RICHMOND, Ky. - Sixth-year head coach Elvis Dominguez announced today that the Eastern Kentucky University baseball program has signed six players to national letters of intent. This class consists of three pitchers, two infielders, and one utility player, who will join the Colonels on the field in the fall of 2007.

“I’m excited about the student-athletes in this class joining our program. Coaches Brad Husz and recruiting coordinator John Corbin did a great job of identifying and bringing in a very talented class to fill our needs for the coming year,” Dominguez said. “As a staff, we are continually looking for both athletic pitchers and position players who can play multiple positions. All of these players will have a chance to make an immediate impact on our program early in their careers.”

“We look for players who are gifted not only athletically and academically, but who will also fit well with our team philosophy here at Eastern Kentucky.”


Patrick Cooper RHP 6’2/180 Danville, KY/ Boyle Co High School

Cooper is a standout pitcher from Boyle County High School in Danville, Kentucky, where athletics has a rich tradition. Patrick will assume number one pitching duties this coming spring at Boyle for head coach David Camic. Cooper proved battle tested last year when he went 9-4 with a 2.05 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched. He allowed only 39 hits and 17 walks during his 71 innings. His strong performance on the mound earned Cooper a spot on the Advocate-Messenger All-Area Baseball team and also competed on the KHSBA All State Team and in the Kentucky East – West All-Star Game.

Head Coach Elvis Dominguez on Cooper:
“Patrick is a projectable pitcher who has really made great strides over the past year. Our staff had seen him early but really keyed on him this summer; his performances has convinced us that he could be successful at the Division I level. His upper 80’s fastball and the development of his off speed pitches will help him compete immediately when he arrives on campus as a freshman.”

Cooper on Reason For Choosing EKU:
“I liked the school and the program seemed top-notch,” he said. “I also really liked the coaching staff. They made me feel at home here at Eastern.” He also considered Morehead State.


Paul Duncan LHP 6’3/195 Winnetka, IL/ New Trier High School

Duncan is a very gifted left-handed pitcher from Winnetka, IL. Over the past two years he compiled a 12-0 record for Mike Napoleon at New Trier High School. During his junior campaign he was 8-0, striking out 49 in 53 innings. This past summer he pitched for the Lakeside Cardinals under coach Bill Palmer (EKU standouts Joe Oliver and Chris Friedrich also played under Palmer during their high school careers). As a junior he was selected as the top junior pitcher by the Lakeside Amateur Association. Over the summer, Duncan was the leading pitcher for the Cardinals with an ERA of 1.70 and he continued his success over the fall when he posted a 0.53 ERA.

Head Coach Elvis Dominguez on Duncan:

“Paul is a pitcher who has really come into his own over the past year. He went from being a thrower to a polished pitcher with an upper 80s fastball and an assortment of off speed pitches. He has gained more arm strength to complement the great command of his off speed pitches. His mid to upper 80’s fastball has really added an extra dimension to his repertoire.”

Duncan on reason For Choosing EKU:
“I really liked the campus and the coaching staff when I visited,” Duncan said. “And I really just fell in love with the school as a whole.” Duncan also considered Iowa, UAB, Evansville and Notre Dame.


Ryan Faidley OF/INF 6’3/185 Crystal Lake, IL/ Crystal Lake South High School

Faidley is an all around athlete from Crystal Lake, IL where he has excelled both in the infield and outfield. As a freshman he was awarded the Most Valuable Player award and the following year as a sophomore, Faidley was named Rookie of the Year. During his junior campaign, he hit .305 with 27 RBI’s, 11 extra base hits (2/HR – 3/3B – 6/2B) and 15 stolen bases. This past summer, Faidley showed why he was one of the most sought after players in Illinois, hitting .415 with 25 RBI’s, 18 extra base hits (2/HR – 8/3B – 8/2B), 20 stolen bases. Faidley was invited to the Sunshine Showcase and Top Prospects Showcase from Perfect Game, where he is ranked as one of the top 300 players in the country. Faidley participated in the Northwest Suburbs Showcase, voted on by high school coaches in the area and is ranked as one of the top players in Illinois. Faidley has also been ranked as one of the top players in the state of Illinois by the Prep Baseball Report.

