ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University baseball team is prepared for the start of their inaugural season as a varsity program. The team will welcome a total of 24 student-athletes this spring.
The Saxons will be led by Head Coach
Brian Kehew. Prior to AU, Kehew served as the head coach of the baseball program at Medaille University.
"I was excited about joining Alfred University, knowing the program offers the full package for our student-athletes," Kehew said. "I believe in the academics here and how that helps the students prepare for their respective futures. In a time where a lot of colleges are cutting back, Alfred University is dedicated to investing more in the student experience."
Baseball was previously listed as a club sport with Alfred University, participating in the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA). Among those on the current roster, seven are listed as first-year student-athletes.
"It was pretty immediate that everyone came together and gave a "family" feel," Kehew said. "The student-athletes transferring into Alfred University saw what I saw. Everyone is bought in. We are going to work hard for everything we accomplish and I'm proud of the effort we have all put in."
Nolan Pridmore (Toronto, ON, Canada/Etobicoke Collegiate Institute) will be among the starters for Alfred University this spring. Pridmore, a sophomore transfer from Medaille, finished last season with a .280 batting average and has been listed as an Empire 8 Player to Watch.
"Nolan is going to be batting in the middle of the lineup and playing a lot of third base with us," Kehew said. "He is as reliable as it comes and will provide a lot of quality at-bats."
Jeff Petrozzini (Hopewell, NJ/Hopewell Valley) also joins the Saxons following one year at Medaille University. Last spring, Petrozzini recorded 18 hits for the Mavericks, two of which were home runs. He additionally finished the season with eight stolen bases.
Quinton Jordan (Olean, NY/Olean) has been listed as one of the team captains for the Saxons this season. Jordan, a senior outfielder, was previously named as Medaille University's selection as the Empire 8 Sportsman of the Year following the 2023 season.
"Quinton has done a great job as a leader for us to this point," Kehew said. "He is a vocal individual and is someone everyone can look to."
The pitching rotation will include the likes of
Ashton Goring (Brampton, ON, Canada/Cardinal Ambrozic Secondary),
Anthony Cortez (Los Angeles, CA/Legacy) and
Benjamin Weimer (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park).
"We have an excellant returner in Ashton," Kehew said. "We're looking for everyone to limit the free bases and give our offense a chance to win some games. We will look to remain aggressive and take advantage with what is given to us."
Alfred University will begin their season during Spring Break in Florida, where 10 games have been scheduled between March 2-8. The Saxons will experience their first-ever conference matchup against Elmira College on March 24. The Empire 8 Championship Tournament is slated to run from May 9-11.
"I think teaching our student-athletes the right way to work and have the right mentality and attitude is important," Kehew said. "When we do all the small things the right way, the results will follow. Our goals will come through working with one another and succeeding as a group."
