Almost every high school athlete dreams of playing a sport for a college or university that holds academics and sportsmanship in high-regard.
For two Oxford athletes, though, that dream has become a reality. Russ Luxton and Kyle Teague, both 17, signed National Letters of Intent Nov. 19 to play baseball for Oakland University in Rochester.
Each athlete received a partial scholarship to the university. Luxton plans to study business management, while Teague is pursuing a degree in secondary education. ‘Since I was 10, I went to their (baseball) games and I just liked everything about it,? Luxton said about why he chose OU. ‘When the opportunity came, I took it.?
Teague said he had been talking to a few other schools, but knew OU was ‘the best fit? for him. ‘I like the coach (John Musachio) and it’s an up-and-coming program,? he said. ‘I feel like with the people that are there right now, that we’ll be able to turn around the losing and make a serious run.?
Oxford baseball coach Kurt Nuss said Luxton, 3rd base/pitcher, and Teague, pitcher/infield/outfield, have not only been large contributors on the field, but they are ‘quality young men.?
‘Having them in the program for three years has been a pleasure and they will be counted for both leadership and performance during the off season and through the spring,? he said. ‘I could not be prouder of these two.?
Nuss said Teague is among the best pitching prospects he’s ever had the privilege of coaching.
His spring ?07 stats included nine wins, three losses and two saves, 0.98 ERA, setting a school record with 103 strikeouts.
In batting stats, Teague batted .464 with nine extra base hits, including two home runs and 32 RBI’s. Teague was also named All-League, All-County, Flint Metro League MVP and 2nd Team All-State last season.
Nuss calls Luxton an ‘anchor? for the third base, which he’s played since his sophomore year.
His pitching stats for ?07 included five wins, zero losses, a 2.33 ERA. In batting, Luxton batted .323 last season, including 11 doubles and 24 RBI’s.