VINCENNES, Ind. - Two Vincennes University baseball student athletes have signed to play the next two years at Oakland City University and continue their athletic and academic careers.

Jake Bedwell, pitcher/infielder, will continue on in a dual role for OCU.  Bedwell came to Vincennes from Washington High School.  He graduated from VU with an associate degree in Business Administration and will move into Accounting at Oakland City.  He has been used as a utility player at VU, starting in the outfield, catcher, and infield positions in 2018.  He has also been used as a starting pitcher and a reliever off the mound. This season so far he has been in 27 games hitting over .255 has 15 hits with 4 doubles, 1 triple, and 1 home run, and has driven in 11 RBIs.  He has also appeared in 7 games off the mound throwing 10 innings and has 1 win this season.

"Jake has been one of the most consistent workers on our team both in classroom and on the field. He will provide depth for them as a two-way player and his versatility in the field,” said Chris Barney, VU head baseball coach.  Bedwell started at 3B, SS, RF, DH and C this spring. Barney continued, “Jake will be an asset for the OCU program.  He has been a selfless team mate and has worked hard to improve his game.  I am thrilled that Jake will have this opportunity to play for Coach Fletcher and OCU.  They are getting a quality person who will help their baseball program too."

"I chose Oakland City University because it allows me to stay close to home while continuing to play baseball and obtain an accounting degree. I would like to thank my family for their love, support, and guidance for getting me to where I am today. I would also like to thank the many coaches throughout my career for helping me accomplish all my successes. I look forward to starting my next journey at Oakland City University," said Bedwell. 

Kyle Stuckey graduated with an associate degree in Business Administration and will look to do the same at OCU, entering their Business Administration program with and emphasis in Management. Stuckey attended Princeton High school and is from Patoka, Indiana.  One of two primary catchers for Vincennes this season, Stuckey also served in DH role.  This season Stuckey is hitting .364 with 16 total hits and 4 doubles and 9 walks.  On defense he has thrown out 38percent (8-21) of the runners trying to steal on him.

"Kyle is one of the most focused, true student athletes here at Vincennes in the baseball program, excelling in the classroom and on the field this season,” said Coach Barney.  “He has worked hard to put himself into position to contribute on a daily basis to the success of VU Baseball.  We have seen Kyle get steadily better over the last two seasons as a catcher.  He does great job handling our pitching staff.  Coach Fletcher will be getting another student athlete who will help lead them both on and off the field."

"I chose Oakland City University because it allows me to continue playing the game I love as well as helping me grow in my Christian faith.  OCU gives me the ability to stay close to home, and offers me the ‘small town’ feel that I was looking for in a college,” said Stuckey.  “I'd like to thank my family for continuous and loving support throughout everything.  I 'd also like to thank every coach along the way that has pushed me to be the best player, and contributing to my work ethic."

###

LINK to VU Online Newsroom, click HERE

VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom Manager

812-888-4162 office, 812-887-4635 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, vpuffer@vinu.edu

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom