Head coach Craig Cozart has announced eight student-athletes who will join the High Point University baseball team for the 2011-12 season. Matt Armstead, Devin Bujnovsky, Joe Goodman, Zach Hubbard, Willie Medina, Mike Miedzianowski, Harrison Phillips and John Siciliano will join the Panthers this fall.

“This group of young men addresses the needs that became evident to us throughout the spring,” Cozart said. “With the addition of these quality student-athletes we look forward to an excellent year for High Point baseball. I am confident they will be great representatives of the university on and off the field.”

Armstead is a right-handed pitcher, transferring to High Point from Louisburg Junior College. He spent two seasons at Louisburg, going 7-3 in 14 appearances in 2011. He posted a 3.53 ERA in 64-1/3 innings, striking out 60 while walking just 10. In his freshman season he had a 5-0 record with a 2.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts. As a junior at Menchville High School he posted a 0.98 ERA in nine games and was a First Team All-Region selection as an outfielder. Armstead was a Second Team All-Region selection as a sophomore. He was also a 2009 Louisville Slugger High School All-American honoree.

“Matt has good stuff and good control making him the type of player every pitching coach loves. He can throw any pitch in any count, has very good command and will fight for a spot in the starting rotation.”

Bujnovky is also a transfer, joining HPU after two seasons at Tallahassee Community College, the same junior college as former High Point outfielder Steve Antolik. As a sophomore Bujnovsky hit .313 with 25 RBI and 38 runs scored in 49 games. He also stole 10 bases and posted a .410 on-base percentage.

“Devin is a great utility player and perfectly fits High Point's style of play. He can play anywhere on the field and adds a left-handed bat to our lineup.”

Adding depth to High Point's bullpen will be Goodman, a right-handed reliever from Ames, Iowa. Goodman went 31-4 with 12 saves and a 1.02 ERA in his career at Gilbert High School. He was a 2011 Rawlings All-Region selection and was the Mid-Iowa Baseball Player of the Year in 2010. Goodman was a four-time All-State honoree and three-time All-District selection.

“Joe is a great bullpen guy. He is extremely competitive, has an outstanding curveball and will be able to get outs in the late innings.”

Hubbard is a junior college transfer from Lake Sumter Community College. The Kissimmee, Fla. native will add depth to HPU's infield. He hit .268 with 29 runs scored and 20 RBI for Lake Sumter in 2011. He also had 10 doubles and nine stolen bases. Hubbard was a two-time All-County and three-time All-District selection at Osceola High School.

“Zach is a coach's dream. He has a great attitude and is a very hard worker. He is a great defensive middle infielder and formidable hitter.”

Medina is an infielder transferring to HPU from Seminole State College of Florida. He earned second team All-Mid-Florida Conference (MFC) honors as a sophomore after hitting .324 with 43 runs scored, 24 RBI, 29 walks and 25 stolent bases. He was also an All-MFC honorable mention selection as a freshman. Medina was a two-time first team All-county honoree at J.P. Taravella High School.

“Willie is a great addition to our team and not only is he a true middle infielder but a true athlete. Beyond his great defensive capabilities he can hit from both sides of the plate, has great speed and will hit near the top of the lineup.”

Miedzianowski is a freshman infielder from Staurt, Fla. He was drafted out of Martin County High School in the 22nd round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. As a senior at Martin County, Miedzianowski hit .338 with a .483 on-base percentage, 27 runs scored and 11 RBI. He was an All-Area honorable mention selection.

“Mike is a tremendous all-around athlete and real shortstop in every sense. He has great range, glove work and arm strength and that isn't even mentioning that he can hit and run. He will make an impact on this team from day one.”

Phillips joins High Point from near-bye Elon, N.C. He is a right-handed pitcher who garnered All-Conference accolades his last three seasons at Northeast Guilford High School. He was also a three-time team MVP.

“Harrison will be a big, physical presence on the mound. He has a lot of upside; he throws hard, is a high energy guy and is a great leader.”

The final addition to the 2012 class is Siciliano, a freshman infielder from Harrisonburg, Va. He was a first team All-Virginia Prep League selection as a junior and senior at St. Anne's-Belfield, hitting .448 with 40 runs scored in his final season. He helped the team to the 2011 Virginia Prep D-I State Championship.

“John is a perfect final addition to the infield. He can play second base, third base or shortstop and his relentless work ethic will make his teammates better every day.”

These eight players will join Spencer Angelis, Jon Carlson, Malcolm Clapsaddle, Cody Manzella, Dane McDermott, Brett Miller, Jacob Newberry, Will Resnik, Ryne Rush, Josh Spano, Sean Townsley and Stephen Wytiaz as newcomers for the 2012 season.

“Overall, this year's class is both large in number and in quality,” Cozart said. “We are very excited about everyone getting to campus in the fall, putting on the uniform and seeing the team in action. We have very high expectations for the upcoming year. Associate head coach Bryan Peters and assistant coach Rich Wallace have outdone themselves with the talent they recruited for this class.”