Head Coach Elvis Dominguez on Faidley:
“Ryan is a special player who we will count on to bring several gloves to the field everyday. He can play any spot in the infield or the outfield. His versatility gives our team a special dimension that every team needs to be successful.”

Faidley on reason for choosing EKU:
“I liked the coaches on my visit to the school and I believe they will challenge me and get me to the next level. In addition, I think Eastern was definitely the right fit for me academically.” He also considered Kent State and Iowa.

Jayson Langfels INF 6’3/190 Lexington, KY/ Lafayette High School

Langfels is an athletic infielder from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Langfels was a teammate of current EKU pitcher Chris Hord at Lafayette High School during the spring of 2006. During his junior season, he hit for a .430 batting average with 3 homeruns, 16 doubles, and 3 triples. After the season, Langfels was named Second Team All-City. And this past summer he also played alongside Jordan Root (EKU signee) on the Kentucky Baseball Club.

Head Coach Elvis Dominguez on Langfels:
“Jayson is a very talented athlete who will only get better with time. As a staff we see him becoming a great defensive infielder who will not only hit for average but also power.”

Langfels on reason for choosing EKU:
“I was really impressed with the coaching staff. I can’t wait to get to Eastern and help the Colonels in any way I can next season.” He also considered Western Kentucky, Xavier, Louisville and Marshall.

Trey Lenear RHP 6’3/220 Owenton, KY/ Owen Co High School

Lenear is hard throwing pitcher from Owen County High School in Owenton, Kentucky who has been playing varsity baseball for head Coach Robert Osbourne since he was in eighth grade, when he threw a perfect game. During his junior year he saw much success not only on the mound, but also at the plate hitting .493 with 11 homeruns, 41 RBI’s and breaking the school record with a .983 slugging percentage. On the mound, he started 8 games compiling a 6-2 record with 2 saves. Lenear struck out 79 and only walked 20 hitters during the 2006 season. Lenear was rewarded for his achievements by being named to the All-North Central Kentucky Conference All-Conference Team and district MVP. After the state baseball tournament, Lenear was named to the All-Tournament Team and MVP of the district tournament. During the fall, he was named to the Fall All-Star Team of the Cincinnati Fall League. He also considered Murray State.

b>Head Coach Elvis Dominguez on Lenear:
“Trey is a power pitcher with a lot of athletic ability. He has a fastball that ranges in the upper 80’s to low 90’s which also compliments his sharp breaking pitch. We see him making an immediate impact on our team as a freshman.”

Lenear on reason for choosing EKU:
“It [Eastern] was close to home and I really felt at home on the campus.” He also considered Murray State, Ohio State and Louisville.

Jordan Root INF 6’2/180 Lexington, KY/ Lexington Catholic High School

Root is a shortstop from Lexington, Kentucky. He has started at Lexington Catholic High School since his freshman year for Head Coach Rodney Martin. The Lexington Catholic team captured the 2006 state title. As a junior, Root hit .395 with 8 homeruns, 14 stolen bases and 38 RBI’s. After his junior year, he was recognized as the team’s best fielder and named the District MVP, All-Region Team, and Second Team All-City. Root played summer ball for the Kentucky Baseball Club, with EKU signee Jayson Langfels, where he hit .391 with 40 RBI’s and 19 stolen bases. For his performance Root participated at the Area Code tryouts in Indiana.

Head Coach Elvis Dominguez on Root:
“Jordan is a quality infielder whose future is very bright at EKU. Defensively, he gets goods reads off the bat. He is a player who consistently gets the job done with and has great knowledge of the game. Jordan was one of the main reasons Lexington Catholic won the state title last year.”

Root on Reason For Choosing EKU:
“I had a great relationship with the coaches, I loved the campus and it gives me the opportunity for playing time right away.” He also considered UK, Cincinnati and Xavier.