On a team that featured three Daktronic-NAIA Scholar Athletes in 2007, Loyola’s baseball players need to be able to hit the ball – and the books.
But despite the pressure of a proud athletic and academic tradition – and the daunting task of keeping both a GPA and an ERA around 3.00 – the three Loyola freshmen players seem to be up to the task.
Middle infielder Taylor Domengeaux, finance freshman, doesn’t seem worried about his future here at Loyola. When asked about the balance between school and sports, he simply said, “I don’t think it’s going to be that bad.” Domengeaux added that with the traveling schedule he can make the most of his time by studying on the bus to and from his destinations.
With Domengeaux, the team has a proven winner at the high school level. He led Hahnville High in St. Charles Parish to three district championships, and in 2006 they made it all the way to the quarterfinals for district play before losing 9-3 to Jesuit High School.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Domengeaux, who went 9-0 with a 1.05 ERA in his senior season. “Traveling with the team, playing on the road and at home, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Jarod Santoro, general business studies freshman, comes out of The Wheeler High School in Providence, R.I. with a .460 batting average in his senior season. His ability to hit for average and play right field will be an asset for a team that has only one returning player who hit at least .300 in 2007.
Though he will be sharing playing time with biology junior Bryan Lavoie, his bat will be useful to occasionally start and bring some pop off of the bench.
Second baseman Sam Dodge, general business freshman, comes from West Albany High School in Albany, Ore., where he was named to Metro All-Star, All-League and an All-State honorable mention in his senior season.
“Dodge is a good player coming from a good system,” Head coach Gerald Cassard said in a press release after announcing Dodge’s signing. “We feel he can be an immediate help to our team.”
Dodge, like Santoro, hit for a high average, .411, in his senior year, and plays the infield.
On paper, the three newest members of the Loyola baseball team bring gaudy stats along with the determination to succeed on and off the field.
The main concern for ‘Pack fans is when the season opens on Jan. 26, whether those high school statistics – which can be inflated because of lesser competition – will translate into equally impressive college numbers.
The team has to hope so. It’s coming off of a season where they ranked dead last in runs scored and ERA.
But if you ask Dodge, that concern could quickly fade.
“I think it’ll be fine. Not a problem.”
Erin Iafelice can be reached at
Taylor Domengeaux, general business freshman, throws batting practive. The Louisiana native bring big-game experience and gives the team a shut-down hurler. (Rachel Strassel)
Jarod Santoro, general business studies freshman, hits in practice on Jan. 15. His high average will help in 2008. (Rachel Strassel)
