Jacket Baseball Adds Trio of High School Players (June 20, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings baseball coach Chris Brown announced Monday that three Montana high school players have signed letters of intent to join the Yellowjackets next season.  Matt Kakalecik and Matt Schoonover of Great Falls along with Mike Cease of Deer Lodge will be part of the first freshman baseball class at MSU Billings since the school added the sport after a 30 year absence.

Kakalecik graduated from C.M. Russell High School this spring and plays for the Great Falls Stallions.  The 6-foot-1, 190-pound infielder was the Stallions’ Offensive MVP in 2003 and was named most inspirational in 2004.

“Matt has the potential to develop into a scary player,” said Brown.  “He is a big strong kid that has all the physical tools to become a big time contributor.  On top of his physical abilities, he is a good student and person that fits our philosophy.  Matt is a hard worker that has a passion for the game, and we look for big things from him in the years to come.”

Schoonover also graduated from C.M.R. High School this spring and plays for the Stallions.  He is hitting over .350 this season.  The 6-foot, 160-pound second baseman was named the team’s rookie of the year in 2002 and has been the Stallion’s Defensive MVP the past two seasons.  Schoonover was also an honorable mention all-conference selection at quarterback for the Rustlers during their 2004 state championship run.

“Getting a student-athlete of Matt’s caliber and potential is exciting,” said Brown.  “He is not only a very talented athlete, but an exceptional student.  Matt fits our philosophy of getting student-athletes that excel on and off the field.  He is polished defensively for a high school kid and has a good approach at the plate.  He also has the ability to play multiple positions and pitch.”

Cease graduated from Powell County High School this spring.  The 5-11, 165-pound infielder/pitcher hit .450 as a junior for Wranglers with 17 doubles, nine home runs and six triples.  Through the first ten games of this season he was batting over .400 and had a 4-1 record on the mound.

“Mike has the potential to be a two way player for us,” said Brown.  “He is a determined kid that has a good work ethic on and off the field.  He has had a good Legion career, and I fully expect that success to carry over in his time here at MSU Billings.”