success with him to Graceland next spring.
Planning to major in Marketing when he arrives on campus in the fall, Whitten has already completed an associate’s degree in business during his time at Carl Albert State College.
Jared is the son John and Teresa Whitten.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Michael Brown, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mibrown@graceland.edu
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
641.784.5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
