ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Lewis University head baseball coach Tim McDonough announced that Angelo Cantelo, Jake Huisman, Jacob Karaba, Patrick Keaty, Joe Pruesser, Jake Schwartz and Zach Teegen will join the Flyers for the 2020 season.

"These seven young men all have bright futures ahead them," McDonough said.  "We wanted to continue to get more athletic, more physical and continue to get left-handed from an offensive standpoint and we were able to accomplish that with this group.  We also needed to bring in arms that have upside and the ability to come in on day one and make an impact and were able to that as well.

"On top of the talent each of these young men bring to the field, they are all even better people," McDonough continued.  "The work ethic and character they will bring to the table will impact the program in a positive way now and in the future.

"Coach (Mike) Vucsko did a remarkable job identifying and cultivating relationships with this group," McDonough stated. "Four position players and three pitchers set us up very well for the future.  This group possesses physical raw tools, but even more than that they are all tough baseball players with tremendous baseball IQ's as well.  We are one or two pitchers away from this being the best recruiting class we've had in my time here at Lewis."

Angelo Cantelo (Catcher/First Base - 6'1" – 210 – Marian Catholic – White Sox ACE)
Cantelo, a three-year varsity starter helped lead Marian Catholic to the state championship 3A game as a sophomore. As a junior he batted .407 with a .471 on-base percentage, three home runs and 24 runs batted in. He was selected to the East Suburban Catholic All-Conference team and the E.S.C.C Defensive Player of the Year. His honors for Marian Catholic helped tab him Daily Southtown All-Area Second Team accolades. Cantelo, was voted the MVP of the Ted Radcliffe Double Duty Classic and RBI World Series. Perhaps his biggest honor in 2018 was being named the 2018 Do It Stevie's Way Award Winner. Cantelo, is planning on majoring in business.

"Angelo is an extremely hard worker and a professional hitter. The true definition of a Student-Athlete."

-Marcus Rodgers White Sox ACE

"I've been fortunate enough to build a great relationship with Angelo over the past 4 years. How he has matured and grown to be the player and person he is today is a true testament to his parents and his own work ethic. He is an athlete who never wants to come off the field and is always looking for ways to improve himself both on and off the field. Angelo Cantelo is what every coach looks for in a player."

-Tony Decarlo Head Baseball Coach at Marian Catholic High School

Jake Huisman (RHP – 6'2" 175 – Glenbard East High School)
Huisman, a planned business administration major, helped Glenbard East to a 24-13 record as a junior and a regional championship. Huisman compiled a 2.68 ERA, struck out 21 batters in 31.1 innings pitched while only issuing nine walks. His cousin Nick Huisman (Westmont, Ill/Timothy Christian) is a freshman pitcher for the Flyers. His uncle, Rick Huisman help lead the Flyers to three consecutive NCAA World Series appearances from 1988-1990 and was drafted in third round of MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants.

"Jake has had his sights set on Lewis long before he committed. Jake is a hard worker with a great sense of humor. He's a guy that really brings the team together. He is a fierce competitor who loves the game and will do whatever he can for the team."

-Joel Pelland Head Baseball Coach Glenbard East High School

"Jake is a great kid from a great family. He's also one of the toughest competitiors that I know. The kid is not afraid to throw a curveball at anytime. His curveball is the best I've ever seen."

- Doug Rivera Elite Sports Performance

Jacob Karaba (RHP – 6'0" – 190 – Neuqua Valley – Illinois Hawks)
Karaba, a planned secondary education major helped Neuqua Valley to a 31-4 record during his junior campaign and a regional and conference championship. He finished the year with a 2.62 ERA with 24 strikeouts. Jacob's mom Jan obtained her bachelor's degree from Lewis in 1993 in art.

"A good athlete, smart pitcher, and awesome person with an unstoppable work ethic. I'm excited to se how he progresses on and off the field. The possibilities are endless."

