Nov. 24, 2003

ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington head baseball coach Jeff Curtis has announced the signing of eight student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to attend the university and begin playing baseball for the Mavericks beginning in the Fall of 2004. Junior college players Brad James, Brian Kennedy, Joe Newman and James Smith, along with high school players Jonathan Gutierrez, Kaelan Jones, David McLeod and Brock Wilson mark the eight signees.

James, a 6-2, 210 pound right hander our of Prosper, went 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA and three saves at North Central Texas College. He was used primarily as a setup guy in 2003, but will move to the closer role this season. James played his prep ball at Prosper High School where was a two-time all-district selection.

Kennedy, a 6-3, 170 pound right hander out of Conroe, will transfer to UTA after playing his sophomore season at Eastfield Junior College.

Newman, a 6-3, 180 pound outfielder out of Dallas, was an all-star nominee at Weahterford College after hitting .320 with three home runs 18 runs batted in and 14 stolen bases as a freshman. He was a two-time all-district selection at Richardson's J.J. Pearce High School after hitting .452 with four home runs and 22 RBI as a junior and .350 with five home runs and 24 RBI as a senior.

Smith, a 6-0, 190 pound outfielder out of Midland, hit .321 with four home runs and 22 stolen bases as a freshman at Midland College. He was named a first team all-district selection as a senior at Midland High School after being named a second team all-district performer and all-state as a junior. He helped to lead his team to the 5A State Championship as a junior and district runner-up and regional semifinalists as a senior. Smith is an all-around athlete as he was named first team all-district and team MVP as a member of the football team as a senior.

Gutierrez, a 5-10, 175 right hander out of Houston, had 71 strikeouts in 57 innings at North Shore High School, earning him honorable mention all-district honors. He was selected to the all-district second team as a sophomore.

Jones, a 5-10, 170 pound outfielder/left handed pitcher out of Coppell, hit .415 with four home runs, 11 doubles, three triples and 22 RBI in helping lead his team to an area championship. He also struck out 22 batters in 13 innings with a 2.75 ERA.

McLeod, a 6-4, 170 pound infielder out of Houston, was an honorable mention first baseman at Taylor High School in helping lead the team to a 22-9 record, a district championship and a spot in the regional quarterfinals.

Wilson, a 5-10, 165 pound outfielder out of Dallas, earned first team all-district 9-5A honors at Lake Highlands High School after hitting .341 with 14 runs scored and 18 stolen bases.

The Mavericks open the 2004 season on Feb. 10 when they travel to Austin to take on Texas. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m. at Disch-Falk Field.