By Troy Guthrie, Sports Information Director

Michael Son (Vincennes; Lincoln High School) is the first of Coach Chris Barney's players to sign early with a four-year program

November 7, 2008

Vincennes sophomore pitcher Michael Son (Vincennes; Lincoln High School) is the first of Coach Chris Barney's players to sign early with a four-year program, when he made it official Thursday with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.

“The coaches, the school and the facilities, plus the opportunity to play for a championship, are why I chose Trevecca,” the 6'3”, 240-pound right-hander said. “I want to thank my coaches at VU and my high school pitching coach, Tim Hutchison, for giving me the opportunity to prove my ability.”

Son was a key component of the Trailblazers pitching staff last spring and looks to build upon that successful freshmen season, Barney said. Used primarily as a starter last year, he was second on the team in wins (5-2) and strikeouts (39) and fourth in innings pitched (41) He walked only 10 hitters last spring.

This fall, Son led the VU staff with a 4-1 record and logged a 3.56 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 19 innings.

“We are extremely proud of Michael and what he has accomplished so far here at Vincennes University. This opportunity is a tribute to Michael's hard work, dedication and passion for the game,” Barney said. “ (Trevecca) is a great match for Michael and (Trevecca) Coach (Jonathan) Burton will be getting a front-line pitcher who should have over 120 innings and will definitely have two years of college baseball experience under his belt after this season.”

Burton added, “We're very fortunate and excited to sign a pitcher this early with Michael’s ability. He's a fantastic kid with a positive attitude who is always ready to compete. We expect Michael to compete right away in our weekend rotation.

“Michael models everything that we are about here at Trevecca. Anytime you can sign a player that believes in your coaches and your university, it not only improves our team but our university as well,” Burton continued. “We recruit character kids first who will embrace our university and team on and off the field. Michael is that type of person.”

Last spring, Trevecca was 37-16 and won the TranSouth Conference regular season crown with a conference record of 17-3.