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Baseball

Truman State Baseball Signs 10 Players

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Truman State Baseball Head Coach Dan Davis announced ten players to the Bulldog 2025 Signing Class. Maxwell Burke (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North), Brant Deverman (Dardenne Prairie, Mo./Ft. Zumwalt South), Joey Fentress (Kirkwood, Mo./Westminster Christian Academy), Trey Hatcher (Macon, Mo./Macon), Heyden Holman (Cairo, Mo./Moberly Area Community College), Ian Junkin (Washington, Mo./Moberly Area Community College), Jaxon Markham (Lewisville, Texas/Lewisville), Jacob Osborne (Parker, Colo./Legend), Nick Steurer (Fenton, Mo./St. John Vianny) and Tyler Towe (Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge) all signed National Letters of Intent.

“Assistant Coach Tyler Hudlow and I wanted to keep pushing Bulldog Baseball forward by recruiting another talented class of high character student athletes, and we accomplished just that,” Davis said. “We are looking forward to their contributions to our program, and I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Tyler for all his hard work in getting these recruits signed.”

High School: Member of Key Club, Rho Kappa and Tri-ems honor societies… academic all conference… gold honor roll… intends to study Exercise Science/Kinesiology… played on Naperville Renegades club team.

Wheaton North Coach Daniel Schoessling on Burke:  “Max Burke is a valued member of our program here at Wheaton North.  He has proven he can succeed even when faced with adversity.  Max is both a solid player and person, and the type of individual all programs strive to have.  We are proud of how much Max has developed over the years, and we look forward to following his future as a member of Truman Baseball.”

Burke on why he chose Truman:  “I chose Truman State University for the next four years as it provides me the unique opportunity to play baseball at the collegiate level at a well-respected university with academic rigor that will challenge, grow, and prepare me for a successful future. It also offered a unique team atmosphere that immediately felt like a family making it easy to call Truman my home.”

Davis on Burke:  “Max came to our fall prospect camp in September and impressed the coaching staff.  We weren’t really looking for another first-baseman but after being around him, we knew we needed Max in our program.  Max is a very good hitter with the potential to hit for power in college.  He’s also a very good defensive player.  He’s a high character man and a great worker.  We are looking forward to watching him compete and grow as a Bulldog!”

2024 second-team all-conference and all-district… 2024 Gateway Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award… STL Prospects club team… National Honor Society… Leader in Me mentoring program at local elementary school… four-year honor roll… Gateway Athletic Conference All-Academic Team 2024… intends to study biomedicine.

Zumwalt West Coach Eric Gough on Deverman:  “Brant is a gritty ball player who plays the game the right way.  He is versatile on defense and aggressive offensively.  Brandt is extremely athletic, skilled, and intelligent, doing all the little things that help the team win!”

Deverman on why he chose Truman:  “I chose Truman State University because of its exceptional Health Sciences program and the opportunity to be a part of the Truman State baseball team.  I know the campus community is one where I will learn and grow as a student, athlete and a person.   I am thrilled to be a Bulldog.”

Davis on Deverman:  “We’ve had the opportunity to see Brant several times over the summer, fall, and at winter camp.  He impressed us more and more each time we saw him.  He’s a true baseball player who loves the game.  He’s an on-base machine and creates havoc when on the bases with his speed.  Defensively he is versatile and athletic enough to play on the infield or in the outfield.  We are excited to have Brant join the club and become a Bulldog!”

Senior season slash line of .333/.434/.588 with 34 hits including 12 for extra bases with 34 runs batted in… 2024 Metro League First Team All-Conference… two-year 800 Sporting Editor and Peer Consoler… intends to study economics.

Westminster Christian  Coach Dan Petke on Fentress:  “Joey is a hard worker and leader. He hits the ball with authority and plays the game the right way. He has made our program better and we are excited for him to be part of Truman Baseball.”

Fentress on why he chose Truman:  “I chose Truman State for two main reasons. Firstly, Coach Dan Davis is exactly the type of coach I was looking for. His philosophies and coaching style fit right into my beliefs as a person and as a player. Secondly, on my final visit, I was able to be with the team in the dugout. This really spoke to me as it seemed like the players were more than teammates, they were a family.”

