June 12, 2006

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State head baseball coach Steve Lyon announced the signing of two student-athletes to attend and play baseball at Grand Valley State University. Derek Hinke of Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas and Joseph Jablonski of Temperance-Bedford (Mich.) High School both signed National Letters of Intent to continue their baseball careers for the Lakers.

Hinke turned in a stellar sophomore campaign at Johnson County and earned First-Team All Jayhawk Conference plaudits. Hinke hit .434 with 69 hits, nine home runs and 53 RBI. Derek tallied 129 hits and drove in 97 runs in his two years at Johnson County. Hinke, who prepped at Cedar Rapids High School, was named to the All-State Super Team and earned first-team class 4A all-state plaudits following a senior season in which he hit .454 with 10 home runs, 59 hits and 56 RBI.

"Derek is an outstanding defensive outfielder that will provide additional offensive punch to our lineup," said GVSU head coach Steve Lyon. "Derek played outstanding competition in the Jayhawk Conference and is a nice addition to our squad," added Lyon.

Jablonski is a 6-5 right-handed pitcher from Temperance-Bedford who earned all-conferene and all-region honors as a senior. Jablonski tossed a complete-game, four-hit shutout versus Saline in a Division I district opener.

"Joe has outstanding tools as a pitcher and we are excited to have him join our baseball program," said Lyon.

Grand Valley State tallied a school-record 47 wins (47-10) during the 2006 campaign. The Lakers, who have appeared in three of the last four NCAA DII National Championhips, also captured their fourth straight GLIAC Championship in 2006.