Dec. 21, 2009

Cullowhee, N.C. - Four of Western Carolina's scheduled opponents in 2010 appeared today in Collegiate Baseball's Fabulous 40 Pre-Season. Additionally, five of the Catamounts' scheduled foes also appeared in the "other teams receiving votes" category to bring the overall tally to nine.

The list is headlined by sixth-ranked Georgia Tech, which finished 38-19-1 a season ago. WCU visits the Yellow Jackets on March 2 in an early-season, mid-week contest. Two other teams - Clemson and East Carolina - grace the preseason top 20 with the Tigers in 16th and Pirates, who the Catamounts will face in tournament action on March 7, in a No. 18. WCU makes its only scheduled appearance against Clemson as it visits Doug Kingsmore Stadium on April 14.

Rounding out those teams which made the top 40 is No. 31 Georgia, which finished 38-24 last year. WCU will not face the Bulldogs until April 28 in Athens.

Five teams appeared in the "others receiving votes" category including non-conference foes Tennessee and West Virginia. A trio of Southern Conference opponents - College of Charleston, Georgia Southern and Elon - was each included on the preseason prognostication.

As the team heads home for the holidays, third-year head coach Bobby Moranda has also announced the two team captains for the upcoming season. Senior outfielder Dylan de Graaf and senior right-handed pitcher Daniel Ottone were selected by a team vote and approved by the coaching staff.

"These two are very deserving to carry the title of `team captains' into next season," said Moranda. "They are two of the hardest workers we have ever had in our program. They have a total understanding of the word `team,' and are committed to the betterment of their teammates."

Ottone posted a 3-3 overall record and a 3.86 ERA in the closer's role last season for the Catamounts. He also struck out 38 batters in 35 innings thrown, all in relief. He additionally posted a team-high eight saves, a stat that ranked him third in the SoCon. He also ranked third in the league with 23 games finished.

Dylan de Graaf started 23 of his 45 appearances a season ago, hitting just under .300 for the season with 28 hits in 94 at bats. He legged out four doubles and was perfect with eight stolen bases in eight attempts. He also hit two home runs with 20 RBI. He was very solid in the outfield, posting a perfect fielding percentage with a combined 46 putouts.

Western Carolina will resume individual preparations for the 2010 season on January 11 after the holiday break, with the first official team practice scheduled for February 1, per NCAA regulations.

Rank School ('09 Final Record)
6. Georgia Tech. (38-19-1)
16. Clemson (44-22)
18. East Carolina (46-20)
31. Georgia (38-24)

Other Teams Receiving Votes: Tennessee, College of Charleston, Georgia Southern, West Virginia, Elon

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