Stalzer, Ostrich Sign With DI Schools

CENTERVILLE --- Two of the top returning sophomores on the Indian Hills baseball team have signed letters of intent with Division I schools.  Jake Stalzer (Albia) signed with Elon University in North Carolina and Taylor Ostrich (Carroll) inked his letter of intent with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

Stalzer, a left-handed pitcher, was an honorable mention all-league pick after a freshman season in which he posted a 4-2 record with a 3.55 ERA.  He had six complete games and fanned 60 in 50 2/3 innings.

Stalzer will join an Elon program that has made five NCAA regional appearances in the last decade.  That tradition of success, he says, is what attracted him to Elon.  “They have a long history of winning in baseball,” Stalzer said, “and they are also known for their academics and I know I’ll get a great education there as well.”

Coach Cam Walker says he has really enjoyed watching the progress Stalzer has made.  “Jake is a Cinderella story for the way he has developed during his short time here at IHCC,” Walker said.  “There aren’t many left-handed pitchers that possess the package of athletic and academic ability that Jake does.  He has unbelievable potential that will be fun to watch as it unfolds over the next few years, both at Indian Hills next spring and at Elon down the road.”

Ostrich, a left-handed hitting first baseman who was a second-team All-Region choice, led the Falcons in batting average (.346), walks (21) and on-base percentage (.440) last year.

Ostrich is coming off surgery on his left elbow for an injury he sustained in last year’s Region 11 tournament.  He has just recently started swinging a bat again.

“I chose Old Dominion,” Ostrich said, “because of the faithfulness of the coaching staff there, coming off my injury last year.  They stood by me during my rehabilitation.  I think competing in Conference USA will help me get the opportunity to continue my baseball career after college.”

Coach Walker said Ostrich caught the eye of numerous Division I coaches and pro scouts from the time he arrived on the IHCC campus.  “Taylor is the type of student-athlete you want to have,” the coach said.  “He provides a left-handed bat in the middle of the lineup, he demonstrates great leadership and shows an outstanding work ethic in the classroom as well as on the field.”