-Tony Sanchez Illinois Hawks

"Jake has developed into a leader who guys feed off. When your better players are your hardest workers, you should except to have a good team. Jake is a competitor with a quiet swagger and edge that I love in players. He'll be expected to be my 1 guy on the bump and he's hungry to get us and through Joliet!"

-James Thornton Head Baseball Coach at Neuqua Valley High School

Patrick Keaty (Shortstop – 5'10" – 175 – South Elgin – Elite Baseball Training)
Keaty, a four-year varsity starter helped lead his team to a 25-5 record during his sophomore season and a sectional championship. As a sophomore, Keaty was selected to Academic All-Conference team. During his junior season he batted .360, with a .451 on base percentage, 14 stolen bases, and two home runs. His accolades during his junior campaign honored him to be selected to First Team All-Conference and Academic All-Conference team. Patrick's mom Cheryl got her bachelor's degree from Lewis in 1998 in Business Administration.

"Patrick is a great athlete that can help a team in many ways. He's going to do great things at Lewis. "

-Lucas Bradbury Elite Baseball Training

"I have had the pleasure of coaching Patrick for four years on varsity. He has improved each year on different aspects of his game. A tireless worker on and off the field. Patrick leads by example and is a focused competitor. Looking forward to seeing him continue his success at Lewis University."

-Jim Kating Head Baseball Coach at South Elgin High School

Joe Pruesser (OF – 6'1" – 180 – South Suburban Community College)
Preusser, helped South Suburban finish with a record of 38-19 in 2018. He totaled a .432 on-base percentage and stole 10 bases during his freshman season. He played his high school ball at Br. Rice High School. In 2016, he was voted the Br. Rice recipient of the Steven Bajenski Tournament MVP.  He helped Br. Rice win the Catholic League Blue division hitting .336 and stealing 15 bases his senior season.

"Joe is a gifted athlete that has a lot of tools. He will get better as he continues to play. His better days are ahead of him."

-Steve Ruzich Head Baseball Coach South Suburban Community College

"Joey Preusser is a hard working young man and is committed to getting better every day. His competive spirit and willingness to never give up provides him the opportunity to be a difference maker at Lewis. Flyer nation is getting a winner."

-John McCarthy Head Baseball Coach Homewood Flossmoor High School

Jake Schwartz (RHP – 6'3" – 195 – Lake Zurich – Athletic Barn)
Schwartz, a planned aviation management major, is entering his third year playing varsity baseball for Lake Zurich. As a junior he threw five scoreless innings in a regional semifinal win. He compiled a 3-1 record with a 1.57 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched. Schwartz has been a three year honor roll student.

"Jake is a very confident pitcher and throws all of his pitches for strikes. He's got a great downward angle on his fastball and gets a ton groundballs. He's a kid that really understands pitching and has a plan for every pitch. Jack has a very bright future on the mound!"

-Rick Erickson Head Baseball Coach Lake Zurich High School

"Jake Schwartz future is ahead of him. He has worked to transform his body into a pitchers frame. Has good down hill plane, with the ability to add velocity in the future with a three pitch mix. He comes from a great family and is a great person."

-Tom Barnard Athletic Barn Baseball Club

Zach Teegen (OF – 6'0" – 210 – McHenry County Community College)
Teegen, a planned business major, helped McHenry to a 44-14 record last year and a sectional championship. He batted .380 with a .500 on base percentage, 35 runs scored, 28 runs batted in and three home runs. He earned Second Team All-Conference honors and was named to the NJCAA Academic All American Second Team.

"From day one, Zach has proven to have a tremendous desire to work hard and improve. He was a big part of our team's success last year. It's been exciting to watch his maturation into one of our team leaders this fall and I'm excited for him to get this opportunity."

-Jared Wacker Head Baseball Coach McHenry County Community College

"Zach is a relentless worker who will not settle on anything else, but success. The Flyers have a gem with the signing of Zach Teegen."

-Tom Kruse Head Baseball Coach Marian Central Catholic High School