Matt Bragga announces three additions to 2008 roster

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle baseball coach Matt Bragga has announced the first three signees for his freshman class of 2007-2008. Signing letters of intent are Antwoin Kirby-Jones of Knoxville, Tenn., Adam Miller of Jefferson, Ohio, and Chad Obernacker of Erie, Pa.



"This fall we had a great start to our recruiting class," Bragga said. "Assistant coaches Chris Cole and Larry Bragga worked extremely hard in putting together the beginning of something special. The three young men who have joined our team are a perfect fit and possess everything we look for in a prospective student-athlete for our baseball program.  They are exceptional players, great students, and best of all they are super young men."  

The sole in-state signee, Antwoin Jarelle Kirby-Jones will enter his fourth year under head coach Clarke Wormsley at the Webb School of Knoxville. Along with baseball, Kirby-Jones has also participated in football (four letters) and basketball (one letter). He helped the Trojans win the 2004, 2005 and 2006 regional championships and led them to a DII State-Runner-up finish in 2003 and 2005. He was named to a first-team selection by the Knoxville News-Sentinel's Prep Xtra, as well as being named a Louisville Slugger honorable mention all-American.

In 2006, he received a nod on the TBCA Sunbelt Team. Kirby-Jones batted .464 for the year, hitting nine home runs with 51 RBI and 11 doubles. He is projected to be a corner infielder or outfielder who hits for average with power. Along with his baseball honors, Kirby-Jones was also a 2006 Mr. Football finalist for his play as a lineman.

The son of David Jones and Breanna Kirby, Antwoin plans to enroll in accounting.

"We have had our eye on A.J. for several years," said Bragga. "He has ?wowed' our coaching staff on numerous occasions.  His ability to hit for power and average make him a special hitter.  A.J. is also a force on the mound as he pitches in the mid to upper 80's.  A.J. is such a class person and is a wonderful addition to our baseball program."

Adam Theodore Miller will be earning his fourth letter at Jefferson Area High School in Jefferson, Ohio, under head coach Scott Barber. Miller plays a pivotal role for his team as pitcher and infielder at first and third base. During Miller's freshman season, he was named to the first-team all-county, as well as the first-team all-conference. Miller was designated one of the top 10 players to watch in Northeast Ohio his sophomore season.

Last year, Miller received many accolades, such as being named the all-county Player of the Year, the NEC League Player of the year, and a Top-10 player in the News Herald coverage area. He helped his team win the NEC and sectional championships. He posted a respectable 0.63 ERA last season, taking home a 9-0 record, placing himself in the record books for lowest ERA and most wins overall. He batted .381, recording six round trippers and 32 RBI. Miller also participated in a summer league team, where he posted a 7-0 record. He hit .415 for the season, tallying up 14 home runs and 52 RBI, acquiring a .829 slugging percentage. He was later selected for the St. Louis Cardinals' scout team during the fall under coach Brian Hopkins. Adam has maintained a GPA over 3.3 throughout his high school career.

The son of Theodore Miller III and Sharon Miller, Adam plans to enroll in a general curriculum.

"Adam is from my hometown of Jefferson, Ohio, so I know a lot about him as a player and as a person," Bragga said. "He has won every award that a baseball player in that part of the country can win. Adam can really, really pitch and has a great future on the mound. His hitting ability is also top of the line as he hit 20 home runs over the course of the high school and summer seasons. Adam is another quality young man and strong student and we are so excited to have him here at Tech."

Chad Murray Obernacker has earned three letters at McDowell High School in Erie, Pa., under head coach Mike Hayes. Obernacker plays a key role as pitcher and outfielder for the Trojans. As a freshman, he earned the Junior Varsity Pitcher award. In 2006, he helped his team win the district and Region 8 championships, later being named to the all-district team, as well as being tabbed the region Player of the Year.

Batting .470 for the 2006 season, Obernacker took the team batting title at the end of his junior season and sits in second place for all-time varsity batting records at McDowell HS. He tallied four triples last year, placing him at the top of the records for the Trojans. Obernacker has also earned three letters as a Trojan golfer under head coach Dan Steen.

The son of Murray and Mary Obernacker, Chad plans to enroll into the physical therapy program at Tech.

"Chad is a gifted athlete," Bragga said. "He has the ability to cover a lot of ground in the outfield and can hit anywhere in the lineup. He is the one outfielder we targeted to sign in the early signing period, so obviously we are ecstatic to have Chad as a part of our baseball team. We look forward to him having an outstanding career as a student-athlete at TTU."

The Golden Eagles open up the 2007 season on Feb. 13, as they travel to Alabama A & M. Tech's home opener is scheduled for Feb. 17-18, when the Golden Eagles play host to High Point.