Davis on Fentress:  “We were sent Joey’s name back in the spring by the Tigers organization.  We got to see him several times this summer and we kept liking him more each time.  Joey can really hit!  He’s got the chance to hit for a high average and has the potential to put up some impressive power numbers as well.  Joey is an aggressive competitor, and we can’t wait to watch him play in the Bulldog uniform!”

Member of 2023 District Champions… two-time first-team all-conference selection as a catcher and utility player… Science Olympiad Team… intends to study sports medicine. 

Macon Coach Christian Thrasher on Hatcher:  “I've had the great opportunity to coach Trey for two years now, and the one word I would use to describe him is WIN. He works with an attitude you need to WIN. He competes with a competitive spirit you need to WIN. And he leads with an approach that makes everyone around him want to WIN. His winning spirit is something that can translate to anything and anywhere he decides to pursue. He brings a great attitude and a willingness to learn, and will can definitely benefit your program every step of the way.”

Hatcher on why he chose Truman:  “The reason why I am going to further my Academic and Athletic career at Truman University is because of the culture that Truman State University has. Everyone on the baseball team was so welcoming, and everyone that I encountered on the campus was so nice. To top it all of the education is just top tier and the fact that the student to professor ratio was 20-1 took it over the top. I am so excited to become a Truman State Bulldogs and play baseball for this University.

Davis on Hatcher:  “We were able to see Trey compete for Prime 27:17 this summer and he impressed us more each time. Trey can really catch and throw. He controls the defense as a great leader and competes to win each time he plays. Trey is a great teammate and extremely coachable. It’s going to be fun watching Trey compete as a Bulldog!”

Dean’s List at MACC 2023-24… volunteers at Christos Center and St. Pius X in Moberly… intends to study nursing.

MACC Coach Chris Fletcher on Holman:  “Hayden Holman has been an incredible asset to Moberly Greyhound Baseball over the past two years. His hard work, passion, and dedication have set a high standard both on and off the field. We’re grateful to have had him, and we know Truman State is getting not only a solid pitcher but an even better person. The future is bright for Hayden, and we couldn’t be prouder!”

Holman on why he chose Truman:  “I chose to continue my athletic and academic career at Truman State University because I feel that Truman is a prestigious school with high academic standards and having a quality education has been a top priority. I was impressed with the athletic program and facilities. I felt truly welcomed by the coaches, players, and staff on my visit to Truman.”

Davis on Holman:  “We’ve watched Hayden over the pasts two seasons at MACC and kept loving him more and more.  He has improved exponentially since his freshman year and is now putting up the numbers to go with his stuff on the mound.  Hayden is a talented pitcher with a high octane fastball.  We’re excited to get him on our staff in the future and can see him shoring up our bullpen next year!”

Graduated high school with honors… member of Mu Alpha Theta and DECA… intends to study business.

MACC Coach Chris Fletcher on Junkin:  “Ian Junkin has shown tremendous growth during his two years at Moberly Area Community College. He’s been an outstanding student-athlete and a true leader on and off the field. Ian’s best innings are still ahead, and we’re excited to watch him continue to develop and compete at Truman State. They’re getting a great pitcher and an even better person. We couldn’t be more proud of Ian and look forward to seeing his future success.”

Junkin on why he chose Truman:  “I chose Truman because I believe its academic reputation and connections will help me in my professional career. Truman also looks like a team on the cusp of winning a lot of baseball games and I think I can be a valuable piece in that. Good friend and MACC teammate Hayden Holman also committed to Truman which made my decision even easier.”

Davis on Junkin:  “We’ve watched Ian over the pasts two seasons at MACC and kept loving him more and more. Much like Hayden Holman, he has put in the work and it’s showing in his numbers this fall. Ian has a little bit of funk with his arm action throwing from a lower slot and his fastball has the potential to hit in the low 90’s with some really good run and sink. His fastball paired with his slider make him really tough. He’s a guy we will rely on to make our bullpen go next year and we can’t wait to get him in the uniform and start competing for the Bulldogs!”

Three-year starter in centerfield… voted first captain in program history in 2024… member of student council and National Honor Society… member of Circle of Friends… mentor to elementary students and volunteer with Keep Lewisville Clean... intends to study finance/business.

Lewisville Coach Stephen Campbell on Markham:  “It is with great honor that we, the coaching staff at Lewisville High School, reflect on the privilege of coaching Jaxon Markham over the past four years. Jaxon has been an outstanding player, leader, and role model for our program. His dedication and character both on and off the field have left a lasting impact on our team. As Jaxon moves on to play at Truman State University, we know they are gaining not just a talented athlete, but a high-character individual.  While we’ll miss him in the outfield for the Farmers, we wish him the best of luck in his college career and beyond.”

