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(Minooka) – In just five years, twenty-one of Indians head varsity baseball coach Jeff Petrovic‘s players have continued their careers at the collegiate level (thirteen at NCAA Division I schools). This is an amazing statistic, considering that just 3% of all high school athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. Petrovic’s conclusion - good things happen to good people.

MCHS hosted a special collegiate scholarship ceremony in November to acknowledge the accomplishments of pitcher Tony Bucciferro and catcher Brett Frantini. Bucciferro recently signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Michigan State University, while Frantini signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Northern Illinois University.

“While I am completely proud of these guys and their accomplishments,” Petrovic said, “part of me is sad because I know how special they are as players and as people, and this is my last year with them.”

Bucciferro’s road to success took shape when he was only a sophomore. That season, he went 13-0 and helped the Indians finish third in the IHSA State Baseball Championships. Last year, he was off to a great start with an 8-1 record before a knee injury cut his season short.

Frantini’s rise to success came in part to learning from his predecessors. Frantini is the fourth consecutive catcher in the Indians’ baseball program to sign with a Division I collegiate baseball program (Adam Kimble - Bradley University, Tom Cerven - Southern Illinois University, and Brett VanAsdlen - Purdue University).

“As a program, we have had some great catchers,” said Petrovic, “but Brett has the best arm of all. Most teams won’t even bother to try running on him. That says a lot.”

“Brett is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” Petrovic added. “He works on the small things to make his game better and it has really paid off.”

Both student-athletes took time during the ceremony to offer their thanks to family members, teammates, and coaches whom have helped them reach this level of success.


For Immediate Release	Date: 12/18/07	Contact: Dave DiLorenzo 815-467-2140, ext. 179

Two Minooka Indians Set to Play Baseball on Scholarship at the Collegiate Level (Minooka) – In just five years, twenty-one of Indians head varsity baseball coach Jeff Petrovic‘s players have continued their careers at the collegiate level (thirteen at NCAA Division I schools). This is an amazing statistic, considering that just 3% of all high school athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. Petrovic’s conclusion - good things happen to good people. MCHS hosted a special collegiate scholarship ceremony in November to acknowledge the accomplishments of pitcher Tony Bucciferro and catcher Brett Frantini. Bucciferro recently signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Michigan State University, while Frantini signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Northern Illinois University. “While I am completely proud of these guys and their accomplishments,” Petrovic said, “part of me is sad because I know how special they are as players and as people, and this is my last year with them.” Bucciferro’s road to success took shape when he was only a sophomore. That season, he went 13-0 and helped the Indians finish third in the IHSA State Baseball Championships. Last year, he was off to a great start with an 8-1 record before a knee injury cut his season short. Frantini’s rise to success came in part to learning from his predecessors. Frantini is the fourth consecutive catcher in the Indians’ baseball program to sign with a Division I collegiate baseball program (Adam Kimble - Bradley University, Tom Cerven - Southern Illinois University, and Brett VanAsdlen - Purdue University). “As a program, we have had some great catchers,” said Petrovic, “but Brett has the best arm of all. Most teams won’t even bother to try running on him. That says a lot.” “Brett is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” Petrovic added. “He works on the small things to make his game better and it has really paid off.” Both student-athletes took time during the ceremony to offer their thanks to family members, teammates, and coaches whom have helped them reach this level of success. # # #
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