For some athletes the recruiting process can stretch for months or even years. For a pair of Cumberland Valley hardballers, deliberations didn't last quite so long.
Taking advantage of the NCAA early-signing period recently, right-hander Michael Adams and infielder Mitchel Lacey scooped up Division I scholarship offers from the University of Albany and Virginia Commonwealth.
Adams, who signed last week, will become a part of the Great Danes pitching staff in the fall of 2014. Lacey, who signed his letter-of-intent on Saturday, projects as a third baseman and will join a Rams assembly that already includes former CV teammate Matt Davis and some additional standouts from the Mid-Penn Conference.
“When I went on an unofficial visit, I just fell in love with the campus. The coaches and I really hit it off, too,” said Adams, who picked a rising Albany program over St. John's, Towson, Mount St. Mary's and several PSAC programs.
“I really liked what they had to offer in terms of academics, as well. It's always been a dream of mine to play Division I baseball, but it really was important to get the best opportunity.”
Not only did Adams lead Cumberland Valley with a .407 batting average, the 6-5 righty shared a team-best 12 RBI with Davis and pitched in a competitive 3.00 ERA for the 12-8 Eagles. Adams' summer work with Elite Baseball's Matt Werts, and long sessions with his father, Dean, also proved valuable when the prospect made the visit to upstate New York in late July.
“I would say my off-speed pitches is where I've improved the most. That and my competitiveness,” Adams said. “Every time I go out there I fell like I need to be better than the hitter, just get the job done.”
Lacey, meanwhile, had prior contact with the VCU coaching staff. However, it took a throwing session 12 days ago, and Friday's world-wind tour of the campus and facilities in Richmond, before the offer popped up. The rest is history.
“They showed me everything, so as soon as I got the call I knew [VCU] is where I wanted to be,” Lacey said. “It all happened pretty quickly. It wasn't a priority to [sign D-1] but I do love the opportunity to play at that level. Academically and athletically it felt like the perfect fit. I want to push myself and see what I can do at that level.”
Lacey also drew interest from Albany and Shippensburg – VCU assistant Kurt Elbin was hired from Shippensburg – after helping the Eagles qualify for the District 3-AAAA playoffs. Lacey hit .317 with nine runs and nine RBI, adding 23 strikeouts over 23 innings on the mound.
To gain a more disciplined approach at the dish, Lacey worked with Doug Baker at Bases Loaded A.T.C. In Carlisle and ramped up his training regimen.
“Definitely hitting was one of my bigger assets. [Baker] brought a lot of insight and different techniques on swinging the bat, to clean it up,” Lacey said. “It opened my eyes to more than the physical part of the game, to study the whole game.”
With their futures set, both Adams and Lacey mentioned similar goals for their senior campaigns under Cumberland Valley first-year head coach Levi Mumma.
“Definitely make a run for the state championship. I feel like we have the team to do it,” Adams said.
Epler on Twitter: @threejacker