Markham on why he chose Truman:  “I chose to go to Truman State because of Coach Davis, his coaching philosophy, how he communicated and interacted with me as well as with his current Truman State Bulldogs players which was reflected in their team chemistry during the prospect camp.”

Davis on Markham:  “Jaxon came to our fall prospect camp this year and really impressed us. It was our first time seeing him.  He can really run, throw, and hit. We loved the tools he brings to the field.  Better yet, we’ve found out he’s a tremendous person, leader, and teammate. We see Jaxon being a great addition to our outfield and can’t wait to see him in a Bulldog uniform!”

Combined high school/club stats for 2024: 3.27 ERA in 40.2 innings pitched surrendering 19 earned runs and 29 hits with strikeout-to-walk ratio of 45-19 … 2024 Varsity Reliever of the Year… 2023-24 academic all-state first team… 2021-24 academic honor roll and academic letterwinner… volunteered through High Plains Outdoor Education, Legend High School Turkey Drives, and SECOR Food Pantry… intends to study business/finance/statistics.

Legend Coach Scott Boyd on Osborne:  “Jacob Osborne is an exceptional student athlete whose high character, unwavering motivation, and team-first mentality set him apart both on and off the field. With high academic excellence Jacob was an All-State performer. He leads by example, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the game while representing our Legend Titans baseball program. Jacob is not only dedicated to improving his own skills but also takes pride in supporting his teammates, community, encouraging others, and fostering a positive team atmosphere. His composure on the mound and his willingness to put the team’s success above personal accolades make him an invaluable asset to our Titans Program. We are expecting Jacob to do great things in 2025 and look forward to him continuing his success at Truman University.

Osborne on why he chose Truman:  “I chose to attend Truman State University because it offers an amazing academic education and the degree flexibility that I need at an affordable price. I am very passionate about furthering my educational experience and baseball skills and believe this program has everything I need to become my best self. I am very excited to become a Bulldog!”

Davis on Osborne:  “We’ve been trying to see Jacob over the past couple of years. We finally got to see him at our fall prospect camp.  He is big, tall, and loose on the mound. He throws from a low three-quarter slot that gives him a ton of run and sink on his fastball. He pairs his fastball with a sweeping breaking ball that makes him tough on right-handed hitters. We see Jacob really taking off in our program due to his work ethic and competitive nature. We look forward to seeing Jacob reach his full potential over the next four years as a Bulldog!”

Member of STL Rawlings Tigers… intends to study marketing.

Steurer on why he chose Truman:  “I chose Truman State because I thought it would be the best opportunity for me coming out of high school to play in a competitive conference with a competitive team as well as the great academics to prepare me for a bright future after college.”

Davis on Steurer:  “We learned about Nick from coach Stewart pretty late in the fall.  We invited him to workout with our team and he really impressed us. We think he has the potential to be a two-way player as a Bulldog. He can swing the bat with authority on the offensive side. He can play middle infield on defense, but his biggest asset is his arm.  e see Nick becoming a dominant pitcher in college.  He has a big arm with a very good fastball and slider mix. He competes like a warrior, and we love that!  We can’t wait to get him into a Bulldog uniform and watch him compete!”

National Honor Society… 2023 Rising Bruin Exceptional Leadership Award… member of Young Life… intends to study business.

Rock Bridge Coach Justin Towe on Towe:  “Tyler is a high character player that continues to get better every year. He is just scratching the surface of what he can and will do as a baseball player on the field and at the plate. Tyler not only understands the game at a high level, but also the value of TEAM. Rock Bridge Baseball is excited for Tyler and what the future holds for him at Truman State.”

Towe on why he chose Truman:  “I extremely excited to be a Bulldog for the next four years. I chose Truman State because I really enjoyed the campus, facilities, and the connection I felt with Coach Davis.”

Davis on Towe:  “Tyler is the epitome of a great baseball player.  His father is the coach at Rock Bridge and they play the game right.  Tyler has great tools as a hitter and fielder.  an really run, hit, and throw but we think his biggest asset is his baseball IQ. He really understands his game and how to play TEAM baseball. We love what he brings to the field and can’t wait to have him compete as a Bulldog!”