Dec. 20, 2007

NEWARK, NJ - NJIT baseball went near (four signees from New Jersey) and far (one from Hawaii) in signing high school seniors to National Letters of Intent announced by coach Brian Callahan.

The five, who will play their senior seasons this spring and enroll in NJIT starting in 2007-08, are (listed alphabetically): catcher Bryan Bleakley (Ewing, NJ/Ewing HS); shortstop Vincent DelVecchio (Bloomfield, NJ/Bloomfield HS); right-handed pitcher/first baseman Dan Moreno (Cranford, NJ/Cranford HS); right-handed pitcher Reid Okita (Honolulu, Hawaii/Punahou School); and, outfielder Jeff Pizzi (Marlboro, NJ/Marlboro HS).

Here is a look at the five signees:

Bryan Bleakley, a left-handed hitting catcher, led Ewing to a 2007 division championship, hitting .352 with 3 home runs and 28 RBI. He also posted 7 doubles, 2 triples and scored 13 runs. Bleakley is a member of the National Honor Society and was also a member of Ewing's bowling team that won the Group III state championship.

"Bryan has a chance to make an immediate impact on our program," Callahan said. "He is a strong left-handed hitting catcher and off the field he is a member of the National Honor Society."

Vincent DelVecchio has been Bloomfield High's starting shortstop since his freshman year. Last season, he hit .368 with 8 doubles, a home run, 30 runs scored and 24 batted in. An all-league selection, DelVechhio is also a member of the National Honor Society.

"Vinny is an excellent shortstop, but it would not surprise me if by the time he graduates that he plays just about every position on the field," Callahan predicted. "I love Vinny's versatility."

Dan Moreno was a two-way star who helped lead Cranford High to the Group III Section II championship and the Union County championship. As a pitcher, he was 8-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 65 innings. When not on the mound, Moreno batted .455 with 5 home runs and 38 RBI. He was named first-team all-Group III and first-team All Union County.

"We are looking for Dan to be a big presence both as a pitcher and as a hitter," said Callahan. "I do not see Dan having any problems adjusting to the college game".

Reid Okita becomes NJIT's first baseball recruit from the state of Hawaii. Last year, he helped lead the Punahou School to its fourth straight state championship, as well as a #17 national ranking by Collegiate Baseball and a #21 ranking by USA Today. Okita was 2-0 with a 1.68 ERA and one save as Panahou finished the season with a 29-3 record.

"To get a player from such a successful program is a great honor," Callahan said of a player whose team has won the Hawaii state crown every year that he has been in high school. "Reid is going to bring that winning attitude with him. We are looking for him to be a key contributor for us immediately."

Jeff Pizzi was all-Shore Conference for Marlboro HS. The speedy outfielder batted .392 with 4 home runs, adding 21 stolen bases and was named Marlboro's Top Prospect for 2008.

"Jeff is going to bring much-needed speed to the program," Callahan said. "Due to the loss of some of big hitters, we are transitioning from a long-ball team to a small-ball team and Jeff fits right into our plans."

Assessing his latest signees as a group, Callahan said: "I am extremely excited to be able to sign these five student-athletes. My recruiting coordinator Ed Ward did a great job in the recruiting process. I know the entire coaching staff is looking forward to working with these fine young men starting in September."

The 2008 Highlanders are scheduled to open their season on February 22 in Spartanburg. SC, in the USC (University of South Carolina) Upstate tournament.