BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb Baseball Head Coach Jim Chester announced the signing of seven new players on Friday, Nov. 10.
 
The seven signees include six pitchers and one infielder. Three players are transfers from the junior college level
 
"Coach Marks and Coach Hardy worked extremely hard to land a very talented class for Runnin' Bulldog baseball," says Chester. "The future is bright. All of these young men make our program better on the field and off the field."
 
Connor Busson – RHP – Lexington Catholic – Lexington, Ky.
 
Busson comes to Gardner-Webb from Lexington Catholic in Lexington, Ky. Busson also played with the highly touted travel baseball organization Canes Baseball. 
 
From GWU Baseball: "Connor's pitchability stands out to our staff, as it gives us an added layer and depth to the pitching staff. Connor is an incredibly talented young man, and we are excited to see him continue to grow and enhance his skill set here on campus."
 
Caleb Emswiler - RHP - Eden Christian Academy - Gibsonia, Pa. 
 
Emswiler comes to Gardner-Webb from Eden Christian Academy in Gibsonia, Pa. In his sophomore season, Emswiler finished with a 4-1 record and an ERA of 1.89. Emswiler struck out 44 batters over 33.1 innings, allowing just nine earned runs.
 
From GWU Baseball: "Caleb is the embodiment of our Christian Values here at Gardner-Webb and brings a competitive edge to the mound that is exciting to see from the Pittsburgh Spikes baseball organization. With his 6' 5" frame, there will be an immense amount of growth to be had through our program.  The long loose arm will have the ability to contribute immediately and we are excited to be able to work with him on a daily basis."
 
Dominic Guzman – RHP – Crystal Lake South HS - McHenry Community College – Crystal Lake, Ill.
 
Guzman arrives in Boiling Springs after playing at McHenry Community College in Crystal Lake, Ill. In his first year with the Scots, Guzman made seven appearances, striking out seven batters over the course of eight innings.
 
From GWU Baseball: "Dominic was a standout at a regional event where he showcased a high-octane fastball and command of his secondary pitches.  Dom has the opportunity to make an impact immediately on campus and pitch significant innings for the Runnin' Bulldogs.  We are incredibly excited to see the development that he can achieve here on campus."
 
Patrick Niehus - INF - IMG Academy - Bradenton, Fla. 
 
Niehus comes to Gardner-Webb after playing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Last season, Niehus batted .268 with 17 runs, 17 RBI and five home runs. On defense, Niehus helped turn three double plays, finishing the season with a .971 fielding percentage.
 
From GWU Baseball: "Patrick comes to us from a very prestigious prep school in Florida while playing the summers with the Richmond Braves out of Virginia.  He made an impact on our coaching staff with his physicality while holding down the hot corner.  Coming to us at 6'3", Patrick will have the ability to quickly add size and hold down the hot corner for us for years to come.  We are excited to see the continued development he will achieve through his work here on campus."

Kevin Pauly – RHP - Glenbrook South - Triton College – Glenview, Ill.
 
Pauly arrives in Boiling Springs after playing at Triton College in River Grove, Ill. Pauly went 36.2 innings last season with a 2-1 record, finishing with 49 strikeouts. In his first win of the season against Moraine Valley, Pauly went five innings, striking out eight batters and allowing just two hits in an 11-1 victory.
 
From GWU Baseball: "Kevin has shown prowess at the junior college level in a very competitive region.  His fastball and off-speed combo have shown success as a freshman.  He started in 6 games made 13 appearances for a total of 36.2 innings while striking out 49 opposing batters.  We are incredibly excited to get him on campus this fall and see his continue development."

Ryder Wagenknecht - RHP - Cleveland Community College
 
Wagenknecht will stay in Cleveland County after finishing up his time at Cleveland Community College. The right-hander pitched 11.1 innings with the Yetis last season, striking out 13 batters and earning a save.
 
From GWU Baseball: "Ryder has made a statement this fall on the mound in the multiple times we have seen him.  His fastball has a unique carry to it that makes it a very uncomfortable at bat.  Ryder is a very physical young man who will add immense amount of depth to this pitching staff and comes with the experience of pitching significant innings already at the Junior College level."

Dean Winters - LHP - Highland School - Bristow, Va. 
 
Winters closes out the signing class for Gardner-Webb, as the lefty arrives to Gardner-Webb from Highland School in Bristow, Va. Winters is averaging a fastball of 85 mph, with a spin rate of 2281. Winters enters the 2024 season as the 21st ranked pitcher according to Prep Baseball Report Virginia.
 
From GWU Baseball: "Dean impressed through the travel circuit on the Richmond Braves with his ability to command his arsenal from the left side.  He will be adding a different view to our pitching staff with the opportunity to make an immediate impact on campus.  The ceiling for Dean is whatever he will want it to be.  We expect him to come in and work hard!"

For more information on the Gardner-Webb baseball team, fans can follow the team on Twitter/X at @GWUBaseball or on Instagram at @gwubaseball.